The USS Gettysburg mistakenly destroyed a U.S. F/A-18F Super Hornet with an SM-2 missile during Red Sea operations on Dec. 22. The friendly fire incident has raised questions about the readiness of both the ship and its crew.
The fighter’s crew ejected before impact and were recovered safely, with one suffering minor injuries. Another missile launched by the Gettysburg narrowly missed a second U.S. jet before detonating over the sea.
BREAKING NEWS! D.E.I ship USS Gettysburg fired upon second US fighter jet the same night it shot down another. USS Gettysburg under investigation. pic.twitter.com/K3u5ptebuE
— B. Wilkins lll 🇺🇸 𓃠 (@ScummyMummy511) December 30, 2024
The Gettysburg’s modernization program, completed in 2023, is under scrutiny following the incident. The $1.9 billion effort faced over 15 years of delays, and a GAO report revealed persistent issues with propulsion, electrical systems, and combat readiness.
An F18 can cost between $50 and $120 Million and apparently the USS Gettysburg just “accidentally” shot one down! The pilots are ok. Somebody shot it down and is my opinion that they don’t want to start WW3 over it and so are claiming friendly fire.
— Lagrange5 (@Langrange5) January 2, 2025
USS Gettysburg “accidentally” shoots down a US warplane. Grotesque incompetence or a cover up to avoid going to war? https://t.co/V2mXWa3Nth
— Lagrange5 (@Langrange5) January 2, 2025
Navy aviators have expressed frustration with the ship’s training, describing it as inadequate for live combat scenarios. The Gettysburg’s role as a critical air defense platform amplifies concerns about its ability to perform under pressure.
Crashed ? You mean shot down by a SM-2 missile fired from the USS Gettysburg (CG 64).
A testament of the effectiveness of the ejection seat system. 👍 pic.twitter.com/J6SLxKinc6— Pascal D. Muyovu (@kirkjamestkirk) January 2, 2025
Inspections in early 2024 found that several of the ship’s weapons systems were still inoperable. Despite a successful missile intercept during sea trials, there are no records of additional live-fire tests before the Red Sea deployment.
USS Gettysburg firing on two friendlies really a mistake?
— Neonidas 🇺🇸 AMERICA FIRST (@InTheMatrix1776) January 2, 2025
The Navy is investigating whether deficiencies in training, system readiness, or both contributed to the incident as officials work to prevent similar mistakes.
Wonder how many of our jets the USS Gettysburg will attempt to shoot down today?
— 🍊Ultra MAGA🍊 (@imcmoser) December 31, 2024
