RED Friday, May 9, 2025: Honoring Our Deployed Heroes and Their Families Amid Global Operations

Today, on RED Friday—Remember Everyone Deployed—we wear red not as a fashion statement, but as a symbol of unity, sacrifice, and gratitude. As thousands of U.S. service members operate in dangerous regions around the world, May 9 serves as a solemn reminder of both their commitment abroad and the strength of the families waiting at home.

Standing Guard in Central America and Beyond

Just days ago, U.S. troops joined regional partners in Exercise CENTAM Guardian 2025, a large-scale multinational operation aimed at strengthening security cooperation across Central America. Conducted in Honduras, this mission brings together military forces from several nations to train in humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and counter-narcotics efforts. For many service members, deployment to this operation means months away from loved ones. RED Friday reminds us that behind every uniform is a family waiting at home, sending love through video calls and prayer.

DEFENDER 2025: Power Projection at Scale

Across the Atlantic, DEFENDER 2025 has become the Army’s largest annual rehearsal for rapid deployment and large-scale combat readiness. From railheads in Germany to seaports in the Baltics, U.S. soldiers are training with NATO allies to move thousands of personnel and pieces of equipment. These large exercises sharpen America’s ability to respond to crisis—but they also demand extraordinary personal sacrifice. While troops maneuver through Europe, spouses manage households solo, and children miss bedtime stories from a parent in uniform. Today, we wear red for them, too.

Loss and Resilience Aboard the USS Harry S. Truman

In a heartbreaking moment this week, an F/A-18F Super Hornet went overboard during an attempted landing on the USS Harry S. Truman. Thankfully, the pilot survived—but the incident underscores the dangers our naval aviators face even in routine operations. Deployed to the Red Sea, the Truman and its crew are actively supporting deterrence and maritime security in the region, often within range of Houthi rebel activity. The families of these Sailors endure anxiety with every headline, counting down the days until safe returns. On RED Friday, their strength deserves national recognition.

The Families Who Serve Too

The bravery of our troops is mirrored by the courage of their families. They manage long absences, late-night fears, and empty chairs at dinner tables. Community organizations, churches, and neighbors often step in to support—but the burden is real, and constant. That’s why RED Friday isn’t just about remembering those deployed; it’s about standing with the mothers, fathers, spouses, and children who sacrifice alongside them.

How We Can Show Support

• Wear Red Every Friday to show your visible support for deployed troops.
• Support Military Families in your community with meals, babysitting, or simply listening.
• Engage with Organizations like the USO, Armed Services YMCA, or Operation Homefront.
• Share Stories of those serving—amplify their experiences and remind others of their sacrifices.

A Nation United in Gratitude

As we reflect on missions like CENTAM Guardian 2025, DEFENDER 2025, and the dangers faced by naval aviators in the Red Sea, one truth remains clear: America’s defense depends not only on the courage of our troops but on the quiet strength of the families behind them. Today, we remember everyone deployed—not in silence, but with red shirts, open hearts, and unshakable pride.

Until they all come home—we remember.

F/A-18F Super Hornet Lost Overboard During Landing on USS Harry S. Truman

On May 6, 2025, an F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) went overboard during an attempted landing in the Red Sea. The incident occurred when the aircraft’s arresting gear failed to engage, causing the jet to fall into the water. Both aviators safely ejected and were recovered with only minor injuries. No personnel on the flight deck were harmed.

This marks the third Super Hornet lost from the Truman during its current deployment. On April 28, another jet—a single-seat F/A-18E—was lost when the carrier executed a hard evasive turn to avoid incoming fire from Houthi rebels in Yemen, resulting in the aircraft being pushed overboard. In a separate December 2024 incident, a friendly fire mishap involving the USS Gettysburg led to the downing of an additional Super Hornet.

The Truman has played a key role in ongoing U.S. military operations against Iran-backed Houthi militants, who have targeted international shipping in the Red Sea. The carrier’s air wing has launched a series of retaliatory strikes while maintaining continuous presence in a highly contested maritime region.

An official investigation is underway to determine the cause of the arresting gear failure. The repeated loss of high-value aircraft in a short span has raised concerns about mechanical reliability and the operational demands placed on carrier air operations in combat zones.

Despite the setbacks, the USS Harry S. Truman remains fully mission capable, and its continued deployment underscores the Navy’s commitment to regional stability and maritime security in the Middle East.

CENTAM Guardian 2025: Strengthening Central American Security and Disaster Response Cooperation

CENTAM Guardian 2025 is a multinational exercise that plays a vital role in enhancing regional security cooperation and disaster response readiness among Central American nations and the United States. Sponsored by U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) and led by U.S. Army South, this annual exercise is designed to build military and civilian capacity, improve interoperability, and increase operational readiness across participating nations.

Exercise Structure

CENTAM Guardian 2025 is conducted in two main phases:

• Phase I – Security Cooperation Training
  This phase includes field training and command post exercises focused on countering transnational threats, increasing domain awareness, improving information sharing, and strengthening operational coordination among partner militaries.
• Phase II – Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HA/DR)
  This portion of the exercise emphasizes civil-military cooperation in response to natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and flooding. It includes both tabletop simulations and hands-on field training.

Participating Countries and Units

CENTAM Guardian 2025 includes military and civilian participants from:

• Central America: Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Panama
• Caribbean: Dominican Republic
• South America: Colombia
• United States: U.S. Army South, U.S. Marine Corps Forces South, Joint Task Force-Bravo, 7th Special Forces Group, Puerto Rico National Guard, and the USAID Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance

Training Highlights

Participants train in diverse scenarios including:

• Infantry tactics and jungle warfare
• Cybersecurity and information operations
• Counter-narcotics and maritime interdiction missions
• Urban search and rescue
• Geospatial mapping and aerial damage assessments
• Emergency field hospital setup and casualty evacuation drills

This comprehensive training improves coordination between nations and between military forces and civilian disaster response agencies.

Strategic Impact

CENTAM Guardian fosters stronger ties between nations committed to regional stability and security. By enhancing readiness and promoting cooperation, the exercise helps nations jointly respond to both natural disasters and shared security threats. It also supports knowledge sharing, regional integration, and the development of standard operating procedures for future missions.

Conclusion

CENTAM Guardian 2025 stands as a testament to multinational commitment to peace, preparedness, and partnership in Central America. Through shared training, cooperation, and planning, participating nations are better equipped to protect their citizens and strengthen regional resilience in the face of evolving challenges.