US Navy Loses Second $67 Million Fighter Jet in Two Weeks as Truman Mishaps Mount
For the second time in less than two weeks, a U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet has been lost from the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea. The $67 million aircraft plunged overboard on Tuesday after an arrestment system failure during landing, forcing two crew members to eject. The incident marks the third Super Hornet lost from the Truman in six months and coincides with a newly announced ceasefire with Yemen's Houthi militants.
Key Developments: Fighter Jet Lost During Landing Attempt
The F/A-18F Super Hornet was attempting to land on the USS Harry S. Truman on Tuesday when the aircraft's arrestment system failed "causing the aircraft to go overboard," according to the United States Central Command. Technical details reveal that the jet's tail hook failed to catch the wire designed to slow the aircraft upon landing, sending it into the Red Sea The Intercept1.
"We can confirm that this aircraft was not struck by the Houthis," said Sean Parnell, the chief Pentagon spokesman, in an official statement New York Times2.
Both aviators aboard the jet—a pilot and a weapons systems officer—safely ejected and sustained only minor injuries. They were promptly rescued by a helicopter, with no additional injuries reported among flight deck personnel Slate3.
Pattern of Naval Mishaps: Truman's Troubled Deployment
This latest incident adds to a growing list of mishaps involving the USS Harry S. Truman since its deployment to the Middle East in September 2024.
Just one week earlier, another F/A-18 Super Hornet—a single-seat E model—and a tow tractor fell off the Truman's deck when the crew lost control of the plane. That accident occurred while the carrier was maneuvering to better position itself against the threat of Houthi missiles and drones The Center Square4.
In December 2024, an F/A-18F Super Hornet flying from the aircraft carrier was shot down by the USS Gettysburg, a guided-missile cruiser accompanying the Truman. The two crew members aboard that aircraft were also safely recovered New York Times2.
Further compounding the carrier's troubles, in February 2025, the Truman collided with a merchant ship near Port Said, Egypt, damaging both vessels New York Times2.
These incidents have already led to leadership changes. Captain Dave Snowden, the commanding officer of the USS Harry S. Truman, was relieved of duty following the collision incident The Center Square4.
Regional Context: Ceasefire and Conflict in the Red Sea
The latest fighter jet loss comes at a pivotal moment in U.S. military operations in the region. On the same day as the incident, President Donald Trump announced that the United States and the Houthis in Yemen had reached a deal to halt American airstrikes against the group after it agreed to cease attacks against American vessels in the Red Sea The Intercept1.
"They have capitulated, but more importantly, we will take their word. They say they will not be blowing up ships anymore," President Trump stated regarding the agreement New York Times2.
This ceasefire follows more than a year of Houthi attacks on commercial and military ships in the Red Sea, which the militant group has described as a show of solidarity with Gaza residents and Hamas. Since October 2023, U.S. Navy vessels in the region have been targeted 174 times, according to Central Command data The Intercept1.
The U.S. military had been conducting Operation Rough Rider against the Houthis since March 15, 2025, when President Trump ordered an air campaign against the group. This operation has cost more than $1 billion in munitions, including expensive long-range weaponry like Tomahawk cruise missiles, and has targeted over 1,000 sites in Yemen New York Times2.
Official Responses: Pentagon Assurances, Congressional Criticism
Despite the series of mishaps, Pentagon officials maintain that the USS Harry S. Truman remains combat-ready. "The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group remains fully mission-capable," Parnell affirmed, adding that the loss of the fighter jet on Tuesday was under investigation New York Times2.
However, the incidents have drawn sharp criticism from some members of Congress. Representative Jonathan Jackson (D-Ill.) blasted the Pentagon over the aircraft losses in a social media post: "Another $60 million F/A-18 Super Hornet lost that's three now while working families face brutal cuts," Jackson said. "Hiring a Fox & Friends host to run the Pentagon and attacking DEI instead of focusing on readiness clearly isn't working. We need leadership, not cable news cosplay" The Center Square4.
The transparency of military operations has also come under scrutiny. Representative Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) told The Intercept, "Transparency in the casualties sustained through every military operation should be a cornerstone of every administration. The refusal to provide the public with basic information should be deeply alarming to every American" The Intercept1.
Meanwhile, Houthi officials have portrayed the ceasefire as a triumph. Nasruddin Amer, a Houthi spokesperson, dismissed Trump's "fallacies and bravado" and directed attention to a statement by Oman's foreign minister about the mediation that led to the agreement. "America attacked our country in service of Israel and in support of the continuation of the crimes of genocide in Gaza. We defended ourselves against the American aggression and continued our support for Gaza," Amer stated The Intercept1.
Future Implications: Budget Concerns and Operational Challenges
The loss of three F/A-18 Super Hornets in six months raises significant questions about operational procedures, maintenance, and the financial impact of these incidents. With each jet valued at approximately $67 million, the cumulative cost to taxpayers could reach $180 million for replacing these aircraft The Center Square4.
These losses come at a time when military budgets are under scrutiny. The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act has allocated only $28.6 million for F/A-18 procurement, highlighting potential resource constraints for replacing the lost aircraft The Center Square4.
Beyond budgetary concerns, the incident pattern raises questions about the operational readiness of the Navy's carrier strike groups during extended deployments. The USS Harry S. Truman has been deployed to the Middle East since September 2024, enduring high-stress operations in contested waters New York Times2.
Military analysts note that the recent ceasefire with the Houthis may reduce immediate operational pressures on U.S. naval forces in the region, potentially allowing for improved maintenance schedules and safety protocols for the remaining aircraft.
The Troubled Waters Ahead
As the USS Harry S. Truman continues its deployment in the Red Sea, the Navy faces mounting questions about equipment reliability, operational safety, and leadership effectiveness. With three $67 million jets lost in six months and multiple other incidents, the troubled carrier's experiences highlight the challenges of maintaining complex naval operations in contested waters.
While the ceasefire with Houthi forces may provide some respite, the fundamental questions remain: Can the Navy address the apparent operational and mechanical issues plaguing the Truman, and what will these recurring incidents mean for U.S. naval strategy in one of the world's most volatile maritime regions?
An F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet similar to the one lost in the incident. (Image: The Intercept)
