U.S. Super Hornet Shot Down in Red Sea Friendly Fire Incident; Pilots Safe

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Sunday, December 22nd, 2024

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RKI Web desk

An American F/A-18F Super Hornet was mistakenly shot down by the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg during operations in the Red Sea.

The aircraft was part of the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group and was flying as part of U.S.-led Operation Prosperity Guardian.

Both aviators aboard the two-seat aircraft ejected safely. One sustained minor injuries, but no lives were lost.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the incident was not caused by hostile fire and announced a full investigation into the matter.

The incident occurred early on December 22, around 3 a.m. local time, near the Red Sea.

USS Gettysburg is responsible for the air defense of the carrier strike group and has over 100 missile launch cells designed to neutralize threats.

The Truman Strike Group’s mission includes protecting merchant ships from Houthi attacks originating in Yemen.

Over the weekend, U.S. forces conducted targeted strikes in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, to disrupt Houthi operations, including missile storage and command centers.

Prior to its Red Sea deployment, the Truman Strike Group operated in the Atlantic near Norway and the U.K. after departing Norfolk on September 23.

CENTCOM’s statement emphasized the non-hostile nature of the incident and the ongoing commitment to regional security and stability.