The USS Harry S. Truman, a US Navy aircraft carrier, narrowly avoided a missile attack by Houthi forces in the Red Sea. During a sudden evasive maneuver to dodge the incoming missile, a US Navy F/A-18 fighter jet fell into the sea, along with a towing vehicle that was moving the aircraft to a hangar. Both pieces of equipment were lost, though the crew successfully escaped the incident.
Missile Attack and Sudden Evasive Maneuver
According to military sources, the USS Harry S. Truman was targeted by a missile fired by Houthi forces. In response, the ship made a quick maneuver to avoid the attack. The maneuver caused a US Navy F/A-18 Hornet jet, along with the towing vehicle, to fall overboard. Fortunately, the crew members on board were able to escape the dangerous situation by jumping into the water.
While the Navy has launched an investigation into the incident, the final results have not yet been made public. The sudden evasive action appears plausible in the context of active conflict zones like the Red Sea, where unpredictable situations are common.
Financial Loss from the Incident
The incident has come at a significant cost. A new F/A-18 Hornet jet is valued at approximately $70 million, adding financial pressure to the already strained US naval operations in the region. The loss of both the fighter jet and the towing vehicle represents a blow to the USS Harry S. Truman’s operational capabilities.
USS Harry S. Truman’s Ongoing Challenges
This missile attack follows a series of unfortunate incidents involving the USS Harry S. Truman. Earlier this year, the aircraft carrier collided with a commercial vessel in the Mediterranean Sea. The collision caused damage to key areas of the ship, including storage rooms, maintenance spaces, and the rear deck. The carrier was subsequently forced to undergo emergency repairs at a Greek port.
In addition to the recent collision, the USS Harry S. Truman has been involved in airstrikes targeting Houthi positions in Yemen. However, some sensitive information regarding these missions was accidentally leaked through private messaging groups. These leaks, which reached journalists and even relatives of US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, raised concerns about the security and confidentiality of military operations.
Rising Tensions in the Middle East
The loss of the F/A-18 fighter jet and the ongoing challenges faced by the USS Harry S. Truman come at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East. The US Navy has faced increasing pressure as it operates in volatile waters, with incidents like this highlighting the risks associated with military missions in the region.
As the investigation into the recent missile attack continues, military officials are reviewing operational protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. The US Navy remains committed to its mission in the region, despite the setbacks.