U.S. Navy Suffers Over $100 Million in Mishaps and Strain During Red Sea Houthi Campaign
Investigative reports reveal over $100 million in U.S. Navy losses, including friendly fire, collisions, and jet mishaps, during the intense campaign against Yemen's Houthi rebels, highlighting severe operational stress.
CBS NewsIntense operations against Houthis played into Truman Strike Group accidents, Navy finds
Boston HeraldStress of Houthi combat was a key factor in series of costly Navy mishaps, investigations show
Associated PressTakeaways from the Navy's investigations into 4 mishaps during Houthi campaign
Overview
The U.S.-led campaign against Yemen's Houthi rebels, initiated by President Biden in October 2023 and continued by President Trump, has led to significant Navy mishaps and operational strain.
The USS Gettysburg mistakenly fired at friendly F/A-18F fighter jets on December 22, 2024, due to inadequate training and problematic technology, confusing them for Houthi missiles.
The aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman experienced a collision caused by an officer driving at unsafe speeds and failing to respond adequately to a merchant ship, leading to the officer's relief.
Multiple jet losses occurred on the Truman, including two F/A-18F fighter jets going overboard in May 2025 due to a snapped landing cable, and another jet lost during an evasive maneuver in April.
Overall, preventable incidents resulted in over $100 million in Navy losses, including three aircraft, damage to the Truman, and injuries to sailors, exacerbated by extended deployment and crew sleep deprivation.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover the Navy's investigative reports into USS Harry S. Truman's mishaps neutrally by presenting the official findings without editorializing. They detail the causes identified in the reports, such as high operational tempo, crew stress, and maintenance failures, attributing all conclusions to the investigations or involved officers, ensuring factual reporting.