US Navy skjøt ned eget fly - Associated Press

 

 

American warship shoots down own fighter jet over Red Sea

By

 George Allison

 -

 December 22, 2024

 

Two U.S. Navy pilots ejected safely after their F/A-18 Super Hornet was accidentally shot down by an American warship over the Red Sea, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed. The incident occurred early on Sunday during ongoing U.S. military operations in the region.

The aircraft, which had taken off from the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier, was mistakenly targeted by the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg. According to CENTCOM, “The guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64), which is part of the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, mistakenly fired on and hit the F/A-18, which was flying off the USS Harry S. Truman.”

In a formal statement, CENTCOM added:

“Two U.S. Navy pilots ejected safely over the Red Sea during the early morning hours of December 22 when their F/A-18 fighter aircraft was shot down in an apparent case of friendly fire. Both the pilots were safely recovered. Initial assessments indicate that one of the crew members sustained minor injuries. This incident was not the result of hostile fire, and a full investigation is underway.”

The incident highlights the risks in the Red Sea, a corridor increasingly destabilised by attacks from Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. U.S. forces have been conducting airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen, targeting missile storage and command facilities. The strikes aim to counter Houthi aggression, including frequent missile and drone attacks on merchant vessels and naval ships.

The USS Gettysburg is responsible for air defence within the carrier strike group. Armed with an array of advanced missile systems, the ship’s primary role is to detect and neutralise aerial threats. The mistaken identification of the F/A-18 raises questions about procedural failures and communication lapses within the strike group.

The Harry S. Truman carrier strike group has been deployed since September and recently entered the Red Sea. Prior to this deployment, it operated in the North Atlantic, participating in joint exercises with European allies.

CENTCOM reiterated that the incident was “not the result of hostile fire” and pledged a full investigation. This event marks one of the most severe operational mishaps for U.S. forces in the region in recent years.

The U.S. Navy continues to lead efforts to protect critical shipping lanes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. However, incidents like this underline the complexities and risks of operating in contested maritime environments.