US Navy Ships Collide in Caribbean, Two Injured
Two U.S. Navy ships collided in the Caribbean on Wednesday during a replenishment-at-sea operation, resulting in two minor injuries, according to U.S. Southern Command. The USS Truxtun, an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, and the USNS Supply, a Supply-class fast combat support ship, were conducting the routine supply transfer when the collision occurred.
“Two personnel reported minor injuries and are in stable condition,” Col. Emmanuel Ortiz, a U.S. Southern Command spokesman, said in a statement. “Both ships have reported sailing safely. The incident is currently under investigation.”
Details of the Incident
The collision marks a rare occurrence for U.S. Navy vessels. Replenishment-at-sea operations involve two ships sailing side-by-side at close distances to transfer supplies via cable. The procedure, while routine, requires careful coordination and can take several hours to complete.
The USS Truxtun had recently departed its homeport in Norfolk, Virginia, on February 6 to begin its Caribbean deployment as part of a significant naval buildup in the region. The injured personnel were not transported for medical treatment, indicating the minor nature of their injuries.
Context of Navy Operations
The collision occurred amid an expanded U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, which currently includes approximately 12 Navy vessels, including the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier. The Pentagon has maintained this heightened presence to counter narcotics trafficking and enforce sanctions.
While this is the first known mishap in the Caribbean under the current operational setup, the Navy experienced multiple incidents in recent months during deployments in the Middle East, including a collision between the USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group and a merchant vessel in February 2025.
Investigation Underway
A damage assessment is underway to determine whether both vessels will continue with their planned deployments or return to port for repairs. U.S. Southern Command confirmed that both ships remain operational and seaworthy at this time.
