The USS Gettysburg, a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser, is under scrutiny after mistakenly shooting down a U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet in a friendly fire incident. The mishap, which occurred on Dec. 22 during operations in the Red Sea, has raised questions about the ship’s readiness and the Navy’s modernization efforts.
The Super Hornet, serving as a tanker for the Truman Carrier Strike Group, was on a descent toward the carrier when the Gettysburg launched an SM-2 missile. Mistaking the aircraft for a hostile target, the missile struck the jet, forcing the two aviators onboard to eject. Both were recovered alive, with one sustaining minor injuries.
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
Further issues arose when the Gettysburg launched a second missile shortly after the first. This missile narrowly missed another U.S. aircraft, exploding harmlessly over the water. The quick thinking of one aircrew and sheer luck prevented additional losses.
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
The Gettysburg’s history of modernization issues is at the center of the investigation. After being out of service since 2015, the ship underwent extensive upgrades, completing them in February 2023. However, a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report revealed significant quality concerns with the modernization program, including propulsion and electrical failures.
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
The GAO noted that the Gettysburg, one of only three Ticonderoga-class cruisers to complete modernization, faced over 15 years of delays and a 36% cost overrun. Despite undergoing successful missile tests in June 2024, doubts remained about the readiness of its combat systems and crew training.
USS Gettysburg firing on two friendlies really a mistake?
— Neonidas 🇺🇸 AMERICA FIRST (@InTheMatrix1776) January 2, 2025
Navy pilots have expressed frustration over the incident, citing insufficient training aboard the Gettysburg. Questions about whether the ship’s air defense systems were prepared for live combat have intensified, particularly given the ship’s critical role in protecting carrier strike groups.
Wonder how many of our jets the USS Gettysburg will attempt to shoot down today?
— 🍊Ultra MAGA🍊 (@imcmoser) December 31, 2024
This incident adds to a broader debate about the Navy’s ability to modernize and maintain its fleet. The Gettysburg’s performance highlights the need for further review of its systems and training protocols to prevent future friendly fire accidents.
