29-04-2025
US F-18E jet crashed in Red Sea after towing mishap aboard Truman carrier
Published April 29th, 2025 - 07:07 GMT While unconfirmed social media accounts have linked the loss to evasive maneuvers prompted by a Houthi missile threat, the Navy said the fighter went overboard due to a towing mishap, not hostile engagement.
ALBAWABA-A U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet was lost overboard after slipping off the hangar deck of the USS Harry S. Truman during a towing operation in the Red Sea, the Navy confirmed Monday.
The incident occurred while the aircraft was being repositioned inside the carrier's hangar bay. The tow team reportedly lost control of the jet, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 136, causing both the Super Hornet and the small tractor towing it to plunge into the sea.
One sailor suffered minor injuries after jumping from the pilot seat moments before the aircraft fell overboard. Another crew member also had to leap from the towing vehicle to avoid harm.
Defense officials, speaking anonymously, said the accident took place amid heightened operational intensity in the region. The Harry S. Truman has been actively engaged in recent military operations in the Red Sea targeting Houthi positions in Yemen.
The Navy stressed that the jet was not in flight and was not struck by enemy fire. While unconfirmed social media accounts have linked the loss to evasive maneuvers prompted by a Houthi missile threat, the Navy said the fighter went overboard due to a towing mishap, not hostile engagement.
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