F/A-18 Super Hornet Goes Missing in Red Sea Incident
**An F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet belonging to the U.S. Navy has reportedly gone missing in the Red Sea, raising concerns among military officials.** The incident occurred as the fighter was being transported from the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier to a hangar when it suddenly fell into the water.
According to a statement from the U.S. Navy, the mishap took place during a quick maneuver aimed at evading an attack from Iranian-backed Houthi forces in the region. The Navy detailed that the F/A-18E aircraft was being towed on the hangar deck when the towing team lost control, leading to both the jet and its towing vehicle plunging into the sea.
In the aftermath of the incident, sailors on duty quickly evacuated the area to prioritize their safety. Fortunately, all personnel were removed from the scene without major injuries, though one sailor sustained minor wounds.
A U.S. official, speaking anonymously to CNN, indicated that the aircraft carrier made a sharp maneuver to avoid incoming gunfire from Houthi forces at the time of the accident. Reports emerged that the Houthis had launched drone and missile strikes targeting the Truman.
The U.S. Navy has confirmed that the downed F/A-18E jet has now sunk to the seabed. Given that each F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet costs over $60 million, this incident represents a significant loss.
At the time of the accident, the Truman Carrier Strike Group was actively engaged in operations within the Middle East, particularly in the Red Sea. This area has seen a rising number of hostilities directed at the USS Harry S. Truman, with numerous prior incidents involving Iranian-backed Houthi attacks originating from Yemen.
In February, the carrier also made waves in the news after colliding with a commercial vessel off the coast of Egypt. Moreover, in December, another F/A-18 jet that had launched from Truman was mistakenly struck by friendly fire from the USS Gettysburg, though both pilots managed to survive the ordeal.
An investigation into the recent incident is now underway, with officials conducting a thorough examination to ascertain the details surrounding the loss of the aircraft.
