250401-N-SN530-1046 U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (April 1, 2025) An F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 81, prepares for launch on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) during flight operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Navy photo)
The KNIGHT HAWKS of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136 have one less jet this week, after an F/A-18E Super Hornet fell off the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) in the Red Sea.
The $60 million dollar single-seat jet was being loaded on the aircraft elevator, when the crew towing it lost control on April 28 as the ship pulled an evasive maneuver to avoid Houthi fire.
According to the Navy, everyone involved was able to move clear of the jet as it rolled off the ship with the tow tractor. One crew member sustained minor injuries. An investigation is underway.
Truman Currently Engaged in Operation Rough Rider
The KNIGHT HAWKS and greater Carrier Air Wing 1 flying from CVN-75 have been in the Red Sea since February. They have been busy, engaged in Operation Rough Rider, an intense campaign targeting Houthi rebels in Yemen to “restore freedom of navigation and American deterrence in the region,” according to U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM). The Houthis are backed by Iran.
The Houthis are claiming responsibility, saying they launched a drone and missile attack on the Truman.
Thus far, forces have struck over 800 targets, killing hundreds of Houthi fighters and many of their leaders. Multiple command-and-control facilities have been taken out, along with air defense systems, advanced weapons manufacturing facilities, and advanced weapons storage locations.
Despite being 1 jet down now, CVN-75 remains fully mission ready.
Killian is our Assistant Editor & a full time aerospace photojournalist. He covers both spaceflight and military / civilian aviation & produces stories, original content & reporting for various media & publishers. Over the years he’s been onboard NASA’s space shuttles, flown jet shoots into solar eclipses, launched off aircraft carriers, has worked with the Blue Angels & most of the air show industry, & has flown photo shoots with almost every vintage warbird that is still airworthy.