On 4 December 2025, the US Navy released investigations related to the four incidents at sea that occurred during Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group’s September 2024 to May 2025 deployment. These investigations assessed underlying procedural compliance and standards and reviewed how a Carrier Strike Group prepares for and responds to adversity during combat operations.
The Vice Chief of Naval Operations Admiral 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 VCNO. “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.”
The US Navy media release stated “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
The investigation into the loss of an F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11 in the Red Sea on 22 December 2024 during a friendly fire incident with USS Gettysburg found that a lack of integrated training opportunities between 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.
USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) collision with Merchant Vessel Besiksta-M
The investigation into the collision between the USS Harry S. Truman and the merchant vessel Besiksta-M near Port Said, Egypt, in the Mediterranean Sea on 12 February 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 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 US 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
An F/A-18E Super Hornet from VFA-136 and a tow tractor were lost from Truman’s hangar bay on 28 April 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
On 6 May 2025, an F/A-18F Super Hornet from VFA-11 was lost following the failure of the #4 arresting wire aboard the Harry S. 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 US 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.”