For the second time in less than two weeks, a United States Navy fighter jet from the aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman has been lost in the Red Sea.
The jet was landing on the flight deck of the Truman on Tuesday when the aircraft’s arrestment system, which helps the aircraft stop on the runway, failed, causing the aircraft to go overboard, according to the United States Central Command.
The two pilots aboard the plane, an F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet worth at least $67 million, ejected and sustained minor injuries. They were rescued by a helicopter and no one else was injured.
The accident occurred about a week after another F/A-18 Super Hornet and a tow tractor fell off the Truman when the crew lost control of the plane. That mishap took place while the aircraft carrier was maneuvering to better position itself against the threat of Houthi missiles and drones, according to Defense Department officials.
For over a year, the Houthis have been firing projectiles and launching drones at commercial and military ships in the Red Sea, which the militia group has described as a show of solidarity with Gaza residents and Hamas.
On Tuesday, a deal was reached between the United States and the Houthis in Yemen to halt American airstrikes against the group after it agreed to cease attacks against American vessels in the Red Sea.
President Trump stated, “They have capitulated, but more importantly, we will take their word. They say they will not be blowing up ships anymore.”
On March 15, Trump ordered the U.S. military to begin an air campaign, called Operation Rough Rider, against the Houthis, following some strikes under the Biden administration. The campaign has reportedly cost over $1 billion.
American forces have hit more than 800 targets in Yemen during the campaign, according to U.S. military sources.
In addition to the two lost planes, the Truman has experienced several other major accidents since its deployment to the Middle East in September. In February, the carrier collided with a merchant ship near Port Said, Egypt, damaging both vessels. Additionally, in December, an F/A-18 Super Hornet flying from the aircraft carrier was shot down by the U.S.S. Gettysburg, a guided-missile cruiser accompanying the Truman, with both pilots safely recovered.