A Modern Carrier. A Sudden Turn. A Vanished Jet.
In one of the most dramatic naval incidents of the year, a U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet — one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world — was lost at sea after falling overboard from the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier. The jet was being towed across the hangar bay when the carrier made a sharp evasive maneuver to avoid incoming fire from Houthi rebels operating out of Yemen.
Within seconds, both the fighter and the tow tractor plunged into the Red Sea.
The Navy confirmed the incident and stated that all personnel are accounted for. One sailor sustained a minor injury, but the bigger story is what this event reveals about the increasing dangers facing American forces in the region — and the immense pressure these crews operate under day after day.
🎥 Watch the full breakdown video here:
👉 https://youtu.be/v-d13Tk33hE
The Truman Under Fire — Again
This isn’t the first time the USS Harry S. Truman has made headlines this deployment. In the last few months alone:
- The ship collided with a merchant vessel near Egypt in February — no injuries, but a serious reminder of how tight and tense modern sea lanes have become.
- In December, one of Truman’s own jets was accidentally shot down by the USS Gettysburg in a tragic case of mistaken identity. Both pilots ejected safely.
- And now, a fighter jet lost during a combat evasive maneuver — the result of increasing Houthi drone and missile attacks.
The Red Sea has transformed from a strategic trade route to a live war zone. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have launched dozens of drone and missile strikes against U.S. Navy ships in the region — and the Truman Strike Group has been in the crosshairs repeatedly.
What Does This Incident Reveal?
While the internet may fixate on the staggering price tag — over $60 million for the jet alone — the true cost runs deeper.
- Morale and Readiness: The loss of a high-value aircraft affects not only combat capability but also the mental state of the crew.
- Operational Fatigue: Crews under constant alert suffer from burnout, which can lead to mistakes — even during routine operations like towing a jet.
- Escalating Threats: The Truman’s crew is no longer operating in a gray zone — this is active combat readiness under threat, every hour of every day.
The Truman’s Legacy
Commissioned in 1998, the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) has served in nearly every major U.S. military operation of the 21st century:
- Operation Southern Watch and Enduring Freedom
- Operation Iraqi Freedom
- Operation Inherent Resolve
Now, the Truman is on the front lines of a new kind of naval warfare — one marked by asymmetric attacks, drone swarms, and instant escalation.
So What Happens Next?
The Navy has launched a full investigation into the incident. Everything from the tow crew’s protocols to the ship’s maneuvering procedures will be scrutinized.
But perhaps the most urgent takeaway is this:
Our carriers are no longer operating with impunity.
They are being tested daily — by adversaries who know that even a single mistake can have massive consequences.
🎬 Watch the Full Breakdown
In my latest YouTube video, I unpack the entire incident — from the tactical situation that led to the evasive turn, to what it tells us about the evolving threat environment in the Red Sea.
👉 Watch it here: https://youtu.be/v-d13Tk33hE
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