United States F/A-18E/F Fleet Update
United States - United States Navy
| Date | Dec. 22, 2024 |
| Country | United States |
| Force | United States Navy |
| Aircraft | F/A-18E/F (F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet) |
| Change | -1 active |
Description
An F/A-18F Super Hornet from VFA-11 Red Rippers was shot down by an SM-2 missile fired by USS Gettysburg while conducting aerial refueling operations in the Red Sea. The cruiser mistakenly identified the friendly aircraft as a Houthi anti-ship cruise missile during intense enemy activity. Both crew members ejected and were recovered, with one sustaining minor injuries. A Navy investigation found substandard watchstanding practices and lack of integrated training contributed to the misidentification. The commanding officer of USS Gettysburg was relieved of command in January 2025.