A U.S. Navy sailor was injured when an F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet slid off the deck of the USS Harry S. Truman and into the Red Sea on April 28, a chaotic moment sparked by the carrier’s sharp maneuver to dodge incoming Houthi rebel fire. The incident, confirmed by official Navy statements, unfolded in the volatile waters off Yemen’s coast, where U.S. forces have faced escalating attacks from Houthi militants.
The Truman, a nuclear-powered behemoth, was steaming through the Red Sea when it executed an abrupt turn to evade what military sources described as a barrage of Houthi anti-ship missiles. The jet, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 136, wasn’t secured tightly enough to withstand the violent lurch. It broke free, skidded across the deck, and plunged into the sea, taking a tow tractor with it. The sailor, caught in the mayhem, sustained injuries that the Navy described as non-life-threatening. Details on the sailor’s condition remain sparse, with officials tight-lipped about specifics.
The lost Super Hornet, valued at roughly $60 million, represents a stinging material blow. Navy brass have launched an investigation to piece together why the jet wasn’t properly tethered and whether crew protocols faltered under pressure. The Red Sea has become a hot zone, with Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, ramping up missile and drone strikes on U.S. and allied ships. The Truman’s crew, on high alert, has been navigating these treacherous waters for weeks, part of a broader U.S. mission to secure shipping lanes and counter Houthi aggression.
No Houthi missiles struck the carrier, and the Navy hasn’t confirmed whether the evasive maneuver was prompted by a direct hit threat or a precautionary move. The incident underscores the razor-thin margin for error in naval operations, where split-second decisions can ripple into disaster. Recovery efforts for the jet are underway, though the Navy admits the odds of salvaging it from the deep are slim.
The injured sailor was treated aboard the Truman, which continues its mission in the region. The investigation is expected to wrap up in weeks, with findings likely to shape future training and deck procedures. For now, the Navy’s focus remains on keeping the Houthi threat at bay while ensuring the safety of its crew and assets.