The USS Truman, a vital pillar of the US Navy's carrier strike capabilities, has recently made headlines due to several significant incidents during its deployment in the Red Sea. This article explores those events, the ship's ongoing mission, and what they mean for naval operations in the region.
Commissioned in 1998, the USS Truman (CVN-75) serves as a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier. Its main role is to project American sea power worldwide, support air operations, and deter adversaries. Over the years, the USS Truman has participated in multiple critical operations across the globe, making it a cornerstone of US military strategy.
In May 2025, the USS Truman faced two major incidents involving its F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets while stationed in the Red Sea. According to a CNN report, the first mishap occurred as a jet attempted to land on the carrier. Due to a failure in the arrestment system—the mechanism that brings jets to a stop—the aircraft went overboard. Both the pilot and weapons systems officer ejected safely and were rescued by a helicopter. However, the jet was lost at sea.
Just over a week earlier, another Super Hornet suffered a similar fate. The jet, being towed in the USS Truman's hangar bay, unexpectedly slipped overboard, highlighting persistent operational challenges. Both incidents resulted in only minor injuries to the crew. As CBS News confirms, these recent events underscore the risks associated with carrier operations, especially under heightened tensions in the region.
The loss of two advanced fighter jets—each valued at over $60 million—poses a significant logistical and financial setback. More importantly, these incidents stress the importance of constant vigilance and maintenance when operating in high-threat environments. The Red Sea has become increasingly dangerous, with threats from missile and drone attacks by Houthi militants targeting commercial and military vessels. The USS Truman, as reported by ABC News, has played a crucial role in protecting shipping lanes and deterring attacks.
The carrier’s extended deployment, following delays in its scheduled return, reflects the ongoing need for US presence in the area. This extension came after the deployment of another carrier, the USS Carl Vinson, as tensions rose in the region.
While investigations are underway to determine the exact causes of these mishaps, the US Navy continues to adapt its procedures to minimize future risk. These repeated incidents highlight how vital training, maintenance, and crew readiness are when operating advanced platforms like the USS Truman. Despite these challenges, the carrier and its strike group remain essential to US strategic objectives in the Middle East.
The USS Truman remains at the forefront of US naval power. Recent incidents, although concerning, underline the complexity and danger of carrier-based operations in contested waters. As investigations proceed and the crew regains its operational tempo, the US Navy’s commitment to excellence ensures the carrier will continue to play a pivotal role in regional stability. For the latest updates on the USS Truman and related military developments, see coverage by CNN, CBS News, and ABC News.
Stay informed as new details emerge about the USS Truman and its ongoing mission in the Red Sea.