US Navy Fighter Jet Plunges into Red Sea from Aircraft Carrier! In a costly blunder, the US Navy confirmed an F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet rolled off the USS Harry S. Truman and sank to the depths of the Red Sea on Monday, April 28, 2025.
Jet Falls Overboard During Towing Operation
The $70 million warplane went overboard while being towed out of the carrier’s hangar bay. Officials say the move crew lost control of the fighter and the tow tractor, causing both to plunge into the sea.
Quick Thinking Saves Crew
Thankfully, two crew members — one aboard the jet, one in the tractor — jumped clear before the aircraft hit the water. One sailor suffered minor injuries, according to Navy officials.
“Sailors towing the aircraft took immediate action to move clear of the aircraft before it fell overboard. An investigation is underway,” the Navy confirmed.
An extensive recovery operation is now underway to retrieve the lost fighter from the Red Sea floor.
Houthi Attack May Be to Blame
Though the exact cause remains under investigation, initial reports hint a sudden move of the carrier might have contributed — possibly linked to incoming Houthi fire from Yemen. The Navy stresses these reports are unconfirmed.
The USS Harry S. Truman has guarded key commercial shipping lanes in the Red Sea since September 2024 amidst frequent Houthi rebel attacks.
This latest mishap follows months after the carrier collided with a merchant vessel near the Suez Canal, an incident that led to the dismissal of its commanding officer.
Deployment Extended Amid Rising Regional Tensions
The carrier was supposed to head home last month. But amid growing instability, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth extended its deployment. The USS Carl Vinson has also been dispatched to boost US naval presence in the region.
The Red Sea remains a strategic hotspot, and the Navy’s mission to protect maritime security there is more critical than ever.
