Mechanical Failures and Human Error Identified
In December 2024, the USS Gettysburg mistakenly shot down an F-18 Super Hornet fighter, believing it to be an incoming missile.
The fighter jet was part of a group returning from a mission targeting Houthi positions in Yemen when the Gettysburg launched two SM-2 surface-to-air missiles.
This “friendly fire” incident marked the beginning of a series of serious accidents during the Truman Carrier Strike Group’s deployment to the Middle East from September 2024 to June 2025.
Throughout this period, the USS Truman lost two additional F-18s and collided with a merchant vessel near the Suez Canal before its return to Norfolk on June 1. Navy investigations released recently deemed each incident preventable.
“The Navy is committed to being a learning organization,” stated Adm. Jim Kilby, vice chief of naval operations. “These investigations reinforce the need for continued investment in our personnel to ensure we deliver battle-ready forces.”
A shift change occurred in Gettysburg’s Combat Information Center just as the F-18s were returning. The new operators were unaware of a malfunction in the ship’s Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system, which tracks friendly aircraft.
The returning jets appeared as unknown contacts despite multiple indicators suggesting they were friendly, according to reports.
The pilot and Weapons Systems Officer ejected moments before their F-18 was struck by a missile. They were later rescued from the water. The Gettysburg also targeted another Super Hornet, but that missile failed before impact.
The captain of USS Gettysburg was relieved of duty after his actions came under scrutiny following these events. The investigation noted that his situational awareness was low and that his decision-making was questionable.
A couple of months later, USS Truman collided with a merchant ship near Port Said, Egypt. The carrier was moving into position for transit through the canal when it struck M/V Besiktas-M, resulting in damage but no injuries reported.
Navy officials attributed this collision to poor seamanship and inadequate training among bridge crew members.
In April 2025, equipment failure led to two F-18 Super Hornets sinking into the Red Sea during an evasive maneuver against an incoming missile. A third jet was lost due to malfunctioning arresting gear during landing attempts shortly thereafter.
The investigation highlighted issues such as high operational tempo and insufficient training as contributing factors.
