A U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet fell from the USS Harry S. Truman into the Red Sea during a Houthi attack, Navy officials said in a statement Monday, April 28. The Navy said the F/A-18E was under tow inside the Truman’s hangar bay when the crew lost control.
The Truman was operating in the Red Sea as part of ongoing U.S. military operations against Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
A U.S. official said the aircraft carrier made a sudden hard turn to evade Houthi fire, which contributed to the mishap, CNN reported. Both the jet and the towing vehicle went overboard. The aircraft then sank, according to Navy officials.
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All personnel involved moved clear of the jet before the aircraft fell. One sailor sustained a minor injury.
An investigation into the incident is underway.
The Navy estimated the cost of the lost F/A-18E Super Hornet at approximately $60 million to $70 million.
The ship made sharp maneuvers to avoid drone and missile fire launched by the Houthis. According to naval experts cited by CNN, carriers can use tactics like rapid zig-zag movements to avoid threats.
What is the Truman’s role in the Red Sea?
The USS Harry S. Truman and its carrier strike group have been deployed in the Middle East since 2024, primarily to protect commercial shipping and deter Houthi attacks. Despite losing the fighter jet, the Navy said the Truman and its air wing are fully mission-capable.
The Truman previously collided with a merchant ship near Egypt in February 2025. The crash caused no injuries, but the Navy later relieved the ship’s commanding officer from duty.
How has the Houthi conflict escalated?
The incident comes as U.S. airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen intensify.
According to The Washington Post, the Trump administration shifted its campaign from primarily striking military sites to targeting Houthi leadership figures.
The Houthis continue to launch attacks. They cited solidarity with Palestinians amid Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
On the same day as the Truman incident, the Houthis accused the U.S. of striking a migrant detention center in Yemen, reportedly killing dozens. U.S. Central Command did not comment on the specific strike but said it’s continuing efforts to degrade Houthi capabilities in the region.
Lawmakers raised concerns over the civilian impact of U.S. operations in Yemen, with calls for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to address civilian casualties reported in recent strikes.
