USS Truman during Ladder Check in 2009 | Photo: Ricardo Reyes/Digital US Navy
The USS Truman, a carrier of the USS aircraft, was exposed to a Houthi fire and was suddenly forced to operate it, causing a $60 million jet fighter to fall overboard.
The US Navy issued a statement Tuesday, in which the initial reports from the aircraft’s airline forced a fierce turn to avoid the Houthi attack, causing the sailors on the Truman to lose control of their F/A-18 Super Hornet Fighter Jet.
Yemeni Hooty rebels claimed on Monday that they launched drone and missile attacks on USS Truman, now in the Red Sea, and took part in a US military operation against Iran-backed rebel groups.
A US Navy official told CNN that one sailor suffered minor injuries, but all personnel on the carrier have been described.
“The F/A-18E was actively towing in Hangar Bay when mobile personnel lost control of the aircraft,” the spokesman added.
“The aircraft and tow tractors were lost overboard,” they said. “The crew towing the aircraft took immediate action to remove the aircraft before it fell overboard. An investigation is underway.”
Former US Navy captain Karl Schuster told CNN that he will use “Zig-Zag” tactics when carriers try to avoid missile attacks. “We usually do alternate 30-40-degree turns. Each takes about 30 seconds each way, but the turns start suddenly. This is like riding a zigzag vehicle,” Schuster said.
Truman has been repeatedly targeted in Hoosys attacks. In early 2024, US destroyers in the Red Sea had to use US destroyers in the Red Sea for missile attacks, as they were only a few seconds closer to the impact.
