An F/A-18E lands on the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71). 2006 Photo: Chris Thamann / U.S. Navy
The USS Gettysburg guided-missile cruiser accidentally hit an F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet based on the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier during an operation in the Red Sea. As a result of the incident, two pilots ejected in time and were rescued, but one of them suffered minor injuries. This was reported by the Associated Press with reference to the US Central Command (CENTCOM).
“The missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, part of the strike group of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, mistakenly opened fire on an F/A-18 fighter and hit it,” the command said in an official statement.
The incident comes amid high tensions in the region. The US military has previously shot down drones and missiles launched by the Iranian-backed Houthis, who threaten shipping in the Red Sea. CENTCOM officials said that hasty decision-making in the face of the escalating situation was likely the cause of the mistake.
Experts note that this incident highlights the dangerous situation in the Red Sea corridor, where attacks on ships and attempts to disrupt international trade continue. The United States continues to strengthen its presence in the region to ensure the safety of navigation and counter threats from Iranian-backed forces.
