Second US Navy jet is lost at sea from Truman aircraft carrier

CNN - May 7th, 2025
Open on CNN

Another F/A-18 Super Hornet has been lost from the USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea, marking the second such incident within just over a week. The latest incident involved a suspected arrestment failure as the jet attempted to land, causing the pilot and weapons systems officer to eject, both of whom sustained minor injuries. Concurrently, the Iran-backed Houthi rebels reportedly fired at the Truman, despite a ceasefire announcement by President Donald Trump earlier the same day. The connection between the jet's loss and the Houthi attack remains uncertain, with investigations ongoing.

The USS Harry S. Truman has faced several challenges during its deployment in the Red Sea, reflecting broader tensions in the region. The loss of two F/A-18s, each valued at over $60 million, underscores the operational strains faced by US naval forces amid persistent threats, particularly from Houthi forces targeting Red Sea shipping since November 2023. The carrier's troubled history includes previous incidents, such as a collision with a merchant ship and a mistaken firing upon its aircraft by the USS Gettysburg, leading to command changes on the Truman. These developments highlight the strategic and financial implications for US military operations in volatile zones.

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RATING

6.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The news story provides a generally accurate and timely account of recent incidents involving the USS Harry S. Truman and the loss of F/A-18 jets. It effectively captures the attention of readers interested in military and geopolitical developments, addressing topics of public interest and potential controversy. However, the article's impact and engagement are limited by its narrow focus and lack of comprehensive analysis or diverse perspectives. While the use of insider sources adds credibility, the absence of named and authoritative sources reduces the overall source quality. The story would benefit from greater transparency regarding its information-gathering process and a more organized presentation of the timeline and relationships between different incidents. Overall, the article offers a clear and accessible narrative but falls short in providing a balanced and in-depth exploration of the broader implications of the events it describes.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story accurately reports the loss of a second F/A-18 Super Hornet from the USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea, aligning with multiple sources that confirm the incident. The description of the arrestment failure during landing and the subsequent ejection of the crew members is consistent with reported details. However, the story lacks precise confirmation of the cause of the arrestment failure, which remains under investigation, indicating an area needing further verification.

The article mentions a Houthi attack on the Truman and a previous incident involving another F/A-18, both of which are supported by external sources. However, the connection between the Houthi attack and the jet loss is not clearly established, leaving room for potential inaccuracies. The cost of the F/A-18 is correctly stated, adding factual support to the narrative.

Overall, while the story presents a generally accurate account of events, the lack of definitive conclusions about the cause of the arrestment failure and the relationship between the incidents suggests a need for cautious interpretation.

6
Balance

The story primarily focuses on the incidents involving the USS Harry S. Truman and the loss of the F/A-18 jets, providing a detailed account of the events from a military perspective. However, it lacks a broader range of viewpoints, particularly from independent analysts or experts who could provide additional context or alternative interpretations of the events.

The article mentions the Houthi attack and the ceasefire announcement by President Trump, yet it does not explore the perspectives of the Houthi group or other geopolitical stakeholders in the region. This omission limits the story's balance, as it presents a predominantly U.S.-centric viewpoint without acknowledging the complexity of the regional dynamics.

By not including perspectives from the Houthi side or regional experts, the article may inadvertently present a one-sided narrative, potentially leading to an imbalanced understanding of the situation.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear in its language and structure, providing a straightforward account of the incidents involving the USS Harry S. Truman. The use of specific details, such as the description of the arrestment failure and the ejection of the crew, aids in understanding the events.

However, the story could benefit from a more organized presentation of the timeline and relationships between the different incidents mentioned. The transitions between the loss of the jets, the Houthi attack, and previous incidents with the Truman are somewhat abrupt, which may affect the logical flow.

Despite these minor issues, the article maintains a neutral tone and avoids overly complex language, making it accessible to a general audience.

8
Source quality

The article cites 'four people familiar with the matter,' which suggests reliance on insider information. While this can be a strong source of firsthand details, the anonymity of the sources limits the ability to fully assess their credibility and potential biases.

The story also mentions reaching out to the Navy and US Central Command for comments, indicating an effort to obtain official statements. However, the lack of direct quotes or responses from these entities reduces the source diversity and authority.

Overall, while the use of familiar sources provides a level of insider accuracy, the absence of named and diverse sources slightly diminishes the overall source quality.

6
Transparency

The article provides a reasonably clear account of the events, including the loss of the F/A-18 jets and the ongoing investigation. However, it lacks transparency regarding the methodology used to gather information, such as how the sources were selected or the criteria for their reliability.

The story does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest or biases that might affect the reporting. While it mentions reaching out to official entities for comment, it does not clarify whether any responses were received or how they influenced the narrative.

The lack of detailed transparency about the information-gathering process and potential biases limits the reader's ability to fully assess the impartiality of the reporting.

Sources

  1. https://www.twz.com/air/super-hornet-crashed-landing-on-uss-harry-s-truman-its-second-f-a-18-loss-in-a-week
  2. https://bnonews.com/index.php/2025/05/2nd-fighter-jet-lost-from-uss-truman-in-red-sea/
  3. https://ktvz.com/politics/cnn-us-politics/2025/05/06/second-us-navy-jet-is-lost-at-sea-from-truman-aircraft-carrier/
  4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMDYY_wMXDE
  5. https://www.stripes.com/branches/navy/2025-05-01/navy-red-sea-houthi-truman-jet-17644533.html