In a shocking escalation of hostilities, Houthi forces launched a brazen drone attack on the USS Harry S. Truman, one of the U.S. Navy’s most formidable aircraft carriers. The assault, which occurred at 3:43 a.m. local time, saw two SMAD 3 drones unleashed from deep within Yemen, aiming to breach the carrier’s defenses in a calculated strike. However, the USS Gravely, an escort destroyer, detected the incoming threats just in time, igniting a rapid response that would determine the fate of the Truman Strike Group.

The drones executed sophisticated maneuvers, with one climbing to 18,000 feet for a high dive strike while the other skimmed perilously low over the ocean, attempting to evade radar detection. Despite their advanced design, the drones were no match for the USS Gravely’s AN/SPY-1 radar system, which picked up the threats and initiated a rapid-fire response protocol known as F2T22EA—find, fix, track, target, engage, and assess.

In a race against time, the Gravely’s crew coordinated flawlessly, launching two SM2 missiles that streaked through the night sky at Mach 3.5. The first missile obliterated the high-altitude drone, while the second targeted the low-flying threat, ensuring that both drones met their fiery end before they could reach the carrier.

Yet, the threat is far from over. Unbeknownst to the Truman Strike Group, Houthi forces are preparing a new wave of attacks using a different type of drone—the Cassf 2K, a loitering munition designed to strike with devastating precision. With its ability to carry a hefty explosive payload and operate autonomously, this new weapon could pose a significant risk to U.S. naval operations in the region.

As tensions escalate and the threat of further drone strikes looms, the U.S. Navy remains on high alert, ready to defend against any new assaults. The situation is fluid, and the stakes have never been higher. Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.