Two U.S. Navy pilots safely ejected from their F/A-18 fighter jet after the aircraft was mistakenly shot down over the Red Sea on Saturday in an incident of friendly fire, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). The pilots were rescued, with initial reports indicating that one of them sustained minor injuries.
The unfortunate event took place while the F/A-18 was operating from the USS Harry S. Truman. CENTCOM explained that the aircraft was “mistakenly fired upon” by the USS Gettysburg, a guided missile cruiser that is part of the Truman carrier strike group, which had recently arrived in the Middle East.
Currently, a comprehensive investigation is underway, with CENTCOM emphasizing that the incident did not involve hostile enemy fire. Complicating matters, Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for downing an F/A-18 and attacking the USS Harry Truman, but such claims have frequently been found to be unsubstantiated.
The U.S. has maintained a strong naval presence in the region, particularly since the onset of the Gaza conflict, with Houthi forces launching attacks on vessels in the busy Red Sea, justifying their actions as retaliation against U.S. and British military operations targeting their drones and missiles.
On the same day as the incident, the U.S. conducted airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, successfully destroying a missile storage site and a command-and-control facility in the capital, Sana’a, using a combination of Navy F/A-18 fighter jets and U.S. Air Force resources.
Houthi forces announced that they launched a hypersonic ballistic missile towards an Israeli military objective in Tel Aviv’s Jaffa area recently; the missile reportedly impacted without interception, injuring more than a dozen people, though there were no reports of fatalities.
This incident highlights the complex and dangerous situation in the region, underscoring the necessity for clear communications among military assets operating in close proximity. As investigations continue, there is hope that such incidents can be minimized through improved coordination and protocols.
Overall, while the incident presents serious implications, it also serves as a reminder of the bravery and professionalism of military personnel who navigate these risky situations, ensuring the safety of their fellow crew members and ships.