### Navy Fighter Jet Lost at Sea Amid Houthi Attack: A Costly Mishap On April 29, 2025, a U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet fell into the Red Sea after slipping off the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier. This incident occurred during a critical moment when the carrier was maneuvering to evade an attack from Yemen's Houthi rebels, who had launched missiles targeting U.S. naval forces in the region. The jet, valued at approximately $60 million, was being towed into the hangar when it lost control and went overboard, along with the towing tractor. Fortunately, all personnel were accounted for, although one sailor sustained minor injuries during the incident [https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/04/29/fighter-jet-lost-hornet-houthis-red-sea][https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/29/fighter-jet-falls-off-aircraft-carrier]. ### Breakdown of the Incident and Its Implications 1. **Incident Overview** - The F/A-18E Super Hornet fell into the Red Sea while being towed on the USS Harry S. Truman. - The mishap occurred as the carrier made a sharp turn to avoid incoming Houthi missile fire [https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-29/f18-fighter-jet-slips-off-us-navy-hangar-deck/105227738]. 2. **Operational Context** - The USS Harry S. Truman was deployed in the Middle East as part of U.S. military operations against Houthi forces, which are backed by Iran. - The incident highlights the risks associated with military operations in volatile regions, particularly when under threat from hostile forces [https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/national-international/us-navy-loses-67-million-fighter-jet-sea-fell-aircraft-carrier/3733024/?os=dio]. 3. **Financial Impact** - The loss of the fighter jet represents a significant financial setback for the U.S. Navy, with estimates of the aircraft's value ranging from $60 million to $100 million depending on the source [https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/28/u-s-fighter-jet-falls-overboard-00314317][https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/world/us-navy-100m-mistake]. 4. **Investigation and Recovery Efforts** - The U.S. Navy has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. - It remains unclear whether there will be efforts to recover the lost aircraft from the sea [https://www.pilotonline.com/2025/04/29/navy-aircraft-truman]. ### Summary of Findings In summary, the incident involving the F/A-18E Super Hornet underscores the complexities and dangers of military operations in hostile environments. The following points encapsulate the key takeaways: 1. **Incident Details**: A U.S. Navy fighter jet fell into the Red Sea during a maneuver to evade Houthi missile attacks. 2. **Operational Risks**: The event illustrates the inherent risks faced by military personnel and equipment in active conflict zones. 3. **Financial Consequences**: The loss of the aircraft represents a substantial financial burden on the U.S. Navy. 4. **Ongoing Investigation**: An investigation is underway to determine the exact causes of the mishap and assess potential recovery options. This incident not only highlights the operational challenges faced by the U.S. military but also raises questions about the management of assets in high-stakes environments [https://www.cbsnews.com/news/navy-uss-harry-truman-aircraft-carrier-loses-super-hornet-fighter-jet-red-sea].