SOFREP Evening Brief: USS Truman Loses Third F/A-18 Jet on Middle East Deployment, Ukrainian Drones Disrupt Moscow Flights Ahead of Victory Day Parade

Good evening! Here’s your SOFREP evening brief, covering the top defense and global affairs updates for Wednesday, May 7, 2025: The USS Truman lost its third F/A-18 jet due to a failed landing; both pilots survived. DHS says flyers without REAL ID can still board with extra screening. Pilot error caused a CH-53E crash that killed five Marines. Trump declared May 8 as World War II Victory Day. Ukrainian drones disrupted Moscow flights before Russia’s Victory Day parade. North Korea is boosting artillery production while deepening military support for Russia.

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USS Truman Loses Third F/A-18 Jet on Middle East Deployment

The USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) lost another F/A-18 Super Hornet on Tuesday—its third since deploying to the Middle East—after a failed carrier landing sent the jet overboard.

Defense officials confirmed that the aircraft experienced an arresting gear failure during its landing attempt, causing both aviators to eject. A rescue helicopter recovered the two with only minor injuries.

The incident occurred shortly after Iranian-backed Houthi rebels reportedly fired at the Truman, despite White House claims of a ceasefire agreement. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the Houthis had “capitulated” and that the US would halt bombings. However, it remains unclear if the Houthi fire was linked to the mishap or if the issue stemmed from the aircraft’s tailhook or the carrier’s arresting wire.

Last week, a separate incident aboard the Truman saw another F/A-18 and its tow tractor fall overboard while being moved inside the hangar bay. That event also followed evasive action reportedly taken to avoid incoming fire from Houthi forces.

Both jets belonged to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11 and VFA 136, respectively.

Another $60 million F/A-18 Super Hornet has been lost from the USS Harry S. Truman—its second in just over a week. pic.twitter.com/hQNXIndEsY

— Ground News (@Ground_app) May 7, 2025

In another serious incident last December, the cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG-64)) mistakenly downed an F/A-18 from the Truman in a friendly fire accident. Both aviators ejected, and one sustained minor injuries.

A single F/A-18 Super Hornet costs between $60 and $70 million, depending on configuration. The loss of three jets during one deployment is highly unusual and raises operational concerns, especially when combined with additional mishaps.

The Truman’s troubled deployment, which began in September 2023, also included a February collision with a merchant vessel, the Besiktas-M, near Port Said, Egypt. Following that incident, the Navy relieved the ship’s commanding officer and directed the carrier to Souda Bay, Crete, for damage assessment and repairs.

Tuesday’s mishap is the second time the Truman has lost a Super Hornet at sea during carrier operations. In 2022, one jet was blown overboard by severe weather during a resupply mission in the Mediterranean.

Pentagon officials have not confirmed when the Truman will return home.

REAL ID Deadline Arrives, DHS Assures Flyers Won’t Be Grounded

As the long-postponed REAL ID deadline hits this week, Homeland Security officials have assured travelers they will still be able to fly even if they haven’t upgraded their identification.

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem told a congressional panel Tuesday that travelers without a REAL ID-compliant license will undergo additional identity checks but will not be barred from boarding flights.

“No one will be turned away,” Noem said, noting that 81% of travelers already possess compliant IDs.

She added that US passports and tribal IDs will also be accepted at security checkpoints.

Those without the updated identification “may be diverted to a different line” and face “an extra step,” she warned, urging people to arrive early.

The Transportation Security Administration echoed the call for preparation. Thomas Carter, TSA’s Federal Security Director in New Jersey, said people should expect advanced screening but emphasized that giving oneself extra time should prevent missed flights.

The REAL ID Act, passed in 2005 as a 9/11 Commission recommendation, mandates stricter security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. The law was originally set to take effect in 2008 but has been delayed multiple times. REAL ID-compliant cards are marked by a star or other symbol in the top corner and will be required for domestic flights and access to federal buildings.

Government agencies across the country extended operating hours this week to meet a last-minute surge in demand. Despite these efforts, some locations saw long lines. In California, only 58% of ID and driver’s license holders have obtained a REAL ID. The state has extended DMV hours through June 27 and reminded residents that valid US passports remain acceptable for domestic travel and federal building access.

REAL ID enforcement begins Wednesday, May 7th. Homeland Security continues to urge citizens to upgrade when possible, but for now, the lack of a compliant ID won’t halt domestic travel.

Pilot Error, Night Conditions Cited in Deadly CH-53 Crash That Killed Five Marines

The US Marine Corps has concluded that pilot error was the primary cause of a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter crash that killed five Marines during a night flight in February 2024. Contributing factors included poor weather conditions and limitations of night vision goggles, according to a military investigation obtained and reported by the Associated Press.

The helicopter went down late on February 6th last year near Pine Valley, California, while returning to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar from Creech Air Force Base. The aircraft struck a mountain in low-visibility conditions and was discovered the next morning. All five crew members were killed.

The investigation found that the helicopter flew through icing conditions and dense cloud cover that obscured the mountainous terrain. The crew was operating under night vision goggles (NVGs), which may have provided a degraded or misleading visual picture. Precipitation and low visibility likely further reduced the NVGs’ effectiveness, giving the crew a false impression of their altitude and clearance.

While investigators determined that the pilot failed to avoid terrain, they noted that the crew likely believed they were flying within legal parameters and their personal comfort zones. The report also faulted the commanding officer for approving the mission. That officer was later relieved of duty for loss of confidence in leadership.

The crash claimed the lives of:

• Capt. Miguel Nava, 28, of Traverse City, Michigan
• Capt. Jack Casey, 26, of Dover, New Hampshire
• Capt. Benjamin Moulton, 27, of Emmett, Idaho
• Sgt. Alec Langen, 23, of Chandler, Arizona
• Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis, 21, of Olathe, Kansas

Investigators struggled with gaps in evidence due to the helicopter’s lack of a crash-survivable flight data recorder, a common issue in military aviation mishaps.

Interviews in the report revealed that the squadron had been stretched thin. The unit had taken on additional flight operations to compensate for the grounding of the V-22 Osprey fleet in 2023, increasing strain on personnel and resources.

Trump Declares May 8 as Victory Day for World War II in US

President Donald Trump issued a proclamation Wednesday designating May 8th as Victory Day for World War II, calling on Americans to celebrate the Allied defeat of Nazi Germany 80 years ago.

The announcement aligns the United States with European allies who mark the date annually with parades, memorials, and flyovers.

“As we commemorate Victory Day for World War II, we offer our unending thanks to every patriot from the Greatest Generation,” Trump said in the proclamation.

He emphasized the sacrifice of US troops and renewed a commitment to global security and freedom.

Victory in Europe Day, or VE Day, marks Germany’s surrender on May 8, 1945, effectively ending World War II in Europe. The war in the Pacific continued until Japan’s surrender in August of that year.

President Trump: “I am pleased to announce that I’ve just signed a Proclamation officially designating tomorrow, May 8th as VICTORY DAY FOR World War II…” pic.twitter.com/OUIei1jZzJ

— Dan Scavino (@Scavino47) May 7, 2025

Trump’s move to recognize May 8th as a national observance follows his recent criticism that the US doesn’t adequately honor its historic military victories compared to its allies. In a series of social media posts, he stated the US “did more than any other country” to secure victory in World War II and should lead in celebrating that achievement.

Trump also proposed renaming November 11—currently observed as Veterans Day—to Victory Day for World War I, marking the 1918 armistice that ended fighting on the Western Front. While only Congress has the authority to establish or rename federal holidays, Trump’s proclamation declares these as national observances, not official federal holidays.

He later revised his language, stating he would “declare national holidays” to commemorate US victories in both world wars, arguing that America’s contributions had been undervalued globally.

“We won two World Wars, but we never took credit for it,” Trump wrote earlier this week. “Everyone else does. All over the world, the Allies are celebrating… The only country that doesn’t celebrate is the United States of America.”

Veterans groups and some lawmakers have expressed support for greater national recognition of VE Day, though efforts to formally add new federal holidays face legislative hurdles.

Trump’s proclamation comes as international leaders, including those in the UK and Russia, hold high-profile events marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe.

Ukrainian Drones Disrupt Moscow Flights Ahead of Victory Day Parade

Ukrainian long-range drone attacks disrupted air travel at Moscow’s major airports for a third consecutive day on Wednesday, forcing over 100 flight cancellations and more than 140 delays as Russia prepares to host Chinese President Xi Jinping and other world leaders for its annual Victory Day parade.

Russian flag carrier Aeroflot suspended numerous flights, and heightened airspace restrictions affected at least 350 flights and 60,000 passengers nationwide, according to the Russian Tour Operators Association.

The disruptions come as foreign dignitaries, including Xi and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, begin arriving in Moscow for Friday’s parade on Red Square, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany.

Russian officials attributed the delays to Ukrainian drone threats and increased security measures.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed that air defenses intercepted nine drones near the capital on Wednesday. Though Kyiv has launched previous drone strikes on Moscow, the sustained nature of this week’s attacks appears aimed at disrupting the high-profile celebrations and potentially undermining public confidence in President Vladimir Putin’s assurances that the war is under control.

Xi’s current trip marks his third visit to Russia since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. His presence signals continued Chinese backing for Putin.

The Chinese leader last visited in March 2023 shortly after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin over alleged war crimes in Ukraine. The Kremlin has confirmed that Putin will travel to China later this year for further bilateral talks.

As the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year, Russia’s growing dependence on China—economically and diplomatically—continues to reshape global alliances in response to Western sanctions and isolation.

Kim Orders Boost in Artillery Production as North Korea Deepens Support for Russia

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered a significant increase in artillery shell production, according to state-run media reports released Wednesday, as Pyongyang continues to supply arms and combat troops in support of Russia’s war in Ukraine.

During recent inspections of munitions and machinery factories, Kim praised modernization efforts that reportedly doubled annual artillery shell output. He urged workers to further accelerate production and develop more advanced machinery to enhance North Korea’s munitions capacity.

While Kim made no explicit mention of Russia or Ukraine, the directive comes amid growing evidence of North Korea’s deepening involvement in the conflict.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is pictured visiting a munitions factory. Kim has called for his arms industry to boost the production of artillery shells, as the country continues to supply arms and troops to support Russia’s war on Ukraine.

Read more: https://t.co/2nr10f5wAq pic.twitter.com/5utUhtNA4V

— ABC News (@ABC) May 7, 2025

South Korean intelligence estimates that approximately 15,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to Russia, with nearly 5,000 killed or wounded in combat. Both Washington and Seoul have accused Pyongyang of supplying Russia with artillery systems, shells, and ballistic missiles.

Last month, North Korea confirmed for the first time that its troops are engaged in combat operations to help recapture parts of Russia’s Kursk region from Ukrainian forces.

Moscow acknowledged North Korea’s contribution, with Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly thanking Pyongyang and vowing not to forget its military support. Analysts believe this mutual recognition marks a strategic shift in the alliance, with North Korea seeking to secure long-term compensation, including advanced military technology that could bolster its nuclear and missile programs.

In addition to combat troops, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service reported that North Korea has sent around 15,000 workers to Russia as part of industrial cooperation deals. The economic value of North Korean arms shipped to Russia is believed to be in the billions, though intelligence suggests payments are being made in kind—not cash.

According to South Korean assessments, Russia has likely compensated North Korea with air defense systems, drones, electronic warfare gear, and space launch technology, rather than direct financial transfers.

By formalizing its military role, North Korea may also be positioning itself for leverage in any future negotiations over the Ukraine conflict, according to a report by the Institute for National Security Strategy, a think tank tied to South Korea’s intelligence community.

Kim’s directive to boost artillery production appears to serve dual purposes: bolstering his own military readiness and continuing to fulfill strategic arms commitments to Moscow.

Sources: News Agencies