In a significant and rare incident of "friendly fire," two U.S. Navy pilots were shot down over the Red Sea in the early hours of December 22, 2024. The pilots, flying an F/A-18 Super Hornet, ejected safely, with one sustaining minor injuries. The incident occurred when the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, part of the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, mistakenly fired upon the aircraft.
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This event underscores the inherent dangers of military operations in high-tension zones, particularly amidst ongoing conflicts. The U.S. military has been actively engaged in the region, countering attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on shipping lanes, which have intensified since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have targeted merchant vessels and naval ships, prompting U.S. and allied forces to conduct airstrikes and defensive operations in response.
At the time of the incident, U.S. forces were executing airstrikes near Yemen's capital, Sana'a, targeting Houthi missile storage and command facilities. The mistaken firing by the USS Gettysburg, which hit the F/A-18, was not a result of hostile action but rather a tragic error in the complex environment of naval warfare. The aircraft involved was from Strike Fighter Squadron 11, known as the "Red Rippers," based out of Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the incident, stating, "The guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, 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." Both pilots were quickly recovered, with one having minor injuries, showcasing the effectiveness of safety and rescue operations even in such dire circumstances.
This incident has prompted an immediate investigation to understand how such a mistake occurred, particularly given the advanced communication and identification systems that should prevent friendly fire. The complexity of modern warfare, with multiple threats in proximity, often leads to split-second decisions that can have unintended consequences. The "friendly fire" incident over the Red Sea is a sobering reminder of the risks military personnel face, even from their own forces, in zones of active conflict. It also highlights the need for continuous improvement in operational protocols to prevent such accidents in the future. The U.S. military has assured a thorough investigation to ensure lessons are learned and applied to enhance safety measures.