An investigation has been launched after a U.S. guided cruiser fired on a U.S. fighter jet in what appeared to be a mutual attack early Sunday morning, injuring a crew member, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) told the Daily Caller.

“Early on Dec. 22, two U.S. Navy pilots safely ejected over the Red Sea after their F/A-18 fighter jet was shot down in an apparent mutual attack,” Centcom said in a statement.

One crew member suffered minor injuries and a full investigation is underway, CENTCOM said.

CENTCOM added that the fighter jet was taking off from the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) when USS Gettysburg (CG 64), part of the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, accidentally opened fire on the fighter. Ta.

CENTCOM also said the incident was not caused by enemy fire. The incident followed a precision airstrike. centcom said The military conducted a military operation on Saturday against missile storage facilities and command and control facilities run by the Iranian-backed Houthis in the Houthi-controlled area of ​​Sanaa, Yemen. (Related article: US conducts airstrikes on Houthi underground weapons facilities in Yemen)

CENTCOM also reportedly shot down several drones and anti-ship cruise missiles over the Red Sea during Saturday’s attack.

CENTCOM added that the attack was in response to attacks by the US Navy against warships and commercial vessels in the Southern Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb, and the Gulf of Aden.

Centcom said it reaffirmed its continued commitment to protect U.S. and allied forces, regional partners, and international shipping, and to “disrupt and degrade Houthi operations” through airstrikes.

CENTCOM conducts airstrikes on Iranian-backed Houthi missile storage and command and control facilities in Yemen

TAMPA, Fla. – U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted precision airstrikes against missile storage facilities and command and control facilities operated by the U.S. government. pic.twitter.com/YRWWQJIweP

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) December 21, 2024

The apparent crossfire adds to a series of internal challenges the U.S. military has faced over the past year. Two US Navy SEALs, Christopher Chambers and Nathan Gage Ingram, drowned off the coast of Somalia in January during an operation to interdict a ship carrying Houthi weapons. According to a military investigation concluded in October, the deaths were preventable and were caused by: “Deficiencies, gaps and contradictions” in training, policy and management.

The amphibious assault ship USS Boxer was delayed for months before it was deployed in early April, prompting a “thorough” investigation into readiness and maintenance issues.

Additionally, the Navy has struggled to meet its recruiting goals, accepting potential recruits without a high school diploma.