A US Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 11 (VFA-11 “Red Rippers”) fell into the sea on April 6, 2025, during a failed night landing attempt on the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), according to multiple defense sources.
The incident reportedly occurred shortly before 21:00 local time after the jet missed the arresting wires used to bring landing aircraft to a halt on the carrier deck. While it is unclear whether the aircraft’s tailhook missed the wires or a wire failed, the aircraft did not catch successfully and was lost overboard before a go-around could be executed.
Both the pilot and the weapons systems officer (WSO) ejected safely before the aircraft hit the water. They were recovered by an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 11 (HSC-11) and later evaluated by medical personnel. According to US officials speaking to USNI News, both sustained minor injuries. No injuries were reported among deck personnel.
Series of incidents amid Operation Rough Rider over Yemen
The USS Harry S. Truman has been deployed since December 15, 2024, conducting maritime operations in the Mediterranean and Red Sea regions as part of Operation Rough Rider, the ongoing US air campaign against Houthi forces in Yemen. This campaign aims to deter attacks on Red Sea shipping lanes and US naval assets by targeting missile launch sites, drone storage areas, and command centers.
This incident is the latest in a string of aviation mishaps during the USS Truman’s ongoing deployment, which has faced multiple operational challenges since it began. Since December 2024, three Super Hornets have been lost.
On April 28, 2025, a single-seat F/A-18E Super Hornet from VFA-136 “Knighthawks” and its tow tractor were lost overboard while being moved to an elevator. That incident reportedly occurred during a sharp evasive maneuver by the ship in response to a missile threat from Houthi militants in the Red Sea.
Earlier, on February 13, 2025, the USS Truman collided with the Panamanian-flagged bulk carrier Besiktas-M in the Mediterranean Sea. The collision caused damage to the hull plating near elevator No. 3, requiring repairs in Greece.
On December 22, 2024, the guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64), a part of the Truman Carrier Strike Group, accidentally shot down a two-seat F/A-18F in an apparent friendly fire incident. Both aviators survived after ejecting. Reports later suggested another Super Hornet may also have been mistakenly targeted during the same engagement.
The USS Harry S. Truman has been deployed since December 15, 2024, conducting maritime operations in the Mediterranean and Red Sea regions. It is accompanied by the Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Gettysburg and the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers USS Stout (DDG 55) and USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109).
