Second $70 Million F/A-18 Super Hornet Lost from USS Harry S. Truman in Red Sea

In a significant setback for the U.S. Navy, a second F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet, valued at approximately $70 million, was lost from the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea, marking the second such incident in just over a week. The latest mishap, reported on May 6, 2025, underscores ongoing challenges for the Navy’s operations in the region amid heightened tensions.

According to a statement from the U.S. Navy, the incident occurred during operations in the Red Sea, a critical maritime corridor where the USS Harry S. Truman has been deployed to support regional security and counter threats from Yemen’s Houthi rebels. While specific details about the cause of the loss remain limited, the Navy confirmed that no personnel were seriously injured. The jet is presumed to have sunk, as was the case in the prior incident on April 28, 2025, when another F/A-18E Super Hornet and a tow tractor fell overboard during a towing mishap in the carrier’s hangar bay.

CNN reported the second jet’s loss, citing Navy officials who noted the incident occurred under different circumstances from the first, though further details were not disclosed pending an investigation. The earlier accident, covered by multiple outlets including Fox News and Navy Times, involved a towing crew losing control of the aircraft, resulting in both the jet and tractor plunging into the sea. In that case, two crew members—one in the jet and one in the tractor—escaped with only one sustaining minor injuries.

The F/A-18E Super Hornet, manufactured by Boeing, is a cornerstone of the Navy’s carrier-based strike capabilities, with a unit cost estimated at $70-72 million. The loss of two such aircraft in quick succession raises questions about operational protocols aboard the USS Harry S. Truman, particularly as the carrier has been actively involved in U.S. military operations targeting Houthi positions in Yemen.

The Navy has launched investigations into both incidents to determine root causes and prevent future losses. The Red Sea, a vital artery for global trade, has seen increased U.S. naval presence due to Houthi attacks on commercial shipping, which may add pressure to maintain operational readiness despite these setbacks. As the USS Harry S. Truman continues its mission, the Navy faces scrutiny over how it will address these costly mishaps.

Sources: CNN, Fox News, Navy Times, U.S. Navy

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