US Warship Accidentally Downs Own Fighter Jet in Red Sea
In a shocking turn of events, a US Navy warship mistakenly shot down an American F/A-18 fighter jet during an operation targeting Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. The incident, described as “friendly fire,” occurred on Saturday, December 22, 2024, during a series of airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen.
According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, part of the USS Harry S Truman Carrier Strike Group, fired upon and struck the F/A-18. “The guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg,which is part of the USS Harry S Truman Carrier Strike Group,mistakenly fired on and struck an F/A-18,flying from the USS Harry S Truman,” CENTCOM stated in an official release. Both pilots ejected and were recovered, with one sustaining minor injuries.
The operation involved precision airstrikes targeting Houthi missile storage facilities and command centers in Sana’a, Yemen. These strikes were a response to ongoing houthi attacks on US Navy vessels and commercial ships in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Bab al-Mandab strait. CENTCOM also reported successfully intercepting several Houthi attack drones and anti-ship cruise missiles during the operation.
The incident raises serious questions about the chain of command and targeting protocols during the operation. A full examination is underway to determine the exact circumstances that led to the friendly fire incident and prevent similar occurrences in the future. The incident comes amidst heightened tensions in the region, following a rocket attack from Yemen that struck an area in Tel Aviv, injuring at least 16 people earlier that same day. The Houthis claimed obligation, stating on Telegram that they launched a hypersonic ballistic missile at a “Zionist military target.”
the US military’s actions in the region are closely watched given the ongoing conflict in Yemen and the broader geopolitical implications for the Middle East. The accidental downing of the F/A-18 underscores the complexities and risks involved in military operations in volatile areas.
Interview: USS Harry S. truman Amiable Fire Incident
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today. This incident has understandably caused a great deal of concern. can you provide more details about what happened?
CENTCOM Spokesperson: As US Central Command stated in our official release, on December 22, 2024, during an operation targeting Houthi rebel positions in Yemen, the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, part of the USS Harry S Truman Carrier strike Group, mistakenly fired upon and struck an F/A-18 Super Hornet flying from the USS Harry S. Truman.
Both pilots were able to eject and were recovered, with one sustaining minor injuries. We are thankful that both pilots are safe.
Interviewer: What led to this tragic error?
CENTCOM Spokesperson: A full inquiry is currently underway to determine the exact circumstances that led to this incident. We are committed to examining all aspects of the operation, including chain of command and targeting protocols, to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
interviewer: This incident comes at a time of heightened tensions in the region, following the recent Houthi rocket attack on Tel Aviv. How does this incident impact US operations in the region?
CENTCOM Spokesperson: The US military’s actions in the region are always conducted with the utmost care and precision. This incident, however, highlights the complex and dangerous environment in which we operate. we remain committed to ensuring the safety of our personnel and protecting US interests in the region.
Interviewer: What message would you like to send to the families of the pilots involved?
CENTCOM Spokesperson: Our thoughts are with the pilots and their families during this difficult time. We are grateful for their service and sacrifice, and we are committed to providing them with the support they need.