US Dismisses Claims that Aircraft and Aircraft Carrier Damaged in Iran Attack
A US Air Force KC-135 tanker aircraft has crashed and the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier sustained damage during the conflict in the Middle East. The United States has dismissed claims that the tanker aircraft crash and carrier damage resulted from Iranian attacks.
US Central Command, which oversees military operations in the Middle East, issued a statement announcing the loss of the aircraft. The US military claims the aircraft did not crash as a result of Iranian attack.
According to Al Jazeera on Friday 13 March, the announcement also stated that rescue efforts for the aircraft crew are underway. There are no direct indications yet whether there are any casualties or survivors.
“US Central Command is aware of the loss of the US KC-135 aerial refuelling aircraft,” the statement said.
“The incident occurred in allied airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing,” it added.
The crash is believed to have involved two aircraft, possibly colliding or conducting close manoeuvres. The second aircraft, it stated, landed safely. Officials also stated the aircraft did not crash due to Iranian attack.
“This was not due to enemy fire or allied fire,” the statement added.
Aircraft Carrier Fire in the Red Sea
Meanwhile, the US aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford caught fire in the Red Sea on Thursday 12 March local time. The US Navy quickly asserted that the fire had no connection to combat operations against Iran.
At least 2 crew members of the USS Gerald R Ford, which is the world’s largest aircraft carrier, suffered injuries from the fire.
US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), or the Fifth Fleet, in its statement, as reported by Al Arabiya and Anadolu Agency on Friday 13 March, announced that USS Gerald R Ford experienced a fire while operating in the Red Sea in support of military operations against Iran.
NAVCENT stressed that the fire originated in the main laundry space aboard the aircraft carrier and had no connection to the ongoing combat operations.
“On 12 March, USS Gerald R Ford (CVN 78) experienced a fire originating from the main laundry space of the vessel. The cause of the fire is unrelated to combat operations, and the fire has been extinguished,” NAVCENT stated regarding the incident.
“There is no damage to the vessel’s propulsion systems, and the aircraft carrier remains fully operational,” NAVCENT asserted in its statement.
NAVCENT stated that 2 US sailors suffered injuries from the fire and are receiving medical treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. Both US sailors are reported to be in stable condition.
The US aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford and its strike group are currently operating in the Red Sea in support of Operation Epic Fury, which involves joint US and Israeli operations against Iran since 28 February.
In addition to USS Gerald R Ford, the US has also deployed USS Abraham Lincoln to the Middle East region to support the military operation.