Sub-Unit One, 1st Radio Bn.(-) (Rein)
1st MarDiv FMF
SFO 90001
From: Commanding Officer, 1st Radio Battalion
To: HQ, NavCommOps, FMPAC,
Subj: Aircraft Carrier Mishap, Red Sea: After Action Report
Enc. (1) Submitted with this report. CLASSIFIED
PART II: NARRATIVE SUMMARY
PART III: TECHNICAL ASPECTS
PART IV: CIVIL AFFAIRS
PART V: SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
PART I: ORGANIZATIONAL DATA
Organizational chart structure for the USS Harry S. Truman incident response, based on standard naval hierarchy and ICS principles adapted to this specific event:
1. Incident Command Structure
Incident Commander
(Carrier Commanding Officer - O6 Captain)
├─ Safety Officer (Investigates deck procedures/equipment failure)
├─ Public Affairs Officer (Handles media inquiries about $60M loss)
├─ Legal Counsel (Advises on liability/recovery implications)
└─ Liaison Officer (Coordinates with Houthi threat response teams)
2. Operational Response Structure
Operations Section Chief (Air Boss/Deputy CO)
├─ Flight Deck Division
│ └─ Towing Crew Supervisor (Directly involved in accident)
├─ Air Wing Commander (CAG) (O5/O6 - Oversees aviation units)
│ ├─ Squadron Commanders (F/A-18E unit leadership)
│ └─ Maintenance Officers (Aircraft handling protocols)
└─ Navigation Branch (Analyzes evasive maneuvers during Houthi attack)
3. Support Elements
Logistics Section Chief (Supply Dept Head)
├─ Salvage Unit (Assesses recovery feasibility in Red Sea)
├─ Medical Unit (Treats injured sailor - minor reported injury)
└─ Equipment Unit (Investigates tow tractor failure)
4. Planning Section Chief (Operations Officer)
├─ Situation Unit (Tracks Houthi threat status)
├─ Resources Unit (Manages aircraft inventory status)
└─ Demobilization Unit (Plans recovery/continuity ops)
5. Finance/Admin Section (Ship's Admin Officer)
└─ Cost Analysis Unit ($60M loss assessment/insurance)
6. External Coordination
Intelligence/Investigations Section (NCIS/Navy JAG)
├─ Accident Investigation Board (Formal Navy inquiry team)
└─ Combat Systems Integration (Houthi drone/missile threat analysis)
PART II: NARRATIVE SUMMARY
1. On April 28, 2025, a U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet was lost at sea after falling from the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier during operations in the Red Sea. The $60 million aircraft, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 136, was being towed in the hangar bay when the crew lost control, causing both the jet and its tow tractor to plunge into the water.
2. Cause:
a. Early reports suggest the carrier executed a sharp evasive maneuver to avoid incoming Houthi drone/missile fire, contributing to the loss of control during towing.
3. Casualties:
a. All personnel were accounted for, with one sailor sustaining minor injuries after jumping clear.
4. Operational context:
a. The Truman Carrier Strike Group has been actively engaged in U.S. military operations against Houthi rebels in Yemen, conducting daily strikes since March.
5. Investigation:
a. The Navy confirmed the aircraft submerged and launched an inquiry, while maintaining the strike group remains "fully mission capable."
6. Casualties:
a. Minor injury to one sailor, non-combat related.
PART III: TECHNICAL ASPECTS
1. Aircraft and Equipment
a. Aircraft type: F/A-18E Super Hornet.
b. Assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 136.
c. Cost:
(1) Reported between $56 million and $70 million.
(2) Most sources citing ~$60 million.
2. Tow tractor:
a. A small vehicle used to maneuver aircraft in hangar bays.
3. Operational Circumstances
a. Location:
(1) Hangar bay of USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75).
4. Activity:
a. Routine towing operation to reposition aircraft for flight operations.
5. Recovery status:
a. Aircraft submerged, recovery efforts deemed unlikely due to operational constraints.
PART IV: CIVIL AFFAIRS
The loss of a U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet from the USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea on April 28, 2025, drew immediate media attention and official responses:
1. Press Coverage
a. Incident Details:
(1) Major outlets like CNN, CBS News, and Reuters reported the jet’s loss during routine towing operations, emphasizing its $60–70 million value.
2. Official Statements
a. Navy Response:
(1) The Navy confirmed the aircraft and tow tractor were lost overboard during hangar bay operations, with personnel accounted for and an investigation launched.
3. Social Media and Public Reaction
a. No direct social media commentary from official accounts was cited in reports. However, the incident’s timing amid heightened Middle East tensions-particularly Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping.
4. USS Harry S. Truman Attack:
a. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree announced a joint operation involving naval, air, and missile forces targeting the USS Harry S. Truman and its accompanying warships in response to U.S. strikes.
PART V: SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
1. (In progress)
a. Data sources:
(1) Perplexity AI.
(2) Available media, social media outlets.
2. Image:
https://www.radioblvd.com/wwii_communications_gear_part1.htm
3. Report prepared by JCL, USMC, (212Xxxx-2533)
China Beach Comm Relay, RVN.
END OF REPORT
CLASSIFIED