After suffering a major blow and losing three state-of-the-art fighter jets, U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman is finally returning home

Time of India

19-05-2025

What happened during the USS Harry S. Truman's Red Sea deployment?
How did the USS Truman lose three fighter jets?
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Collision in the Mediterranean: In mid-February, the carrier collided with a large commercial vessel near Port Said, Egypt. The impact caused damage to the ship, forcing it to pull into a US naval base for repairs. This incident led to the firing of Truman's commanding officer, although details of the collision remain limited.
Jet and tow tractor fall overboard: Later, in April, while the ship was back in the Red Sea, a fighter jet and a tow tractor fell into the ocean. The F/A-18 was being moved in the hangar bay when the accident happened. A sailor narrowly escaped injury after jumping out of the cockpit moments before the aircraft slipped overboard. Reports suggested the ship was taking evasive action at the time, which may have contributed to the mishap.
Arresting cable failure: Just over a week later, another F/A-18 crashed into the sea during a landing attempt. The arresting cable — a key safety system used to stop aircraft as they land on the deck — snapped, failing to catch the tailhook of the fighter jet. Thankfully, both pilots ejected and were rescued by helicopter.
Why was the USS Truman deployed to the Red Sea?
What's next for the USS Harry S. Truman?
What does this mean for future US Navy operations?
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The US Navy aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman is finally heading home after a long and difficult deployment in the Red Sea. The ship, which had been involved in combat operations against Houthi rebels in Yemen, lost three fighter jets during its mission and also suffered a collision with a commercial vessel. Now, after months at sea and multiple incidents, Truman has left the Red Sea and is sailing through the Mediterranean on its way back to Norfolk, Virginia.According to a US defense official who spoke to Business Insider on Monday, the carrier is currently in the Mediterranean Sea, though the exact date of its return to homeport remains uncertain.The deployment of the USS Harry S. Truman was part of US military efforts in the Middle East, particularly in supporting Operation Rough Rider — a bombing campaign targeting Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen. Truman was one of two aircraft carriers involved in the operation, which began earlier this year and lasted several weeks before the Biden administration decided to pause the mission in early May.During its time in the region, the carrier participated in intense operations, launching air missions and maintaining a naval presence in a critical conflict zone. But the mission wasn't without setbacks.The Truman's deployment turned disastrous when the ship lost three F/A-18 fighter jets in separate incidents, raising serious safety concerns.The USS Harry S. Truman was deployed to the Red Sea as part of a broader US strategy to counter threats in the Middle East. Its presence was meant to show force and maintain stability in waters that have seen increased missile and drone attacks by Houthi forces. The ship's operations supported airstrikes during Operation Rough Rider, where US forces targeted launch sites, radar systems, and other military assets in Yemen.This mission placed the crew under high pressure for months, especially as tensions escalated and attacks on commercial vessels in the region intensified. Truman's deployment underscored the risks US naval forces face during such combat operations.Now that USS Harry S. Truman is on its way back to Norfolk, the Navy will likely conduct a full review of the deployment, including the aircraft losses and the earlier collision. Investigations are expected to examine the sequence of accidents, operational decision-making, and whether safety protocols need improvement.The return of the Truman leaves USS Carl Vinson as the only US aircraft carrier currently operating in the region. The Vinson is equipped with the F-35C stealth fighter, a newer, more advanced aircraft designed for carrier operations, which may influence future carrier deployment decisions.Truman's troubled deployment could have long-term implications. The loss of three fighter jets — each valued at tens of millions of dollars — and damage to a $6 billion aircraft carrier raises concerns about operational readiness and safety at sea. It also highlights the challenges of maintaining a strong military presence in conflict-prone waters like the Red Sea.As US military strategy continues to evolve, the Navy may adjust deployment cycles, training standards, and equipment handling to prevent similar incidents. For now, the focus is on safely bringing Truman and her crew home after one of the most eventful deployments in recent memory.The carrier lost three fighter jets and had a serious collision.The exact return date is still unknown, but it's currently in the Mediterranean.