The downing of a US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet over the Red Sea on December 21, 2023, initially attributed to a “friendly fire” incident involving the USS Gettysburg, has revealed a far more complex and concerning series of events. Not only was the downed Hornet hit by a surface-to-air missile (SM-2) from the Gettysburg, but a second Super Hornet, mere miles behind and preparing to land on the USS Harry S. Truman, narrowly escaped the same fate. This second missile, also fired from the Gettysburg, missed the incoming jet by a mere 100 feet, forcing the crew to take drastic evasive maneuvers. This near-catastrophic event raises serious questions about the training and operational procedures aboard the Gettysburg and has sparked outrage among Navy pilots. The Navy has launched an investigation into the incident, focusing on whether the second missile was intentionally targeted at the second jet and whether the Gettysburg’s crew deactivated the missile’s guidance system.
The official narrative, released by US Central Command (CENTCOM), stated that the Gettysburg mistakenly fired upon and hit the first F/A-18. However, insider sources contradict this account, asserting that the downed Hornet was a tanker aircraft returning from refueling other jets involved in airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. The tanker crew, recognizing the incoming missile, ejected seconds before impact and were subsequently rescued by helicopter, with one crew member sustaining minor injuries. Crucially, neither CENTCOM nor the Pentagon has acknowledged the near-miss of the second Super Hornet, a detail that significantly alters the scope and severity of the incident. The source’s stark assessment, “The cruiser almost shot down two friendly jets,” highlights the potential for a much larger tragedy.
The “friendly fire” incident occurred shortly after the Truman strike group arrived in the Red Sea and initiated its first strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. Concurrent with these strikes, US forces reported downing multiple Houthi drones and an anti-ship cruise missile over the Red Sea. The hostile environment, with American warships under fire, may have contributed to the chaotic circumstances surrounding the missile launches from the Gettysburg. However, the near-simultaneous firing of two missiles, one hitting its target and the other narrowly missing a second friendly aircraft, suggests a systemic failure rather than a simple, isolated error.
The incident has exposed significant concerns about the preparedness and training of the crew aboard the Gettysburg. Navy pilots have expressed anger and questioned the adequacy of training protocols, pointing to the near-downing of two US aircraft as evidence of serious deficiencies. Furthermore, the secrecy surrounding the second near-miss raises questions about transparency and accountability within the Navy. The lack of official acknowledgment, coupled with the conflicting narratives about the first downing, fuels speculation about a potential cover-up to mitigate the severity of the incident.
The broader implications of this incident extend beyond the immediate operational failures. The incident occurred against the backdrop of ongoing tensions with Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, a volatile region where even minor miscalculations can escalate into larger conflicts. The friendly fire incident underscores the inherent risks of operating in such a complex environment and highlights the need for rigorous training and clear communication protocols to prevent similar occurrences. Furthermore, the incident’s potential to damage the credibility and operational readiness of the US Navy cannot be ignored.
The ongoing investigation must thoroughly examine all aspects of the incident, including the rules of engagement, communication protocols, and the training and experience of the crew involved. The Navy’s response will be critical not only for determining accountability but also for restoring confidence in its operational capabilities and preventing future tragedies. Transparency in the investigation’s findings is essential to maintain public trust and ensure that appropriate corrective measures are implemented. The near-loss of two US fighter jets should serve as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of errors in judgment and the importance of maintaining the highest standards of training and operational readiness in a complex and dangerous world.
