US Navy Makes History With Largest-ever Airstrike From An Aircraft Carrier

The US Navy has confirmed that it carried out the largest airstrike ever launched from a single aircraft carrier earlier this year, dropping 125,000 pounds (62.5 tons) of bombs in Somalia.

The announcement was made this week by Admiral James Kilby, the acting Chief of Naval Operations. Speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, Kilby revealed that the operation took place on February 1 and was carried out by the USS Harry S. Truman and its carrier strike group.

According to a defense official, 16 F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets participated in the mission, targeting Islamic State (ISIS) fighters in Somalia.

US Africa Command (AFRICOM) had earlier reported a series of airstrikes at the beginning of February. These strikes were aimed at ISIS leaders hiding in cave complexes, and more than a dozen militants were killed.

Since January, the US has launched at least 25 airstrikes in Somalia, mainly targeting ISIS and the Al-Qaeda-linked group Al-Shabaab.

Kilby described the mission as a major demonstration of the United States’ ability to project power using its naval forces. He called the strike a strategic move to show what US aircraft carriers are capable of during global operations.

24/7 operations continue against Iran-backed Houthis from CENTCOM forces aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70).#HouthisAreTerrorists pic.twitter.com/ArFPA86WYo

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 26, 2025

The Harry S. Truman strike group had been operating in the Middle East since the fall of 2024. During its deployment, the group took on a dual mission, supporting counterterrorism operations in Africa and responding to threats in the Red Sea.

Over the six months, they carried out 670 strikes against Iran-backed Houthi militants and successfully intercepted around 160 drones and missiles aimed at US and allied ships.

Kilby also addressed some serious incidents involving the Truman. In December, there was a friendly fire incident where an American F/A-18 jet was mistakenly shot down.

In April and May, the carrier lost several aircraft overboard. There was also a collision in mid-February between the carrier and a commercial vessel in the Mediterranean Sea. Following the accident, the commanding officer of the Truman was removed from their position.

The strike group has since exited the Red Sea and is currently taking part in NATO military exercises in the Mediterranean. After the drills, they are expected to return to their homeport in Norfolk, Virginia.

References: bignewsnetwork, Stripes

Source: Maritime Shipping News