French Analysis Highlights US Navy’s Major Setback in Red Sea Confrontation With Yemeni Forces
French outlet Futura Sciences has published a detailed analysis spotlighting what it described as a significant US naval setback during months of confrontation with Yemeni Armed Forces in the Red Sea—an episode that ended with what the report called a “major failure” for Washington’s fleet.
According to the report, the US Navy suffered a serious blow with the loss of three F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft, alongside the unexpected withdrawal of the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier from the Red Sea—a move the outlet characterized as both an embarrassment and a strategic defeat for the United States.
The analysis notes that the Truman, deployed to project American power and deter Yemeni forces, instead became entangled in a series of technical and operational failures throughout its six-month mission. Despite their comparatively modest capabilities, Yemeni fighters “managed to maintain pressure and disrupt US dominance in one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors,” the report said.
Futura Sciences listed several key incidents that marked the troubled mission:
Late December 2024: A Super Hornet was accidentally shot down by the cruiser USS Gettysburg, which was supposed to provide protection for the carrier.
Mid-February 2025: The Truman collided with a Panamanian merchant vessel near Port Said, resulting in the dismissal of Captain Dave Snowden.
Late April 2025: Another Super Hornet fell into the sea while being moved inside the carrier’s hangar.
Early May 2025: An arresting cable snapped during landing, causing a Super Hornet to crash off the carrier’s deck.
The report said these repeated failures raise serious questions about the US Navy’s readiness to confront stronger adversaries. They also point to potential gaps in crew training, equipment maintenance, and command structure—underscored by the removal of the ship’s captain after the Port Said collision.
Beyond material losses—estimated at around $180 million for the downed Super Hornets—the outlet stressed that the greater damage lies in the Navy’s reputation and operational credibility. The active and resilient performance of Yemeni forces, even in the presence of a full US carrier strike group, exposed what the report described as the fragility of American deterrence.
The analysis concluded that the US Navy’s public image “has taken a severe hit,” particularly as global rivals such as China and Russia closely monitor these vulnerabilities. In the current tense geopolitical environment, the series of mishaps could have consequences extending far beyond the Red Sea, challenging Washington’s ability to project military power in crisis zones worldwide.
The Red Sea operations, triggered by Yemen in solidarity with Gaza, has presented an unprecedented challenge to US naval power. For months, the country has used relatively low-cost drones, missiles, and unmanned surface vessels to target international shipping and confront US warships, testing the limits of a superpower’s defense systems.