USS Truman Loses Jet and Tow Tractor at Sea; All Personnel Accounted For

The U.S. Navy has confirmed that an F/A-18E Super Hornet and a tow tractor were lost overboard from the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman on Monday during operations at sea.

According to a Navy news release, all personnel have been accounted for following the incident; however, one sailor did sustain a minor injury.

The said incident was associated with the Houthi threat in the Red Sea. A U.S. defense official informed Task & Purpose that the incident occurred as the Truman was performing a sharp turn in reaction to a Houthi assault. Details regarding the nature of the threat have not been disclosed at this time.

The Truman and the USS Carl Vinson are presently stationed in the Red Sea, participating in U.S. operations aimed at countering Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. As of March 15, U.S. military operations have successfully targeted more than 800 sites associated with the Houthi movement.

An aircraft was being towed when the incident took place.

The Navy has reported that a Super Hornet was being towed in the hangar bay when the tow crew lost control of the aircraft. Sailors present at the location successfully evacuated the area before the aircraft and tow tractor plunged into the water.

The Navy reported that the F/A-18E was being towed in the hangar bay when the move crew lost control of the aircraft. Authorities have confirmed that the plane and the tow tractor were lost overboard in a recent incident.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.