Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jim Kilby emphasized the Navy’s commitment to learning from these events and implementing changes to prevent similar incidents in the future.

“The Navy is committed to being a learning organization,” said Kilby. “These investigations reinforce the need to continue investing in our people to ensure we deliver battle-ready forces to operational commanders. Despite the challenges, the Sailors of the Harry S. Truman Strike Group demonstrated adaptability, professionalism, and complete commitment to the mission throughout the deployment.” 

Each investigation was conducted independently and thoroughly, in accordance with Navy policy, immediately following the incidents. Appropriate accountability actions have been taken to address these incidents.

Investigations Summary

USS Gettysburg (CG 64) Friendly Fire Incident, (Dec. 22, 2024)

The investigation into the loss of an F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11 in the Red Sea on Dec. 22, 2024 during a friendly fire incident with USS Gettysburg (CG 64) found that a lack of integrated training opportunities between USS Gettysburg and the Carrier Strike Group, lack of forceful backup on the cruiser, and lack of cohesion across the Carrier Strike Group contributed to the misidentification, and subsequent engagement, of the friendly aircraft and near miss of another. There were no personnel casualties or major injuries.

Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) collision with Merchant Vessel BESIKTAS-M, (Feb. 12, 2025)

The investigation into the collision between the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and the merchant vessel BESIKTAS-M near Port Said, Egypt, in the Mediterranean Sea on Feb. 12, 2025, found that the collision was avoidable. The carrier’s bridge team failed to safely navigate past the merchant vessel. No personnel or engineering casualties occurred on either vessel. The Navy relieved the commanding officer of the USS Harry S. Truman in February due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command.

Following the collision, the Harry S. Truman pulled into U.S. Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece. While in port, Forward Deployed Regional Maintenance Center personnel, Norfolk Naval Shipyard, and local industry partner Theodoropoulos Group removed exterior portions of the damaged ship and installed bulkheads inside each of the damaged spaces for weathertight integrity. Following the repairs, the Harry S. Truman returned to the Red Sea to resume combat operations. Complete repair of the damage is scheduled during the ship’s upcoming Refueling and Complex Overhaul at HII-Newport News Shipbuilding.

Loss of F/A-18E Super Hornet and Tow Tractor, (Apr. 28, 2025)

An F/A-18E Super Hornet from VFA-136 and a tow tractor were lost from Truman’s hangar bay on April 28, 2025, during evasive maneuvers in response to an incoming ballistic missile in the Red Sea. While all actions taken were within standard operating procedures, the investigation determined that the primary cause was an aircraft brake system failure, compounded by insufficient communication between the bridge, flight deck control, and hangar bay control. The crew’s quick thinking and resourcefulness prevented any personnel injuries or further damage.

Failure of Arresting Wire Leading to Aircraft Loss, (May 6, 2025)

On May 6, 2025, an F/A-18F Super Hornet from VFA-11 was lost following the failure of the #4 arresting wire aboard Truman. The investigation found the failure was caused by a malfunctioning #4 starboard sheave damper. Contributing factors included inadequate maintenance practices, low manning levels, limited knowledge, and insufficient training. The high operational tempo and combat conditions also contributed to a strained environment. No injuries occurred, and flight operations resumed within hours.

“The Navy’s sustained combat operations in the U.S. Central Command area of operations for the past two years demonstrated our battle effectiveness and ability to maintain freedom of navigation,” said Kilby. “As we reflect on these incidents and ongoing improvement efforts, the Navy remains laser-focused on producing battle ready Sailors and forces to ensure the Navy provides our nation with the most lethal, combat-credible, and ready force possible.”