USS Harry S. Truman Incident: F/A-18E Super Hornet Lost At Sea

The incident occurred amidst ongoing U.S. naval operations under Operation Rough Rider, targeting Houthi forces in Yemen.

MIDDLE EAST — On April 28, 2025, an F/A-18E Super Hornet and a tow tractor were lost overboard from the USS Harry S. Truman during a towing operation in the Red Sea. The incident occurred amidst ongoing U.S. naval operations under Operation Rough Rider, targeting Houthi forces in Yemen.

An F/A-18F Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11, launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in January.

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All personnel were accounted for, with one sailor sustaining a minor injury. An investigation is underway, and the carrier strike group remains fully mission capable.

Incident Details

On April 28, 2025, at approximately 12:00 UTC, the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) experienced an incident in the Red Sea. According to the U.S. Navy, an F/A-18E Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136 and a tow tractor were lost overboard during a routine towing operation in the hangar bay.

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75)

The press release states: "The F/A-18E was actively under tow in the hangar bay when the move crew lost control of the aircraft. The aircraft and tow tractor were lost overboard".

Sailors towing the aircraft acted promptly to avoid injury, resulting in one minor injury reported. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, comprising the flagship, Carrier Air Wing 1, three guided-missile destroyers, and the USS Gettysburg (CG 64), continues its mission unabated.

Operational Context