A U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet jet was shot down over the Red Sea in a shocking friendly fire incident, raising questions about military coordination and safety protocols.
At a Glance
- USS Gettysburg mistakenly fired on and hit a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet jet
- Both pilots ejected safely, with one sustaining minor injuries
- The incident occurred amid ongoing U.S. operations against Houthi rebels in Yemen
- CENTCOM has launched an investigation into the friendly fire incident
- The F/A-18 Super Hornet is valued at approximately $55.7 million
Friendly Fire Incident Details
In a startling turn of events, the U.S. Navy experienced a friendly fire incident over the Red Sea when an F/A-18 Super Hornet jet was mistakenly shot down by the USS Gettysburg, a guided-missile cruiser. The incident, which occurred late Saturday, involved aircraft from the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group.
According to CENTCOM, “The guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64), which is part of the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, mistakenly fired on and hit the F/A-18, which was flying off the USS Harry S. Truman. Both pilots were safely recovered. Initial assessments indicate that one of the crew members sustained minor injuries.”
🇺🇸"U.S. SUPER HORNET SHOT DOWN OVER RED SEA"
Two U.S. Navy pilots safely ejected over the Red Sea on Sunday after the F/A-18 fighter jet they were in was shot down by what appeared to be friendly fire.
The guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, part of the USS Harry S. Truman… pic.twitter.com/poru69ww0z
— WORLD AT WAR (@World_At_War_6) December 22, 2024
Ongoing Operations and Investigation
The friendly fire incident occurred against the backdrop of ongoing U.S. military operations in the region. Prior to the incident, CENTCOM had conducted “precision airstrikes against a missile storage facility and a command-and-control facility operated by Iran-backed Houthis within Houthi-controlled territory in Sana’a, Yemen.” These operations highlight the complex and potentially dangerous environment in which U.S. Forces are operating.
CENTCOM has launched an investigation into the incident to determine the cause and prevent similar occurrences in the future. The investigation will likely scrutinize communication protocols, target identification procedures, and the overall coordination between naval vessels and aircraft in the region.
F/A-18 Super Hornet: A Valuable Asset
The F/A-18 Super Hornet is a critical component of the U.S. Navy’s air power. Boeing, the manufacturer of the aircraft, describes it as “able to perform virtually every mission in the tactical spectrum.” This versatility makes the Super Hornet a valuable asset in various combat scenarios.
With recent purchases priced at $55.7 million per aircraft, the loss of an F/A-18 Super Hornet represents a significant financial setback for the Navy. Beyond the monetary value, the incident raises concerns about the potential impact on operational capabilities and the need for enhanced safeguards in complex military environments.
The friendly fire incident occurred amidst escalating tensions in the Red Sea. The U.S. military has been conducting airstrikes against Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who have targeted approximately 100 merchant vessels since October 2023. The Houthis claim to be targeting ships linked to Israel, the U.S., or the UK, although many attacked vessels have no connection to the conflict.
