Washington (TDI): The US Navy lost a $60 million F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet in the Red Sea on Monday after falling overboard from the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier.
The carrier is deployed in the Red Sea as part of US operations countering Houthi rebel attacks in Yemen.
The Houthis claimed they launched a missile and drone targeting the aircraft carrier.
A US official told CNN the carrier made a hard maneuver to avoid incoming fire, contributing to the loss of the jet.
The Navy stated that the aircraft was being towed in the hangar bay when the crew lost control. Both the aircraft and tow tractor went overboard.
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During the incident, one sailor suffered a minor injury. A probe into the loss is underway.
The incident occurs at a difficult time for Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who is facing scrutiny over his management of the Department of Defense.
Reports indicate morale issues and an increasing number of staff departures at the Pentagon.
Hegseth’s tenure has been overshadowed by the “Signalgate” scandal, which involved unauthorized group chats discussing classified operations.
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Despite growing internal concerns, President Donald Trump has continued to express public support for him. However, reports suggest the White House has quietly initiated exploring possible replacements.
The Red Sea incident highlights the growing risks for US troops deployed near Yemen, where Houthi forces are targeting US, Israeli, and international ships amid the Gaza war.
