United States Navy F/A-18E/F Shot down

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.