A US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet assigned to USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) aircraft carrier sailing in the Mediterranean Sea blew off the ship’s deck last week during heavy weather.
A US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet assigned to USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) aircraft carrier sailing in the Mediterranean Sea blew off the ship’s deck last week during heavy weather, the Navy said on Jul. 10, 2022.
The US 6th Fleet said in a statement;
‘On July 8, 2022, an F/A-18 Super Hornet assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, embarked aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), blew overboard due to unexpected heavy weather in the Mediterranean Sea. The carrier was conducting a replenishment-at-sea, which was safely terminated through established procedures.
‘All personnel aboard the ship are accounted for.
‘One Sailor received minor injuries while conducting operations during the unexpected heavy weather. The Sailor is in stable condition and expected to make a full recovery.
‘USS Harry S. Truman and embarked aircraft remain full mission capable.
‘Details and the cause of the incident are under investigation.’
That incident was not related to the F/A-18 Super Hornet going overboard, and all other personnel were accounted for, said Cmdr. Richlyn Ivey, a spokeswoman for US 6th Fleet.
No one was on board the plane, and no personnel were in the immediate vicinity when the aircraft blew off the ship’s deck. A determination about recovering the aircraft was being reviewed, Ivey said.
It wasn’t clear where in the Mediterranean the Truman was when the incident occurred, but USNI News reported on Jul. 7 that the ship was in the Ionian Sea.
According to Stars and Stripes, the USS Truman was conducting a replenishment at sea with the USNS Robert E. Peary and USNS Supply, which was safely ended, according to the statement. Forecasted weather was not expected to impact the replenishment, Ivey said.
The Truman was deployed to the Mediterranean in December as concerns mounted about a buildup of Russian troops and military equipment along the Ukraine border. Russia subsequently launched its full-scale invasion into Ukraine on Feb. 24.
Since then, the Truman has supported training and patrol flights in Eastern Europe, and sailed in the Ionian and Adriatic seas.
As reported by USNI News, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has extended the deployment of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, its escorts and CVW 1 as a hedge against Russian aggression in Europe.
One defense official told USNI News the carrier could remain in the region until August before returning to its homeport in Norfolk, Va. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is expected to be relieved in the Mediterranean by the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group.
CVW 1, based at Naval Air Station Oceana, Va., is embarked aboard Harry S. Truman and includes a total of nine squadrons and detachments: (CVW) 1, based at Naval Air Station Oceana, Va., is embarked aboard Harry S. Truman and includes a total of nine squadrons and detachments:
• The “Red Rippers” of VFA-11 Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) flying F/A-18Fs from Naval Air Station Oceana.
• The “Fighting Checkmates” of VFA-211 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana.
• The “Blue Blasters” of VFA-34 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana.
• The “Sunliners” of VFA-81 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana.
• The “Rooks” of VAQ-137 – EA-18G – Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) – from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash.
• The “Seahawks” of VAW-126 – E-2D – Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) – from Naval Air Station Norfolk, Va.
• The “Rawhides” of VRC-40 – Detachment – C-2A – Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) – from Naval Air Station Norfolk.
• The “Dragon Slayers” of HSC-11 – MH-60S – Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) – from Naval Air Station Norfolk.
• The “Proud Warriors” of HSM-72 – MH-60R – Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) – from Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla.
Photo credit: Petty Officer 2nd Class Julia A. Casper, U.S. Navy
