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The U.S. Navy confirmed on Monday that its aircraft carrier, responsible for conducting strike operations against Houthi terrorists in the Red Sea, lost an **F/A-18 Super Hornet** jet after it went overboard during operations. The **USS HARRY S. TRUMAN** reported losing both the fighter jet and a tow tractor while navigating the expansive waterway.
The jet was actively being towed inside a hangar bay when crew members lost control of the aircraft, leading to it and the tow equipment plunging into the sea. Sailors involved in the operation immediately moved clear of the aircraft to ensure safety as it fell overboard, the Navy stated.
Fortunately, all naval personnel were accounted for, with one sailor sustaining minor injuries. An investigation into the incident is currently underway.
The **F/A-18 Super Hornet**, valued at an estimated **$67.4 million** according to the Navy Air Systems Command, is a highly advanced multirole fighter jet. This marks the latest in a series of similar incidents involving the **USS HARRY S. TRUMAN**, including the loss of an **F/A-18** in July 2022 near Naples, Italy, due to heavy winds. Additionally, an **F/A-18** was reportedly shot down over the Red Sea in December 2023 in what was described as a friendly fire incident.
Despite this recent loss, officials confirmed that the **HARRY S. TRUMAN CARRIER STRIKE GROUP** remains fully mission-capable. The strike group includes the **HARRY S. TRUMAN aircraft carrier**, Carrier Air Wing 1’s nine squadrons, three guided-missile destroyers from Destroyer Squadron 28, and the **USS GETTYSBURG**, a Ticonderoga-class cruiser.
The **USS HARRY S. TRUMAN HAS BEEN OPERATING IN THE RED SEA** for months, launching strikes against Houthi militants in Yemen. The Iran-backed Houthi group has claimed responsibility for attacks on the **HARRY S. TRUMAN and its accompanying warships, as well as merchant vessels in the Red Sea.
These attacks have intensified since March 15, following a U.S.-led military campaign against the Houthis. The group claims its actions are in solidarity with Hamas, following the militant organization’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. According to U.S. Central Command, the U.S. military has targeted over **800 locations** since mid-March in efforts to neutralize Houthi threats.
This incident underscores the challenges faced by U.S. forces in maintaining operational readiness while addressing escalating conflicts in the region.
**Video and images of the incident are available [here](#).**
Sources: **Fox News**, **The Associated Press**
