By Natasha Bertrand, Katie Bo Lillis and Zachary Cohen, CNN
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A second F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet from the USS Harry S. Truman has been lost in the Red Sea—marking the second such incident involving the carrier in just over a week, according to five individuals familiar with the matter.
The circumstances of the latest incident remain under investigation, but two sources indicated that the jet experienced an arrestment failure while attempting to land on the carrier. As a result, the pilot and weapons systems officer were forced to eject. Both were rescued by helicopter and sustained only minor injuries, one source said.
The aircraft subsequently crashed into the sea and has not been recovered, according to two of the individuals familiar with the situation.
Separately, four of the sources reported that the Iran-backed Houthi rebel group fired at the Truman on Tuesday—mere hours after President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire agreement with the group. It remains unclear whether there is any connection between the two incidents.
The Office of the Secretary of Defense declined to comment, referring inquiries to the Navy and US Central Command. CNN has contacted both for additional information.
This recent crash follows a similar incident just one week earlier, when another F/A-18 was lost overboard the Truman. Initial reports suggested that the carrier had executed a sharp evasive maneuver to avoid Houthi fire, which contributed to the jet’s loss.
Each F/A-18 Super Hornet is valued at over $60 million, according to Navy estimates.
US naval forces in the Red Sea have faced frequent attacks from Houthi rebels since the group began targeting commercial shipping in November 2023. In early 2024, a US Navy destroyer operating in the area was forced to activate its Phalanx Close-In Weapon System—a last-resort missile defense—after a Houthi-launched cruise missile approached within a mile of impact.
The Truman’s deployment to the Red Sea has been particularly troubled. In December, one of its F/A-18 jets was mistakenly fired upon by the USS Gettysburg and crashed into the sea. Both crew members safely ejected.
In another incident in February, the Truman collided with a merchant vessel near Egypt in the Mediterranean Sea. Following that collision, Captain Dave Snowden was relieved of command, and Captain Christopher Hill assumed leadership of the carrier.