WASHINGTON (AP) — An F/A-18 fighter jet slipped off the hanger deck of an plane provider deployed to the Middle East, as sailors have been towing the plane into place within the hangar bay of the USS Harry S. Truman on Monday, the Navy mentioned.
The crew members who have been within the pilot seat of the Tremendous Hornet and on the small towing tractor each jumped out earlier than the jet and the tug went into the Crimson Sea. In line with a protection official, the sailor who jumped from the plane sustained a minor damage. The official spoke on situation of anonymity to debate personnel particulars.
“The F/A-18E was actively below tow within the hangar bay when the transfer crew misplaced management of the plane. The plane and tow tractor have been misplaced overboard,” the Navy mentioned in a press release. The jet was a part of Strike Fighter Squadron 136.
Fighter jets are routinely towed across the hangar deck to park them the place they’re wanted for any flight operations or different work. It’s unclear whether or not there will likely be an effort to recuperate the jet, which prices about $60 million. The incident is below investigation.
The Truman has been deployed to the Center East for months and just lately has been concerned in stepped-up army operations in opposition to the Yemen-based Houthi rebels. U.S. Central Command has mentioned that the army has performed each day strikes, which have been carried out by fighter jets, bombers, ships and drones.
The Truman’s deployment has already been prolonged as soon as by Protection Secretary Pete Hegseth by a couple of month.
Source link