US Navy Investigates Loss of $67 Million Fighter Jet from Aircraft Carrier in Red Sea

The US Navy has launched an investigation following the loss of an F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet, valued at approximately $67 million, which fell into the Red Sea on Monday during operations aboard the USS Harry S. Truman.

According to an official Navy statement, the jet was being towed on the carrier’s hangar deck when the towing crew lost control, resulting in both the aircraft and the tow vehicle going overboard. One sailor sustained a minor injury in the incident, but all other personnel were reported safe.

The Navy has not confirmed the exact cause of the incident, though it occurred amid heightened tensions in the region. Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed responsibility for launching a missile and drone attack on the Truman and other US vessels around the time of the event. US officials have not publicly confirmed any direct connection between the alleged Houthi assault and the mishap.

One US official suggested the Truman may have executed a sudden maneuver to evade incoming fire, which could have contributed to the fighter jet falling overboard. Such evasive maneuvers are commonly used by aircraft carriers to avoid missile threats, often involving sharp zig-zag movements.

The Truman Carrier Strike Group has been operating in the Red Sea as part of broader US military activities in the region and has faced multiple threats from Houthi forces in recent months. These have included missile attacks and, in previous incidents, a friendly-fire event in which another F/A-18 was mistakenly shot down by a nearby US warship.

The Navy emphasized in its statement that despite the loss of the aircraft, the strike group, including its air wing, remains fully operational and mission-ready.

The Super Hornet is a core part of US naval aviation and has been in service since 2001. Manufactured by Boeing, the aircraft is also used by allies such as Australia and Kuwait. The USS Harry S. Truman, a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, can carry more than 80 aircraft and operates as a central component of US maritime power projection.

The incident comes amid continued regional instability, as Houthi forces have pledged to increase military actions in response to US operations in Yemen. The group said the attacks were retaliation for American airstrikes, including one that reportedly hit a prison facility, resulting in numerous casualties.

With input from NBC News, CNN, and the Independent.