- $70 million F/A-18E Super Hornet lost during hangar bay operations
- Two crew members escaped with one minor injury
- USS Harry S. Truman faces second major incident in 2024 deployment
- Houthi rebel attacks unrelated to aircraft loss per Navy statement
- Carrier deployment extended amid Middle Eastern security concerns
The US Navy confirmed a catastrophic loss of advanced military hardware Monday when an F/A-18E Super Hornet slid off the deck of the USS Harry S. Truman during routine towing procedures. While both crew members survived the incident, questions mount about operational safety protocols aboard aircraft carriers operating in high-pressure combat zones.
Naval officials revealed the $70 million aircraft was being relocated within the hangar bay when ground crews lost control of the specialized tow tractor. This marks the second major operational incident for the Truman in 2024, following a March collision with a commercial vessel near the Suez Canal that resulted in leadership changes.
Military analysts note the Red Sea deployment has presented unique challenges, with the Truman battle group intercepting 14 Houthi-launched drones and missiles in the past month alone. While officials confirmed the jet loss resulted from procedural errors rather than enemy action, the incident highlights growing strains on carrier crews facing extended deployments.
Three critical safety insights emerge from this incident:
- Carrier deck crews work within 18of aircraft edges during towing operations
- Modern fighter jets require 23 maintenance hours per flight hour
- US Navy reports 12% increase in Class A mishaps since 2021
The lost Super Hornet now rests in 7,000 feet of water, joining two other US military aircraft lost at sea since 2020. Recovery operations remain unlikely given depth and geopolitical constraints, making this one of the most expensive peacetime losses in recent naval aviation history.
Regional security analysts point to Yemen's strategic position along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, where 12% of global trade transits annually. The Truman's extended deployment reflects Pentagon concerns about maintaining open sea lanes amid escalating Houthi attacks on commercial shipping.
This incident follows a concerning trend in naval aviation safety, with the Navy reporting 25% more deck mishaps during night operations compared to daylight hours. Training simulations now emphasize low-visibility conditions and emergency response protocols for deck crews.