A U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet jet was lost at sea after falling overboard from the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman while being towed inside the aircraft carrier, the Navy announced Monday.
According to a U.S. official, the incident occurred after the Truman made a sharp evasive maneuver to avoid incoming fire from Houthi rebels.
The Iran-backed group claimed responsibility for a drone and missile assault on the carrier, which is currently operating in the Red Sea as part of a major U.S. military campaign against Houthi forces.
Fortunately, all personnel were accounted for, with only one sailor sustaining a minor injury during the incident.
“The F/A-18E was actively under tow in the hangar bay when the move crew lost control of the aircraft. The aircraft and tow tractor were lost overboard,” the Navy’s statement explained. “Sailors towing the aircraft took immediate action to move clear of the aircraft before it fell overboard. An investigation is underway.”
Each F/A-18 Super Hornet costs more than $60 million, according to Navy estimates.
The Truman Carrier Strike Group remains deployed in the Middle East and was operating in the Red Sea at the time of the mishap. The Navy emphasized