US fighter jet plunges into sea while dodging Houthi attack
The $60 million error contributes to the growing costs associated with the administration's campaign against the Iran-backed group.
TroibNews 
On Monday, a Navy fighter jet fell overboard as the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier maneuvered to evade fire from the Houthis, according to two defense officials.
The military had been utilizing the $60 million jet in its ongoing campaign against Houthi fighters in Yemen, who have been attacking both commercial and military vessels in the waterway for the past two years.
One sailor sustained injuries in the incident, which also involved the loss of a vehicle designed to tow the aircraft on the carrier's deck. Both the plane and the towing truck sank, as reported by the officials, who requested anonymity to discuss the details of the attack.
This incident contributes to the rising costs associated with efforts against the Houthis, which has already seen the downing of seven MQ-9 drones by the Iran-backed group in recent weeks. Since October 2023, Houthis have downed over a dozen surveillance drones, claiming these actions were part of their support for Hamas in its conflict with Israel. Each drone is valued at more than $20 million.
“The F/A-18E was actively under tow in the hangar bay when the move crew lost control of the aircraft,” the Navy stated. “Sailors towing the aircraft took immediate action to move clear of the aircraft before it fell overboard. An investigation is underway.”
U.S. Central Command has executed more than 800 airstrikes against the Houthis as part of Operation Rough Rider, marking the largest American air campaign since the operations against ISIS during President Donald Trump’s first term, which focused on Syria and Iraq.
Recent strikes have reportedly killed “hundreds of Houthi fighters and numerous Houthi leaders, including senior Houthi missile and [drone] officials,” as stated by Centcom, which has been specifically targeting commanders controlling the group's drone units.
The operation has weakened Houthi capabilities, leading to a 69 percent reduction in ballistic missile launches this year compared to 2024, according to a statement. Launches of one-way attack drones have also diminished by 55 percent.
The ongoing U.S. campaign is part of a broader strategy to intensify pressure on Iran, which continues to supply the Houthis with drones, ballistic missiles, and small arms.
Earlier this year, the Truman was involved in another incident when it collided with a merchant ship near the Suez Canal, resulting in the firing of its commander.
Although the Truman and its escort fleet, comprising destroyers and cruisers, were scheduled to return home last month, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth extended their deployment and ordered another carrier, the USS Carl Vinson, to the region to enhance operations against the Houthis.
Additionally, the Pentagon has relocated at least six B-2 bombers to Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean in recent weeks, positioning them within range of Iran.
Debra A Smith for TROIB News
The military had been utilizing the $60 million jet in its ongoing campaign against Houthi fighters in Yemen, who have been attacking both commercial and military vessels in the waterway for the past two years.
One sailor sustained injuries in the incident, which also involved the loss of a vehicle designed to tow the aircraft on the carrier's deck. Both the plane and the towing truck sank, as reported by the officials, who requested anonymity to discuss the details of the attack.
This incident contributes to the rising costs associated with efforts against the Houthis, which has already seen the downing of seven MQ-9 drones by the Iran-backed group in recent weeks. Since October 2023, Houthis have downed over a dozen surveillance drones, claiming these actions were part of their support for Hamas in its conflict with Israel. Each drone is valued at more than $20 million.
“The F/A-18E was actively under tow in the hangar bay when the move crew lost control of the aircraft,” the Navy stated. “Sailors towing the aircraft took immediate action to move clear of the aircraft before it fell overboard. An investigation is underway.”
U.S. Central Command has executed more than 800 airstrikes against the Houthis as part of Operation Rough Rider, marking the largest American air campaign since the operations against ISIS during President Donald Trump’s first term, which focused on Syria and Iraq.
Recent strikes have reportedly killed “hundreds of Houthi fighters and numerous Houthi leaders, including senior Houthi missile and [drone] officials,” as stated by Centcom, which has been specifically targeting commanders controlling the group's drone units.
The operation has weakened Houthi capabilities, leading to a 69 percent reduction in ballistic missile launches this year compared to 2024, according to a statement. Launches of one-way attack drones have also diminished by 55 percent.
The ongoing U.S. campaign is part of a broader strategy to intensify pressure on Iran, which continues to supply the Houthis with drones, ballistic missiles, and small arms.
Earlier this year, the Truman was involved in another incident when it collided with a merchant ship near the Suez Canal, resulting in the firing of its commander.
Although the Truman and its escort fleet, comprising destroyers and cruisers, were scheduled to return home last month, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth extended their deployment and ordered another carrier, the USS Carl Vinson, to the region to enhance operations against the Houthis.
Additionally, the Pentagon has relocated at least six B-2 bombers to Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean in recent weeks, positioning them within range of Iran.
Debra A Smith for TROIB News
