#EXCLUSIVE: How Did U.S. Forces Strike Houthi Stongholds Today?
Super Hornets and Growlers: The U.S. Navy’s Strike Force in Yemen.
On March 16, 2025, The White House showcased footage of F/A-18E Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers launching from the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) in the Northern Red Sea.
Flown by Strike Fighter Squadron 143 (VFA-143) and Electronic Attack Squadron 144 (VAQ-144), these jets struck Houthi radars, air defenses, missile systems, and terrorist targets in Western Yemen. These aircraft are the U.S. Navy’s premier tools for such missions—here’s why.
F/A-18E Super Hornet: Precision and Power
The F/A-18E Super Hornet, built by Boeing, is a twin-engine multirole fighter designed for both air superiority and ground attack. Powered by two General Electric F414 engines, it reaches Mach 1.6 (1,200 mph) and carries up to 17,750 pounds of weapons. For the Yemen strikes, VFA-143’s “Pukin’ Dogs” likely deployed Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs) or laser-guided bombs to destroy Houthi missile and drone sites. Its AN/APG-79 AESA radar tracks multiple targets at long range, perfect for Yemen’s challenging terrain.
Launched from the Truman, the Super Hornet’s carrier-based flexibility allows CENTCOM to strike deep into Houthi territory without relying on regional bases. It can also defend itself with AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, ensuring it’s ready for any Houthi counterattacks. This adaptability makes it a cornerstone of U.S. naval aviation.
EA-18G Growler: Electronic Warfare Maestro
The EA-18G Growler, a variant of the two-seat F/A-18F, specializes in electronic warfare. Flown by VAQ-144, it jams enemy radars and communications while packing AGM-88 HARM missiles to destroy them. In Yemen, the Growler likely neutralized Houthi air defenses—possibly Soviet-era or Iranian-supplied systems—using its AN/ALQ-218 suite. This ensured Super Hornets faced minimal resistance.
Matching the Super Hornet’s Mach 1.6 speed and boasting an 850-mile range (extendable with refueling), the Growler lingers over battlefields, disrupting threats. Its pilot and electronic warfare officer duo manages its sophisticated systems, making it indispensable for modern operations.
A Perfect Pair
The Super Hornet and Growler complement each other seamlessly. The Growler blinds and deafens Houthi defenses, while the Super Hornet delivers precision strikes. Against the Houthis—who use drones and missiles to threaten Red Sea shipping—this duo excels. The Growler suppresses radar-guided threats, and the Super Hornet dismantles infrastructure, curbing the group’s capabilities.
Why They Matter
Since the late 1990s (Super Hornet) and 2009 (Growler), these jets have proven their worth in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria. Their carrier-based design lets the U.S. project power without land bases, a key advantage in the volatile Middle East. In the Red Sea, they counter Iran-backed Houthi aggression, protecting a critical trade route.
The USS Harry S. Truman’s footage underscores their dominance. As CENTCOM tackles evolving threats, the Super Hornet and Growler remain vital, blending firepower, technology, and strategy to maintain U.S. superiority in the skies.
