US navy fighter jet falls into Red Sea from aircraft carrier Video

An F/A-18 fighter jet slipped off the deck of a US aircraft carrier operating in the Middle East while being towed into position inside the hangar bay, the Navy said.

Crew members aboard the USS Harry S Truman jumped clear of the F/A-18E Super Hornet and the small towing tractor before both plunged into the Red Sea, Caliber.Az reports per US media.

A defence official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said a sailor sustained a minor injury after jumping from the aircraft.

24/7 operations continue against Iran-backed Houthis from CENTCOM forces aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70).#HouthisAreTerrorists pic.twitter.com/ArFPA86WYo

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 26, 2025

"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," the Navy said.

The fighter jet belonged to Strike Fighter Squadron 136. Fighter aircraft are routinely moved around the hangar deck to position them for flight operations or maintenance. It remains unclear whether there will be an attempt to recover the jet, which is valued at around $60 million.

The incident is under investigation.

The USS Harry S Truman has been deployed to the Middle East for several months and has recently taken part in intensified military operations against Yemen’s Houthi rebels. US Central Command said American forces have been carrying out daily strikes using fighter jets, bombers, ships and drones.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has extended Truman’s deployment by approximately one month.

By Aghakazim Guliyev