The Pentagon reported that a $60 million F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter plane crashed overboard from the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier in the Red Sea on Monday.
US operations against Houthi rebel strikes in Yemen involve the carrier.
Houthis said they fired a missile and drone at the vessel.
A US official told CNN the ship’s difficult maneuver to avoid fire caused the plane’s loss.
The Navy stated the towing team lost control of the jet in the hangar bay. Overboard airplane and tow tractor.
One sailor was slightly injured.
A loss inquiry is underway.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, under fire for his leadership, has a difficult time.
The Pentagon is experiencing morale concerns and more personnel turnover.
The “Signalgate” scandal—unauthorized group discussions about sensitive operations—has stained Hegseth’s leadership.
President Donald Trump has openly supported Hegseth despite internal misgivings. However, sources say the White House has discreetly begun replacement searches.
As the Gaza battle continues, Houthi troops have aggressively targeted US, Israeli, and international boats near Yemen, putting US forces at danger.
