F/A-18 Fighter Jet Goes Overboard on USS Harry S. Truman, Pilots Eject and Survive

Dubai, UAE – A dramatic incident unfolded Tuesday when an F/A-18 fighter jet landing on the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier in the Red Sea went overboard, causing both pilots to eject, according to a defense official who spoke with The Associated Press.

This mishap adds to a string of incidents during the Truman’s deployment, which has been crucial to the United States’ airstrike campaign against Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

Meanwhile, on the diplomatic front, U.S. President Donald Trump and Oman’s foreign minister both announced that a ceasefire had been agreed upon with the Houthis, which would see them cease targeting ships in the Red Sea corridor. However, the Houthis have not publicly acknowledged this agreement.

Landing Incident: What Went Wrong?

The fighter jet, a F/A-18 Super Hornet, was landing on the Truman after completing a mission. According to the official, the arrestment system, which helps secure planes landing on aircraft carriers by catching them with steel cables, failed during the landing. The cause of the failure remains under investigation.

The two pilots, who ejected from the aircraft just before it went overboard, were rescued by a helicopter and were reported to have sustained only minor injuries. Thankfully, no one was hurt on the flight deck.

This is not the first time the Navy has lost an F/A-18 on the Truman. In April, another F/A-18 slipped off the Truman’s hangar deck and fell into the Red Sea. Earlier, in December, the USS Gettysburg mistakenly shot down an F/A-18 fighter jet. Fortunately, the pilots involved in all these incidents survived.

A Series of Setbacks for the USS Harry S. Truman

The USS Harry S. Truman, based out of Norfolk, Virginia, has faced a series of mishaps throughout its deployment, which has been extended multiple times due to the ongoing conflict with the Houthis. The carrier has been central to U.S. operations against the rebels in Yemen.

Earlier this year, the Truman also collided with a merchant vessel near Egypt’s Port Said, adding to the list of troubles during its extended deployment. To support operations, the Truman was recently joined by the USS Carl Vinson, which is currently operating in the Arabian Sea.

Houthi Attacks on Shipping in the Red Sea

Meanwhile, the Houthis have continued their campaign of missile and drone attacks against both military and commercial vessels in the region. This is part of their broader strategy to disrupt the global shipping lanes and end Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

From November 2023 to January 2025, the Houthis targeted more than 100 merchant vessels, sinking two ships and killing four sailors. These attacks have had a significant impact on global trade, with the Red Sea corridor typically handling $1 trillion in goods annually.

After a temporary ceasefire, the Houthis resumed their attacks following a U.S. military offensive against them in mid-March. The volatile situation in the region continues to pose risks to international trade and military operations.

As the investigation into the latest mishap continues, the U.S. Navy and its allies are dealing with ongoing risks in this crucial region.