Two United States Navy vessels, the USS Truxtun and the USNS Supply, collided during a mid-sea refueling operation in the Caribbean. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday afternoon, resulted in minor injuries to two sailors. Both ships have reported sailing safely and are continuing their operations following the collision. The United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) has confirmed the event and stated that a full investigation is underway to determine the precise cause.
Details of the Incident
On Wednesday afternoon, the USS Truxtun, an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, and the USNS Supply, a fast combat support ship, experienced a collision while engaged in a replenishment-at-sea. This maneuver involves transferring fuel and supplies between ships while underway. The incident took place within the United States Southern Command's area of responsibility, which includes the Caribbean Sea and waters near South America.
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The USS Truxtun had departed its home port in Norfolk, Virginia, on February 6 for a scheduled deployment.
The USNS Supply has been operating in the Caribbean region.
Injuries and Vessel Status
The collision resulted in minor injuries to two sailors. According to official statements, both sailors are in stable condition. Both the USS Truxtun and the USNS Supply have reported that they are sailing safely following the incident.
Investigation Underway
The United States Southern Command has confirmed that the collision is under investigation. The exact location of the incident has not been disclosed, but it is confirmed to be within SOUTHCOM's operational area. The cause of the collision is not yet clear, and investigators are working to ascertain the sequence of events.
Ships Involved
| Vessel Name | Class | Type |
|---|---|---|
| USS Truxtun | Arleigh Burke-class | Guided missile destroyer |
| USNS Supply | Supply-class (T-AOE) | Fast combat support ship |
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Source: United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) statements as reported by news outlets.
Expert Analysis
While the official investigation is ongoing, incidents during replenishment-at-sea operations, often referred to as "RAS," can be attributed to a confluence of factors. These operations are inherently complex, requiring precise maneuvering and communication between ships, especially in variable weather or sea conditions.
"Replenishment-at-sea is one of the most demanding operations in naval warfare. It requires a high degree of coordination, skill, and constant vigilance from the crews of both vessels," stated a retired naval officer familiar with fleet operations, who requested anonymity due to the ongoing investigation. "Even a slight miscalculation in speed, course, or communication can lead to unintended contact."
The proximity of the vessels during refueling, combined with the movement of the sea, necessitates constant adjustments. Any lapse in judgment, mechanical issue, or communication breakdown can escalate quickly.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The collision between the USS Truxtun and the USNS Supply represents a significant event during a routine but complex naval operation. The immediate concern for minor injuries to two sailors has been addressed, with both individuals reported to be in stable condition. The primary focus now shifts to the ongoing investigation by the United States Southern Command to determine the factors that led to the ships striking each other. Understanding the root cause will be crucial for implementing any necessary procedural changes or refresher training to prevent future occurrences. Both vessels' ability to continue sailing safely indicates no catastrophic damage, but a full assessment of any impacts on their operational readiness is likely part of the post-incident review.
Sources Used:
The Times of India: "US navy ships collide in Caribbean as mid-sea refuelling goes wrong" - Published: 1 hour ago. Link: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/us-navy-ships-collide-in-caribbean-as-mid-sea-refuelling-goes-wrong/articleshow/128256654.cms
JFeed: "BREAKING: Two U.S. Navy Ships Collide Near South America, Two Sailors In" - Published: 13 hours ago. Link: https://www.jfeed.com/news-world/us-navy-ship-collision
US News (Reuters): "Two US Navy Ships Collide, No Major Injuries, US Southern Command Says" - Published: February 12, 2026. Link: https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2026-02-12/two-us-navy-ships-collide-in-waters-near-south-america-wsj-reports
Xinhua (English.news.cn): "Flash: U.S. Navy destroyer, supply ship collide in Caribbean Sea, injuring 2" - Published: 3 minutes ago. Link: https://english.news.cn/northamerica/20260212/c466c239e66646fcb5c27be2a2201dc9/c.html
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