An F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet belonging to the US Navy crashed into the sea as a result of an unfortunate accident that occurred on the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier while sailing in the Red Sea. The official statement made by the US Navy stated that the incident occurred while the aircraft was being pulled into the hangar section of the ship. As a result of the loss of control, the fighter jet drifted into the sea.
Along with the accident, the tractor that was responsible for pulling the plane also fell into the sea. It was reported that a navy personnel was slightly injured during the incident. The US Navy emphasized in a statement after the accident that the sailors towing the plane prevented a bigger disaster by quickly moving away when they realized the plane was going to fall into the sea. It was also stated that a detailed investigation has been launched into the cause of the accident.
The US Navy emphasized that despite this sad event, there was no disruption in the operational capabilities of the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier. It was stated that the aircraft carrier and its accompanying task force continued their operations in the region as planned.
Allegations Behind the Accident: Was the Houthi Attack Effective?
Immediately after the accident, some remarkable claims were made in the US press. According to these reports, it was suggested that the crash of the F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet into the sea could have been due to attacks by the Iranian-backed Houthi forces in Yemen. According to the allegations, the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier was forced to make a sudden and drastic maneuver in order to avoid an attack by the Houthis with missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). In the meantime, the fighter jet on the aircraft carrier crashed into the sea.
These claims were reinforced by statements recently made by the Houthi forces’ military spokesman, Yahya Sare, who said that they had launched a large-scale attack on the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier and its warships in the Red Sea. Sare stated that they used missiles and UAVs in the attacks.
However, the US Navy has not yet confirmed these claims. The official cause of the accident is expected to be clarified after the investigation has been launched. For now, the Navy's priority seems to be to reveal all the details of the incident and take the necessary precautions to prevent similar accidents from happening.
Tension in the Region and US Navy Operations
The Red Sea has long been tense due to the civil war in Yemen and the activities of the Houthi forces in the region. The Houthis, backed by Iran, occasionally launch attacks on commercial ships and international forces sailing in the Red Sea. The US Navy is also actively involved in the region to ensure navigation safety and counter potential threats.
The USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier is also an important military element assigned to the Red Sea in this context. It constitutes an important part of the US power in the region with the fighter jets and other defense systems it carries. This accident has once again revealed the difficulty and potential risks of operations in the region.
Following the accident, the US Navy announced that it is continuing its operations in the region with determination. Navy officials emphasized that the incident did not affect its operational capabilities and would not disrupt security missions in the region. However, such accidents are a reminder of the complexity of military operations and that they always carry potential risks. While the results of the investigation are eagerly awaited, the US Navy's presence and operational activities in the region continue to be closely monitored.
