The Harry Truman aircraft carrier is making headlines again, and not for the reasons the U.S. Navy would hope. On May 6, 2025, a second F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet was lost at sea in just over a week, plunging into the Red Sea after a failed landing attempt on the carrier’s flight deck. This incident, coupled with ongoing Houthi attacks in the region, has thrust the Truman into a storm of scrutiny. With a history of mishaps and a critical role in U.S. military operations, the carrier’s recent challenges are sparking debates about operational safety and readiness. Let’s dive into what’s happening and why it matters.
Harry Truman Aircraft Carrier: A Troubled Deployment
The USS Harry S. Truman, a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, has been deployed in the Red Sea since September 2024, tasked with countering Houthi rebel attacks on commercial shipping. The latest incident on May 6 involved an F/A-18 Super Hornet that failed to stop properly during a nighttime landing, leading the pilot and weapons systems officer to eject. Both were rescued with minor injuries, but the jet sank, marking the second loss since April 28, when another F/A-18 fell overboard during a tow in the hangar bay. These incidents follow a collision with a merchant vessel in February 2025 and an accidental shootdown of a Truman-based jet by a U.S. ship in December 2024. The carrier’s commander, Captain Dave Snowden, was relieved of duty after the collision, with Captain Christopher Hill now at the helm.
| Incident | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Jet Loss (Landing Failure) | May 6, 2025 | F/A-18 failed to stop, crew ejected, jet sank. |
| Jet Loss (Hangar Mishap) | April 28, 2025 | F/A-18 and tow tractor fell overboard during evasive maneuver. |
| Collision | February 2025 | Truman hit a merchant vessel near Egypt. |
| Friendly Fire | December 2024 | F/A-18 shot down by USS Gettysburg. |
Harry Truman Aircraft Carrier Under Houthi Fire
The Red Sea is a hotspot, with Houthi rebels launching missiles and drones at U.S. naval assets since November 2023. On the same day as the latest jet loss, the Houthis reportedly fired at the Truman, despite a ceasefire announcement by President Donald Trump. The carrier has been zigzagging to dodge attacks, a tactic that may have contributed to the April 28 incident when a sharp turn caused a jet to slide off the deck. The Navy denies that evasive maneuvers alone caused the mishaps, but the pressure of constant threats is undeniable. With over 1,000 Houthi targets struck by U.S. forces since March, the Truman’s crew is operating in a high-stakes environment.
What’s Next for the Truman?
The string of incidents raises questions about the Truman’s operational protocols. Each F/A-18 costs upwards of $60 million, and losing two in a week is rare and costly. Investigations are underway, but the Navy insists the carrier remains fully mission-capable. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth extended the Truman’s deployment in April, keeping it alongside the USS Carl Vinson to maintain a strong presence against the Houthis. Yet, sailors are strained by the prolonged mission, and the carrier’s maintenance schedule is at risk. Could these mishaps signal deeper issues with training or equipment under combat stress?
The Harry Truman aircraft carrier embodies the U.S. Navy’s strength but also its vulnerabilities. As it navigates hostile waters, the crew’s resilience is tested daily. For now, the Truman sails on, a floating fortress in a volatile region, but the spotlight is on its ability to adapt and overcome. What do you think—can the Navy turn the tide, or are more challenges on the horizon? Share your thoughts below and stay tuned for updates on this unfolding story.