In a surprising turn of events, two US Navy pilots safely ejected from their F/A-18 fighter jet over the Red Sea. The incident occurred early Sunday when the aircraft was mistakenly shot down by the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, part of the USS Harry S Truman Carrier Strike Group. This was described by military officials as "an apparent case of friendly fire."
According to the US military's Central Command, one of the pilots sustained minor injuries. The US Navy has been actively patrolling the region to counter attacks on commercial ships by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, following the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Just a day before the incident, US forces conducted precision airstrikes in Yemen targeting a missile storage facility and a command-and-control center used by the Houthis. The operation involved the US Air Force and Navy, including F/A-18 aircraft, and successfully intercepted multiple Houthi drones and an anti-ship cruise missile over the Red Sea.
The US Navy is the naval warfare branch of the United States Armed Forces. It is responsible for protecting the country by sea and has ships, submarines, and aircraft.
When pilots eject, they use a special seat in their aircraft that shoots them out and away from the plane in an emergency. This helps them escape safely if the plane is in trouble.
Friendly fire is when a military accidentally attacks its own forces instead of the enemy. It is a mistake that can happen during complex operations.
The Red Sea is a large body of water located between Africa and Asia. It is an important route for ships traveling between Europe and Asia.
The USS Gettysburg is a ship in the US Navy. It is named after the Battle of Gettysburg, a significant battle in American history.
A Carrier Strike Group is a group of ships led by an aircraft carrier, like the USS Harry S Truman. It includes other ships and submarines that work together for military missions.
Houthi rebels are a group in Yemen that is fighting against the government. They have been involved in a conflict in the region for several years.
Yemen is a country in the Middle East, located on the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula. It has been experiencing conflict and war for many years.
Airstrikes are attacks carried out by aircraft, where bombs or missiles are dropped on specific targets. They are used in military operations to destroy enemy facilities or equipment.
Drones are unmanned flying machines that can be used for surveillance or to carry out attacks. They are controlled remotely and do not have a pilot on board.
A cruise missile is a type of missile that flies at a low altitude and can be guided to hit a specific target. It is used in military operations to destroy important enemy sites.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *