In a startling and rare maritime accident, two U.S. Navy vessels deployed in the Caribbean slammed into each other during a critical resupply operation, injuring sailors and raising fresh questions about naval readiness.
The guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun and the supply ship USNS Supply struck one another on Wednesday while conducting an underway replenishment at sea — a maneuver where ships sail side-by-side to transfer fuel, food and gear without stopping.
U.S. Southern Command acknowledged two personnel suffered minor injuries but confirmed the wounded are in stable condition. Both ships — vital pieces of the Navy’s Caribbean presence — are still at sea and operational as authorities probe the incident.
“This was a routine resupply evolution that went off course,” said a Navy official speaking on the condition of anonymity. “Fortunately, the injuries are minor. But this could have been far worse.”
Accidents like this are extremely uncommon. The last major mishap involving U.S. warships occurred in February 2025, when the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman collided with a civilian vessel near the Suez Canal. That incident caused damage significant enough to require repairs, though no sailors were hurt.
At-sea replenishments demand precision. Ships must hold the same speed and course just yards apart in open water. A single miscalculation can send millions of pounds of steel crashing together — and that’s exactly what happened here.
Both vessels were part of an expanded U.S. naval force operating around Central and South America. This fleet, now numbering more than a dozen ships, has surged in recent months under orders aimed at disrupting drug trafficking and safeguarding shipping lanes near Venezuela.
The USS Gerald R. Ford — the Navy’s newest and most powerful aircraft carrier — leads the group. The Truxtun had just joined this task force after departing its homeport in Norfolk, Virginia earlier this month.
A formal Navy investigation has begun but top commanders are keeping details close to the vest.
“We take every collision seriously,” said Pentagon spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Ava Reynolds. “Our priority is safety, accountability, and mission continuity.”
Analysts warn that even minor mishaps can expose vulnerability. With tensions high in the region and strategic moves on multiple fronts, every ship matters.
Damage assessments are ongoing. Navy leaders must decide quickly whether these vessels will continue their deployment or limp back to port for repairs. Either choice carries operational risks.
One thing is clear: a military already stretched thin can least afford avoidable accidents at sea.
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As we are all aware, this accident occurred because our president feels we are at threat from our friends around the Gulf of MEXICO!!!That last word is highlighted to how his terrible ego is out of control. We have many problems to work on and he lets the name of a body of water that has had that name for centuries become a focus. The man is pathological!! Why is a quack like him \”leading\” this nation? Beware of where this name changing could lead!! Getting rid of all Hispanic or other country\’s place names in the USA could be dangerous. How about starting with the Name \”America\”!! Named after Amerigo Vespucci, an early explorer, who was credited with giving his name to the new world. He was Italian, so, per Trump, that name must go!!!!. Dr. Schlatter
Just to clarify, the Gulf of America begins where the United States border begins. It seems no one thought much about the Gulf of Mexico’s name. No one except the president, who is America First. I don’t see anything wrong with referring to a body of water on our shores after us instead of another foreign country. If you have a problem with it, just remember that the Caribbean Sea is really attached to the Atlantic Ocean. At some point someone made the determination to separate the names. I suppose you consider that person pathological too.
Another example of a psychopath pretending to be president needlessly putting Americans at risk to stroke hit pathetic ego!
Can you say Pete Hegseth
What are you implying? It’s the Secretary of War who is to blame? How ridiculous.