Two U.S. Navy pilots ejected safely after their F/A-18 fighter jet was accidentally shot down over the Red Sea, as confirmed by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) in a statement released on Saturday. The aircraft had launched from the USS Harry S. Truman when it was mistakenly targeted by the guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, which is part of the same carrier strike group.
According to CENTCOM, both pilots were recovered from the sea, with one sustaining minor injuries. The incident underscores the complexities and risks associated with military operations in close proximity to active combat zones. The USS Gettysburg, a Ticonderoga-class cruiser, had recently entered Middle Eastern waters alongside the Truman carrier strike group, escalating U.S. naval presence in response to ongoing regional tensions.
This incident comes amidst heightened activities in the Red Sea, where U.S. forces have been actively engaged in countering threats from Houthi rebels in Yemen. The U.S. military has not specified the exact nature of the operation involving the F/A-18 at the time of the incident but confirmed that a full investigation is underway to understand how the friendly fire occurred, particularly given the integrated communication systems typically employed by ships in a battle group.
The friendly fire event has sparked discussions on the safety protocols and identification systems used in naval combat operations, especially in areas where friendly and hostile forces are in close quarters. This incident is not the first of its kind but serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers, even when operating within allied forces.
CENTCOM emphasized that the incident was not due to hostile fire, highlighting the accidental nature of the engagement. The U.S. military continues to conduct operations in the region, aimed at protecting shipping lanes and ensuring the safety of maritime traffic amid threats from Houthi forces.
This event also reflects on the broader geopolitical tensions in the area, where U.S. and allied forces are strategically positioned to deter further aggression and maintain stability.
For further details on the incident and updates on the investigation, CENTCOM has promised to release additional information as it becomes available.
