$60 Million Fighter Jet Rolls Off Aircraft Carrier

by Staff Writer 29-04-2025 | 10:02 AM

COLOMBO (News 1st); In a twist that sounds like something out of a naval comedy, the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) experienced an unexpected loss when an F/A-18E Super Hornet decided to take a swim in the Red Sea on April 28, 2025.

The aircraft, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136, was being towed in the hangar bay when the crew lost control, resulting in both the aircraft and the tow tractor going overboard.

Thankfully, all personnel involved are accounted for, with one sailor sustaining a minor injury.

The incident is under investigation, but the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group and its air wing remain fully mission capable.

Full Stratement:

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) lost an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136 and a tow tractor as the aircraft carrier operated in the Red Sea, April 28. All personnel are accounted for, with one Sailor sustaining a minor injury.

The F/A-18E was actively under tow in the hangar bay when the move crew lost control of the aircraft. The aircraft and tow tractor were lost overboard.

Sailors towing the aircraft took immediate action to move clear of the aircraft before it fell overboard. An investigation is underway.

The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group and embarked air wing remain fully mission capable.

The strike group consists of flagship Harry S. Truman, the nine squadrons of Carrier Air Wing 1, three guided-missile destroyers of Destroyer Squadron 28, and the Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64).