Washington: The U.S. Navy has suffered another aircraft loss in the Red Sea, marking the second such incident in just over a week. An F/A-18 fighter jet, attempting to land on the USS Harry S. Truman, failed to engage its arresting gear properly, causing it to plunge into the sea.
Both the pilot and weapons systems officer ejected safely and were rescued by a Navy helicopter, sustaining only minor injuries, according to officials. The aircraft, however, remains unrecovered.
This latest setback comes on the heels of a similar incident on April 28, when another F/A-18 jet fell off the Truman while being towed into the hangar bay. The Truman Carrier Strike Group has been stationed in the Middle East, supporting U.S. operations against Iran-backed Houthi fighters in Yemen.
The Navy has now launched an investigation into these back-to-back mishaps, sparking concerns about operational safety aboard the Truman as it continues its deployment in the region.