Collision in the Caribbean: USS Truxtun and support ship collide during operation at sea

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Collision in the Caribbean: USS Truxtun and support ship collide during operation at sea
Collision in the Caribbean: USS Truxtun and support ship collide during operation at sea (X @MichaelBonet8)

The guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun collided with the logistics support ship USNS Supply during an underway replenishment operation in the Caribbean, the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) confirmed.

The accident occurred while the vessels were sailing side by side to transfer fuel and supplies, a procedure known as underway replenishment (UNREP). Two sailors sustained minor injuries and remain in stable condition.

Despite the collision, both vessels remained operational and continued sailing safely. So far, no details have been released regarding the extent of the structural damage. The incident is under investigation to clarify the circumstances, as it took place during a maneuver considered routine but technically complex.

Replenishment at sea is a strategic capability of the United States Navy, allowing warships to receive fuel, ammunition, and provisions without the need to dock at allied ports. This practice extends the reach of naval operations and reduces interruptions during long-duration missions. However, the Navy itself acknowledges that the close proximity between vessels, weather conditions, and potential human error make this type of operation inherently risky.

The Truxtun had recently departed its homeport in Norfolk, Virginia, for a scheduled mission, after completing in October 2025 a deployment that included European and Middle Eastern waters. It is not yet clear whether the collision will cause additional impacts on the destroyer’s current mission.

Source: UK Defence Journal / The War Zone | Photo: X @MichaelBonet8 | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team

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