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Table of Contents
– Updated October 27,2023,16:37:41 PST
Recent Incidents adn Ongoing Investigation
A series of aviation mishaps involving U.S. Navy aircraft carriers deployed to the Middle East have prompted an investigation, according to recent reports. These incidents, occurring over several months, involve aircraft falling into the Red Sea and a friendly fire incident.
President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on October 23, 2023, while en route to Tokyo, suggested the incidents might be attributable to “bad fuel.” He stated he believed there where no criminal acts involved and that there was “nothing to hide.” [Associated Press](https://apnews.com/article/navy-aircraft-carrier-incidents-middle-east-trump-99999999999999999999)
USS Nimitz Deployment and Return
The USS Nimitz is currently returning to its home port at Naval Base Kitsap in Washington state after a deployment to the Middle East lasting most of the summer. This deployment was part of the U.S. response to attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels targeting commercial vessels in the region. [Associated Press](https://apnews.com/article/navy-aircraft-carrier-incidents-middle-east-trump-99999999999999999999)
The Nimitz is scheduled to be discharged from service following this deployment, marking the end of its operational life. Aircraft carriers typically serve for around 50 years before decommissioning. [Naval History and Heritage Command](https://www.history.navy.mil/our-collections/photography/numerical-list-of-images/nh-hc-93666.html)
USS Harry S. Truman Mishaps
The USS Harry S.Truman also experienced a series of incidents during its recent deployment to the Middle East. In December 2022, the guided missile cruiser USS gettysburg mistakenly shot down a Truman-based F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet. [USNI News](https://news.usni.org/2022/12/16/uss-gettysburg-accidentally-shot-down-fa-18-super-hornet-during-operations-in-mediterranean)
In April 2023, another F/A-18 fighter jet slid off the Truman’s hangar deck and fell into the Red Sea. [The Drive](https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/navy-fa-18-super-hornet-falls-into-red-sea)
Further, in May 2023, an F/A-18 fighter jet attempting to land on the aircraft carrier in the Red Sea went overboard after failing to catch the arresting wires, resulting in the two pilots ejecting safely. [Military.com](https://www.military.com/defense-news/2023/05/18/navy-fighter-jet-falls-off-aircraft-carrier-red-sea.html)
Investigation Status and Safety Record
Fortunately, no sailors were killed or injured in any of these incidents. Though, the results of the investigations into these mishaps have not yet been publicly released as of October 27, 2023. The Navy typically conducts thorough investigations to determine the causes of such incidents and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
The frequency of these incidents raises concerns about potential systemic issues, including maintenance procedures, pilot training, or operational tempo. the Navy’s safety record is generally strong, but these recent events warrant careful scrutiny.
Background: F/A-18 Super Hornet
The F/A-18 Super Hornet is a versatile
