In a significant development, the U.S. Navy has relieved Captain Dave Snowden, commanding officer of the USS Harry S. Truman, following a collision with the merchant vessel Besiktas-M near the Suez Canal. The incident occurred on February 12, 2025, while the aircraft carrier was operating near Port Said, Egypt. No injuries were reported, and both ships remained operational.
Details of the Collision
Date and Time:
- February 12, 2025, at approximately 11:45 p.m. local time
Location:
- Off the coast of Port Said, Egypt, near the northern entrance of the Suez Canal
Vessels Involved:
- USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75): A Nimitz-class aircraft carrier of the U.S. Navy
- Besiktas-M: A Panama-flagged bulk carrier
The collision resulted in above-waterline damage on the starboard side of the USS Harry S. Truman, affecting:
- Two storage rooms
- A maintenance space
- The fantail
The Besiktas-M sustained minor damage but was able to continue its voyage without any complications.
Immediate Aftermath and Investigation
Following the incident, the USS Harry S. Truman proceeded to Souda Bay, Greece, for damage assessment and repairs. Engineers from the Forward Deployed Regional Maintenance Center and Norfolk Naval Shipyard conducted a detailed structural analysis to determine the extent of the damage and necessary repairs.
The U.S. Navy launched an official investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision. Initial reports indicate that both ships were maneuvering in a congested waterway near the Suez Canal when the accident occurred.
Leadership Changes
On February 20, 2025, Rear Adm. Sean Bailey, commander of Carrier Strike Group 8, relieved Captain Dave Snowden of his duties, citing a “loss of confidence in his ability to command.” Captain Snowden, who took command of the Truman in December 2023, has been temporarily reassigned to Naval Air Forces Atlantic.
Captain Christopher Hill, previously the commanding officer of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, has been appointed as the interim commanding officer of the Truman. The Eisenhower is currently undergoing scheduled maintenance at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, following a nine-month deployment that ended in July 2024.
Impact on Operations
Despite the collision, the USS Harry S. Truman’s propulsion systems remained unaffected, and no flooding was reported. According to the U.S. Navy, the incident will not impact the carrier’s mission or deployment schedule. The Truman continues its operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area, supporting U.S., allied, and partner interests.
FAQ
What caused the collision between the USS Harry S. Truman and the Besiktas-M?
The exact cause is still under investigation. Preliminary findings suggest that both ships were maneuvering through a congested area near the Suez Canal at the time of the incident.
Were there any injuries reported from the collision?
No injuries were reported among the crew members of either vessel.
What type of damage did the USS Harry S. Truman sustain?
The aircraft carrier suffered damage above the waterline on its starboard side, affecting:
- Two storage rooms
- A maintenance space
- The fantail
Who is the new commanding officer of the USS Harry S. Truman?
Captain Christopher Hill, formerly the commanding officer of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, has been appointed interim commanding officer.
Will the collision impact the USS Harry S. Truman’s deployment schedule?
The U.S. Navy has confirmed that the incident will not affect the carrier’s mission or operational schedule.
This incident underscores the challenges faced by naval vessels while operating in congested maritime environments. The U.S. Navy’s rapid response and ongoing commitment to operational readiness reflect its dedication to maintaining maritime security.
📢 What are your thoughts on this incident? Share your opinions in the comments and join the discussion on the challenges of naval operations in high-traffic waterways!
