The aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman has lost a second fighter jet in less than two weeks, triggering widespread concern about operational readiness and safety aboard the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed warship. The $60 million F/A-18 Super Hornet plunged into the Red Sea on May 6 during a failed landing attempt. Both pilots safely ejected and were recovered by search-and-rescue teams.
Series of Accidents Raises Questions About Aircraft Carrier USS Harry Truman
This latest incident follows an April 28 mishap, when another F/A-18 was accidentally pushed overboard while being towed on the Truman’s deck. That jet also sank into the sea. The carrier had previously made headlines in February after a minor collision with a civilian vessel near the Suez Canal.
Now with three jets lost and ongoing regional tensions, critics are questioning whether the aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman is facing systemic issues in leadership, equipment maintenance, or crew training.
Political Fallout and Red Sea Tensions
The jet loss came just hours after President Trump announced a ceasefire agreement with Yemen’s Houthi rebels. While U.S. officials celebrated the deal, rebel attacks continued, exposing ongoing volatility in the region. The Truman remains a key asset in U.S. deterrence efforts in the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula.
What’s Next for the USS Harry Truman?
With three high-profile incidents in a short span, military analysts warn that future deployments of the aircraft carrier could be subject to stricter oversight and internal investigation. As the Navy reassures the public of its commitment to safety, the pressure to deliver real change is mounting fast.
F-18 fighter jet crashes into the Red Sea from USS Harry S. Truman
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