This article is based on an official press release from the U.S. Navy and accompanying investigation reports.

Navy Investigation Reveals $164 Million in Damages Across Four Major Incidents During Truman Deployment

On December 4, 2025, the U.S. Navy released the findings of four separate investigations into serious mishaps that occurred during the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group’s (CSG) recent deployment. Spanning from September 2024 to May 2025, the deployment was marked by high-intensity combat operations in the Red Sea but was also marred by a series of preventable errors, equipment failures, and communication breakdowns.

According to the official release and investigation reports, the incidents resulted in approximately $164 million in damages. While there was no loss of life, the mishaps included a friendly fire shootdown, a collision with a merchant vessel, and the loss of two additional Military-Aircraft. The findings paint a picture of a fleet under extreme strain, operating in a high-threat environment dubbed “Operation Rough Rider.”

Breakdown of the Four Investigated Incidents

The Navy’s investigations detailed four distinct events that contributed to the significant financial and operational toll of the deployment. These incidents ranged from mechanical failures to severe lapses in judgment and situational awareness.

1. Friendly Fire Incident (December 22, 2024)

Perhaps the most alarming incident occurred just one week after the strike group entered the Red Sea. The guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG-64) fired an SM-2 missile at a friendly F/A-18F Super Hornet returning to the carrier, destroying the aircraft. Both crew members ejected safely and were rescued.

Investigators found that the incident was driven by a combination of system failures and human error. The cruiser’s Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system and Link 16 data link were reportedly degraded, preventing automatic identification of the jet. However, the crew failed to report these malfunctions up the chain of command. Compounding the issue were fatigue and a lack of integrated training between the ship and the air wing.

“Watchstanders were operating under extreme fatigue, with some on duty for over nine hours in a high-threat environment.”

, Investigation Findings

As a result of these failures, the Commanding Officer of the USS Gettysburg was relieved of command.

2. Collision at Sea (February 12, 2025)

In February, the USS Harry S. Truman collided with the merchant vessel M/V Besiktas-M near Port Said, Egypt. The collision left a 15-foot gash in the carrier’s hull and damaged a sponson. The investigation deemed the event “fully avoidable,” citing the bridge team’s failure to maintain situational awareness and the decision to travel at an unsafe speed for the conditions.

Following the incident, Capt. Dave Snowden, Commanding Officer of the USS Harry S. Truman, was relieved of duty due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command.

3. Hangar Bay Aircraft Loss (April 28, 2025)

During a high-speed evasive maneuver to avoid an incoming Houthi ballistic missile, an F/A-18E Super Hornet and a tow tractor fell overboard from the hangar bay. The primary cause was identified as a brake system failure on the aircraft, exacerbated by poor communication between the bridge, flight deck control, and hangar bay control.

4. Arresting Wire Failure (May 6, 2025)

The final major incident involved the loss of an F/A-18F Super Hornet during a landing attempt. The #4 arresting wire failed due to a malfunctioning sheave damper caused by improper installation, specifically, a missing or improper clevis washer. The investigation cited “substandard maintenance practices” and low manning levels as contributing factors.

Operational Context and “Signalgate” Controversy

The deployment took place under the banner of “Operation Rough Rider,” a campaign aimed at degrading Houthi capabilities in Yemen. The air wing conducted over 1,000 air strikes and sustained operations for 52 days, including periods of 72 hours of continuous flight. This high operational tempo contributed significantly to crew fatigue and equipment strain.

Parallel to the operational findings, a political controversy known as “Signalgate” has drawn scrutiny to the deployment. Reports allege that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used an unsecure Signal group chat to share classified details regarding “Operation Rough Rider.” Critics, including Sen. Mark Warner, have suggested that such breaches may have endangered the lives of pilots by potentially exposing mission details to adversaries.

AirPro News Analysis

The release of these investigation results highlights a critical tension between operational tempo and fleet readiness. While individual commanders were held accountable for specific failures, the recurring themes of “degraded equipment,” “low manning,” and “training gaps” suggest systemic challenges within the fleet. The friendly fire incident, in particular, serves as a stark reminder of the “Fog of War,” demonstrating how quickly technology and communication can degrade in actual combat scenarios. As the Navy continues to face sustained threats in regions like the Red Sea, the balance between maintaining high-intensity operations and ensuring basic maintenance and training standards will likely remain a focal point for naval leadership.

Sources

Sources: U.S. Navy Press Release