Latest Situation (March – 16 May 2025)
• USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) with Carrier Strike Group 8 remains on station in the Bab-el-Mandeb.
• Two F/A-18 Super Hornets were lost overboard on 29 Apr and 7 May; both pilots recovered safely.
• A 6 May U.S.–Houthi cease-fire has paused attacks on coalition shipping —but excludes Israel.
• The EU’s Operation ASPIDES and the Royal Navy’s HMS Diamond provide additional air-defence escort.
Praising the People Behind the Headlines
News outlets focus on the dollar value of lost jets, yet the larger story is the deck crews who recovered the pilots, kept the flight deck running in 110 °F heat, and logged 14-hour days so tankers and fighters could protect global trade. Their skill and sacrifice merit the spotlight.
Where Are Our Partners?
• Royal Navy – HMS Diamond integrates its Sea Viper missiles with Truman’s Aegis screen.
• European Union – Four to six frigates rotate through convoy duty under Operation ASPIDES.
• Gulf States & Mega-Shippers – Benefit most from secure lanes yet contribute the least in hardware or funding.
Who Should Pay the Bill?
• Introduce a transparent Security Surcharge on Suez transits to finance missile reloads and aircraft repair.
• Offer Tiered Insurance Rebates for ship owners who fund escorts or provide logistics support.
• Launch a “Steel for Stability” program inviting regional partners to place their own SAM systems aboard coalition ships.
Why Americans Should Care
Twelve percent of global trade flows through the Bab-el-Mandeb. Disruptions inflate prices on everything from bread to smartphones. Protecting these sea lanes protects American wallets and jobs.
Implications for the Navy
• Sustained wartime tempo highlights the need for deeper missile magazines and faster depot-level aircraft repair.
• Replacing two Super Hornets costs more than the Navy’s entire FY-26 public-affairs budget — evidence that recapitalising naval aviation is non-negotiable.
Implications for Our Allies & the Global Economy
• EU frigates prove burden-sharing works but capacity is limited.
• A durable cost-sharing framework would stabilise Red Sea security regardless of election cycles in Washington, Brussels, or Riyadh.
Call to Action
The sailors aboard Truman are buying time for diplomats and insurers to craft a lasting solution. Let’s ensure they’re not the only ones paying the bill. Explore our free, 24-episode educational series “Charting the Course: For Country. For Unity. For a Stronger Navy.” at StrongerNavy.org to learn how you can add your voice and expertise.