The USS Truman, a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, has been thrust into the spotlight with a string of dramatic incidents in the Red Sea. On April 28, 2025, an F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet, valued at $60-70 million, slid off the carrier’s hangar deck into the sea during a towing mishap. This accident, linked to evasive maneuvers to dodge Houthi drone and missile attacks, marked the second loss of an F/A-18 for the Truman in just months. A tow tractor went overboard too, but quick-thinking sailors escaped with only one minor injury. The Navy is investigating, and the carrier remains mission-ready, but these events raise questions about the intense operational tempo in a volatile region.
USS Truman’s Second F/A-18 Loss in a Week?
Reports of a Super Hornet crashing while landing on USS Truman have circulated, suggesting another F/A-18 loss within a week of the April 28 incident. However, no verified sources confirm a crash during landing as of May 7, 2025. The earlier mishap, where the jet fell overboard, aligns with posts on X and news outlets like CNN, which noted the carrier’s sharp turn to evade Houthi fire. A prior friendly-fire incident in December 2024, when the USS Gettysburg shot down a Truman-based F/A-18, adds to the carrier’s troubled deployment. The Navy’s silence on a supposed landing crash urges caution—stick to confirmed reports to avoid rumors.
Mounting Challenges for USS Truman
The USS Truman has faced relentless pressure in the Red Sea. Deployed since September 2024, it leads strikes against Houthi rebels targeting shipping lanes. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth extended its mission twice, delaying its return to Norfolk, Virginia, to maintain two carrier strike groups alongside USS Carl Vinson. A February 2025 collision with a merchant ship near the Suez Canal damaged the carrier, leading to repairs in Greece and the sacking of its commander. These incidents pile onto the operational strain, with sailors enduring extended deployments to counter Houthi aggression.
| Incident | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| F/A-18 Friendly Fire | Dec 2024 | USS Gettysburg mistakenly shot down a Truman-based F/A-18. |
| Collision with Merchant Ship | Feb 2025 | USS Truman damaged, commander relieved after Suez Canal incident. |
| F/A-18 Overboard | Apr 28, 2025 | Super Hornet and tow tractor fell into Red Sea during evasive maneuvers. |
What’s Next for the Crew?
The crew’s resilience shines despite these setbacks. The sailor who leapt from the Super Hornet’s cockpit before it sank earned praise for quick thinking. Yet, the human toll of prolonged deployments looms large. If the Truman departs next week, sailors could return home by June 2025, a prospect offering relief after months of high-stakes operations. The Navy’s investigation into the April 28 incident will likely probe whether evasive tactics need refining to prevent future losses. Meanwhile, Houthi claims of downing the jet via drones remain unverified, with U.S. officials dismissing them as speculative.
Why This Matters
The USS Truman’s saga isn’t just about a lost jet—it’s a window into the grinding reality of modern naval warfare. Carriers like Truman are floating cities, projecting power while dodging threats like drones and missiles. Each mishap, from friendly fire to towing errors, underscores the razor-thin margin for error. For readers, it’s a reminder of the sailors’ sacrifices and the strategic chess game in the Red Sea, where U.S. forces counter Iran-backed Houthis to secure global trade routes. Stay tuned as the Navy’s probe unfolds, potentially reshaping how carriers operate under fire. What do you think—can the Truman’s crew keep pushing through? Drop your thoughts below!