The US Navy’s loss of a $60 million F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet, which fell overboard from the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier in the Red Sea on Monday, has sparked criticism and renewed scrutiny of the Pentagon’s operational readiness.
The incident, attributed to a sharp maneuver to evade a reported Houthi attack, underscores the challenges faced by the world’s most advanced military in a volatile region, with some analysts calling it an embarrassing setback for a force often touted as unmatched in intelligence and power.
The Navy confirmed the mishap in a statement, noting that the jet, part of Strike Fighter Squadron 136, was being towed in the hangar bay when the move crew lost control. “The F/A-18E was actively under tow when the move crew lost control of the aircraft. The aircraft and tow tractor were lost overboard,” the Navy said. One sailor was injured, and the jet has reportedly sunk, according to a US official, according to CNN.
The incident occurred amid heightened tensions in the Red Sea, where the USS Harry S. Truman has been deployed as part of Operation Rough Rider, a US Central Command (CENTCOM) campaign targeting Houthi fighters in Yemen.
CENTCOM has conducted over 800 airstrikes since mid-March, killing “hundreds of Houthi fighters and numerous Houthi leaders,” according to a statement. The Houthis, an Iran-backed group, have claimed responsibility for drone and missile attacks on the Truman, which a US official said prompted the carrier’s evasive maneuver.
Critics argue that the loss of a sophisticated aircraft due to a towing mishap reflects deeper issues within the US military’s operational protocols. This is not just a $60 million jet falling into the sea; it’s a symbol of systemic vulnerabilities in a military that prides itself on precision and dominance, a retired US Navy captain and military analyst,said. The fact that a routine tow operation could go so wrong under combat conditions raises serious questions about training and preparedness.
The F/A-18E Super Hornet, a twin-engine, carrier-capable multirole fighter, is a cornerstone of US naval aviation, designed for air superiority and precision strikes. Its loss adds to an already costly campaign against the Houthis, who have downed seven US MQ-9 Reaper drones—each valued at over $20 million—since October 2023, according to ABC News.
At least 15 Reapers have been brought down by the Houthis since October 2023, when they began targeting commercial shipping in the Red Sea region in what they claim was done in support of Hamas. The Pentagon has also expended $200 million in munitions in just three weeks of Operation Rough Rider, deploying two aircraft carriers, B-2 bombers, and advanced air defense systems.
Public reaction on social media platforms like X has been sharp, with some users mocking the incident as evidence of declining US military prowess. We’ve lost more planes since Trump became president. China & Russia will race to recover it, posted one user, reflecting sentiments of concern over strategic implications. Others, however, falsely claimed the jet was shot down, a narrative unsupported by official reports.
The USS Harry S. Truman has faced prior challenges in the region. In February, it collided with a merchant vessel near the Suez Canal, requiring repairs in Greece before redeployment. In December, another F/A-18 from the Truman was mistakenly shot down by the USS Gettysburg, though both pilots ejected safely. These incidents, combined with the latest loss, have fueled skepticism about the Navy’s ability to manage high-stakes operations in contested waters.
However, Airwars, a UK-based monitoring group, has reported rising civilian casualties, prompting Senators Chris Van Hollen, Elizabeth Warren, and Tim Kaine to question the administration’s commitment to minimizing harm.
The Navy has launched an investigation into the mishap, with preliminary findings expected within weeks. Meanwhile, the Truman’s deployment has been extended by about a month, a decision made by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, adding to the strain on personnel and resources.
For many, the incident is a stark reminder of the gap between the US military’s reputation and its operational realities. “The world’s most powerful army losing a jet to a towing error is not just a logistical failure—it’s a wake-up call,” Critics argue.
