Collision and operational mishaps documented
The US Navy released four reports on incidents involving the USS Harry S. Truman and its Carrier Strike Group during their Red Sea deployment from September 2024 to May 2025. The documents describe a February 12, 2025, collision near the Suez Canal between the carrier and a commercial vessel. The Truman was travelling at 19 knots, faster than ordered, and the officer of the deck did not alert the captain as vessels closed distance. The impact caused two hull gashes and damaged internal spaces, including an aviation parachute shop. The commanding officer was later relieved of duty.
Aircraft losses and friendly-fire event recorded
A December 2024 incident involved the USS Gettysburg, which shot down an F/A-18F Super Hornet and fired on a second aircraft after misidentification. The report cites limited training integration and insufficient backup on the bridge. In April 2025, an F/A-18E Super Hornet and a tow tractor went overboard during evasive maneuvers in the Red Sea. Investigators noted communication gaps between the bridge, flight deck, and hangar bay control and an aircraft brake issue. A separate F/A-18F was later lost due to an arresting-gear wire failure, with contributing factors including maintenance shortcomings and low manning.
The Navy stated that all incidents occurred during a high-tempo deployment in which the Truman group was repeatedly targeted by Houthi missiles and drones. The strike group returned to Virginia in May 2025. Full repairs to the collision damage are scheduled during the carrier’s upcoming Refueling and Complex Overhaul at Newport News.
