TWO NAVY PILOTS SURVIVE 'FRIENDLY FIRE' INCIDENT OVER THE RED SEA
A rare misstep led to two pilots for the U.S. Navy fighting against Yemen’s Houthi rebels being involved in a friendly fire incident over the Red Sea. There are plenty of questions being asked on how this rare event occurred; however, it’s worth noting that the confusion comes at a time when the Navy is ramping up its efforts to defend the region.
Navy Pilots Shot in Friendly Fire Fighting Houthis Over the Red Sea
On December 23, 2024, two U.S. Navy pilots were shot due to friendly fire while fighting over the Red Sea against Houthi forces.
Thankfully, both are back in the custody of the Navy after ejecting from their aircraft; however, one did suffer minor injuries as a result.
It’s a puzzling event stemming from increased attacks against the Houthi rebels that continue to attack shipping vessels trying to navigate one of the world’s most important trade routes.
The aircraft struck by friendly fire over the Red Sea, an F/A-18 Super Hornet, had just left the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier when it was hit by a strike from the USS Gettysburg.
The Military is Investigating the Error
All of the details won’t likely be available any time soon as the military continues to investigate the error; however, what we do know is that a two-seat F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet within the Red Rippers of Strike Fighter Squadron 11 from Naval Air Station Oceana, VA, was the incorrect target.
The cause of the error from the USS Gettysburg is still unclear and particularly concerning, considering the use of radio and radar within battle groups.
Still, no matter how rare, accidents do happen and the mix-up comes at a time when the Navy was fighting multiple Houthi drones as well as an anti-ship cruise missile. During these types of attacks, Sailors may have to mere seconds to assess and react.
Uncommon, Unlikely, But Not Impossible
One of the negatives involving modern conventional warfare is that friendly fire may be more common than you think, equating to 10% to 15% of casualties to U.S. troops in some cases.
However, when it comes to incidents involving aircraft, those figures drop dramatically, as there were only 45 known qualifying friendly fire accounts reported as of 2015 in 140,000 missions.
Still, regardless of how rare these events may be, they highlight yet another risk that warfighters take on when defending our freedom.
Friendly Fire Comes as USS Harry S. Truman Increases Strikes on Houthis
In response to the War in Gaza, Yemen rebels have been attacking ships in the Red Sea, drawing international criticism and responses.
Part of this is why the U.S. has sent multiple warships to defend the area and keep vessels safer while transporting goods.
It’s a vicious cycle where an American presence increases attacks, as seen before when the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower deployed earlier in 2024, yet with nothing to deter the terrorists, attacks are hitting civilian boats from all over the world.
Warplanes struck near Sanaa, Yemen, the nation’s capital, while other reports from Houthi-controlled media claimed attacks near Hodeida, a port city.
Since October 2023, around 100 vessels have been the target of missiles and drones from rebels. Two have been sunk, which killed four, and another was stolen.
Despite claims by the Houthis that they are attacking Israeli ships, the reality is, that many of the victims or would-be victims have nothing to do with the Middle Eastern nation. However, the group has been also increasing attacks against Israel as of late.
Hopefully, the friendly fire incident over the Red Sea remains an exception and the military can learn from whatever caused the accident that could have been far worse.
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