Friendly Fire Incident: Unraveling the USS Gettysburg's Mistake Over the Red Sea

Introduction

On December 22, 2024, a shocking incident unfolded over the Red Sea when two U.S. Navy pilots were shot down in an apparent friendly fire incident involving the USS Gettysburg, a guided missile cruiser part of the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group. This incident marks the most serious threat to U.S. troops in over a year as they target Yemen's Houthi rebels. In this article, we delve into the details of the incident, exploring how such a mistake could occur and what measures are being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Incident Details

The F/A-18 Super Hornet, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 11 out of Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, was shot down by an SM-2 surface-to-air missile fired by the USS Gettysburg. Both pilots ejected safely, with one suffering minor injuries[1]. The incident occurred during early morning hours, around 3 AM local time, as the U.S. military conducted airstrikes targeting a Houthi missile storage facility and a command hub in Yemen[5].

Mission Context

The operation involved multiple assets, including F/A-18s, and resulted in the downing of multiple Houthi one-way attack drones and an anti-ship cruise missile over the Red Sea[1]. The USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, which includes the USS Gettysburg, had been conducting operations in the Red Sea as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian, a U.S.-led mission aimed at protecting merchant ships from Houthi attacks[5].

Investigation and Response

The U.S. military has initiated an investigation into the incident. Central Command (CENTCOM) has released statements indicating that the USS Gettysburg mistakenly identified the F/A-18 as an enemy aircraft or missile, despite being part of the same battle group and linked by radar and radio communication[1]. The investigation is ongoing, and preliminary findings or recommendations have not been disclosed.

Security Concerns

The incident highlights the dangers of friendly fire in high-stakes military operations. It underscores the need for enhanced communication protocols and more robust identification systems to prevent such mistakes in the future. The Red Sea corridor has become increasingly dangerous, with ongoing attacks on shipping by the Iranian-backed Houthis despite U.S. and European military coalitions patrolling the area[1].

Prevention Measures

The U.S. Navy is taking steps to prevent similar friendly fire incidents in the future. This includes reviewing and enhancing communication protocols and identification systems to reduce the risk of mistaken identity. The incident serves as a learning opportunity to improve situational awareness and coordination among military assets.

Operational Context

The ongoing military operations in the Red Sea are part of a broader effort to counter Yemen's Houthi rebels. The USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group plays a critical role in these operations, conducting airstrikes against Houthi targets and protecting merchant ships from attacks. The geopolitical context is complex, with Iran-backed Houthis targeting ships linked to Israel, the U.S., or the United Kingdom to force an end to Israel's campaign against Hamas in Gaza[1].

International Reactions

International reactions to the incident have been mixed. The Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for shooting down the F/A-18, despite evidence indicating it was a friendly fire incident[3]. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to act "forcefully" against the Houthis, as part of a broader effort to counter Iranian-backed groups in the region[1].

Conclusion

The friendly fire incident involving the USS Gettysburg and a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet over the Red Sea is a stark reminder of the dangers of high-stakes military operations. As the U.S. military continues to target Yemen's Houthi rebels, it is crucial to enhance communication protocols and identification systems to prevent similar mistakes in the future. This incident serves as a learning opportunity to improve situational awareness and coordination among military assets, ensuring the safety of troops and the success of military operations.

References:

1. PBS NewsHour - 2 U.S. Navy pilots shot down over Red Sea in apparent 'friendly fire' incident, CENTCOM says - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/2-u-s-navy-pilots-shot-down-over-red-sea-in-apparent-friendly-fire-incident-centcom-says
2. YouTube - 2 US Navy pilots shot down over Red Sea in apparent 'friendly fire ... - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6vdxET7xMs
3. NZ Herald - Red Sea mishap: US Navy pilots survive friendly fire from USS Gettysburg - https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/red-sea-mishap-us-navy-pilots-survive-friendly-fire-from-uss-gettysburg/7A74DBYRLBCQJICMSYNH5X5CGU/
4. YouTube - 2 US Navy pilots shot down over Red Sea in apparent 'friendly fire ... - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmKQUM07S1E
5. The Aviationist - U.S. Super Hornet Shot Down in Friendly Fire Over Red Sea - https://theaviationist.com/2024/12/22/u-s-super-hornet-shot-down-in-friendly-fire-over-red-sea/