Okay, so here’s the deal: a Super Hornet and a helicopter, both assigned to the USS Nimitz, went down in the South China Sea in separate incidents. Thankfully, and this is the most important part, the crews are safe. That’s the good news. But, honestly, when you hear about two aircraft, from the same carrier, going down in such a short timeframe, it really makes you stop and think, right? The military’s definition of “a really bad day” probably applies here.
It’s natural to wonder how this even happens. Unrelated incidents, half an hour apart? Was it some kind of extreme weather event?… Continue reading
In the latest incident, an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet crashed into the Red Sea after a failed landing on the USS Harry Truman, marking the second such incident in as many weeks. Both pilots ejected safely and were rescued. This followed a Houthi attack on the carrier hours after a ceasefire announcement, raising questions about the agreement’s effectiveness. These incidents, alongside previous mishaps including a collision with a merchant vessel and accidental friendly fire, have prompted concerns about the prolonged and challenging deployment of the USS Harry Truman.
Read More
On Tuesday, an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet crashed into the Red Sea after a failed landing attempt on the USS Harry S. Truman, marking the second such incident in eight days. Both pilots ejected safely with minor injuries after the aircraft’s tail hook failed to engage the arresting wire. This follows a previous incident where an F/A-18E Super Hornet and its tow tractor fell overboard on April 28th. Both incidents are currently under investigation.
Read More
A second F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet has been lost from the USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea, following a similar incident just over a week prior. The pilot and weapons systems officer ejected safely after an apparent arresting gear malfunction during landing, sustaining minor injuries. This latest incident follows a Houthi attack on the Truman, although a connection between the two events remains unclear. The repeated loss of aircraft and other incidents involving the Truman highlight the challenging operational environment in the Red Sea.
Read More
During a hard turn to avoid Houthi fire in the Red Sea, a US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet slipped from its tow and fell overboard from the USS Harry S. Truman. The incident, resulting in the aircraft sinking, caused minor injury to one sailor while all other personnel are accounted for. An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the accident. Despite the loss, valued at over $60 million, the Truman Carrier Strike Group maintains full mission capability.
Read More
Two U.S. Navy pilots were rescued after their F/A-18 Super Hornet was mistakenly shot down by the USS Gettysburg, a guided-missile cruiser, during a U.S. airstrike against Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. The incident, resulting in minor injuries to one pilot, highlights the escalating dangers in the region, where the Houthis have intensified attacks on shipping, prompting increased U.S. military presence and actions. The shootdown occurred amidst heightened tensions following recent Houthi attacks and increased U.S. airstrikes targeting Houthi infrastructure in Yemen. This incident marks a significant escalation of the conflict.
Read More
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker