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US Navy Ships Collide During Sea Replenishment Operation
A U.S. Navy destroyer collided with a supply ship during a risky at-sea replenishment operation in the Caribbean, injuring two sailors while both vessels remained operational.
Ships colliding photo recreated by Pop Smoke Media. This is not an actual picture from the scene but a recreation.
The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Truxtun collided with a support vessel while conducting an at-sea replenishment operation in the Caribbean Sea, officials confirmed, leaving two sailors injured but both ships able to continue sailing safely.
U.S. Southern Command said the incident occurred yesterday afternoon when the destroyer struck the fast combat support ship USNS Supply during replenishment-at-sea operations. “Two personnel reported minor injuries and are in stable condition. Both ships have reported sailing safely. The incident is currently under investigation,” the command said in a statement provided to media outlets. No further details have been released regarding the extent of damage to either vessel.
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The collision was first reported by The Wall Street Journal, which said the incident happened somewhere in the Caribbean. The Navy has not publicly specified the exact location.
At-sea replenishment, also known as underway replenishment, is a critical naval capability that allows warships to receive fuel, munitions and supplies without returning to port, enabling them to travel longer distances or remain on station for extended periods. The Navy has acknowledged such operations can be hazardous because vessels must sail in close proximity while transferring materials.
According to a 2024 dispatch from the Naval Safety Center, replenishment operations are “critical (and often dangerous)” and involve risks including vessel proximity, adverse weather, fatigue and loss of situational awareness. The dispatch warned that seemingly minor mistakes can quickly lead to severe mishaps.
On February 3, the Navy announced that Truxtun had departed its homeport at Naval Station Norfolk for a scheduled deployment but did not disclose its destination. The ship briefly returned to port for repairs to unspecified equipment before getting underway again by February 6, according to USNI News. Its previous deployment, which included operations in European and Middle Eastern waters, concluded in October 2025.
Although Truxtun is reported to still be operating safely, it remains unclear whether the collision will disrupt its current deployment.
Editor’s Note:
This article is based on an official statement from U.S. Southern Command and initial reporting from The Wall Street Journal and USNI News. Information reflects details released by authorities at the time of publication and may be updated as the investigation continues.
