Why Did the U.S.S. Truman Lose Its Second Navy Jet in Just Two Weeks?
A U.S. Navy fighter jet, an F/A-18 Super Hornet worth at least $67 million, was lost at sea after its landing system failed on the aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman on Tuesday. The incident, the second in less than two weeks, resulted in minor injuries for both pilots, who successfully ejected and were rescued by helicopter. This mishap follows a previous accident involving another Super Hornet and a tow tractor that fell off the ship due to loss of control while the carrier repositioned to counter threats from Houthi missile and drone attacks in the Red Sea.
The Houthis, having launched numerous attacks against ships in the region over the past year, recently agreed to cease their aggression against American vessels, leading to the U.S. halting airstrikes under President Trump’s Operation Rough Rider. The military campaign, which began on March 15, has already cost over $1 billion and involved hitting more than 800 targets in Yemen.
The Truman has faced several serious incidents during its deployment, including a collision with a merchant ship in February and the shooting down of a Super Hornet by the U.S.S. Gettysburg in December. Both pilots in the latter incident were also safely recovered.
FAQ
What caused the U.S. Navy fighter jet to go overboard?
The aircraft’s arrestment system, which is critical for landing, failed, leading to the jet going overboard.
How much is the lost F/A-18 Super Hornet worth?
The fighter jet is valued at least $67 million.
What recent agreement was reached regarding Houthi attacks?
The U.S. and Houthis agreed to halt American airstrikes after the Houthis promised to stop attacking U.S. vessels in the Red Sea.
What accidents has the Harry S. Truman experienced during deployment?
The carrier has seen two significant incidents: a collision with a merchant ship and the shooting down of an F/A-18 Super Hornet by a guided-missile cruiser.
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