Two US Navy Ships Bumped in Caribbean Sea

A US Navy destroyer and a support ship bumped into each other while giving supplies at sea in the Caribbean. Two sailors had small injuries. The Navy is looking into why this happened.
By Newsroom | Military, Caribbean |

A US Navy destroyer and a support ship have collided in the Caribbean Sea. The incident happened on Wednesday during a routine at-sea resupply, a maneuver where one vessel transfers fuel or supplies to another while both are moving. Two sailors sustained minor injuries and are reported to be in stable condition. The collision involved the USS Truxtun, an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, and the USNS Supply, a Supply-class fast combat support ship. This event prompts a review of naval operational safety during these complex, dynamic evolutions.

Background of Naval Operations

The Caribbean Sea is a vital area for maritime trade and U.S. security interests. In recent times, the U.S. Navy has increased its presence in the region, citing strategic reasons.

  • U.S. Navy destroyers and Marines have been observed in the southern Caribbean, near Venezuelan waters, indicating a focus on regional security and counter-trafficking operations.

  • These deployments aim to signal the U.S. capacity to project power and support allies within the region on short notice.

The Incident: Collision During Resupply

The collision between the USS Truxtun and the USNS Supply occurred during a replenishment-at-sea. These operations require precise coordination between two ships moving in close proximity, often in challenging sea conditions.

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  • Date: Wednesday.

  • Location: Caribbean Sea.

  • Vessels Involved: USS Truxtun (Arleigh Burke-class destroyer), USNS Supply (fast combat support ship).

  • Event: Collision during a replenishment-at-sea.

  • Casualties: Two personnel with minor injuries, stable condition.

Analysis of At-Sea Resupply Operations

Replenishment-at-sea is a critical but inherently risky naval operation. It allows ships to remain at sea for extended periods without returning to port for fuel and supplies.

  • Purpose: To sustain naval forces on extended deployments by transferring fuel, ammunition, and other provisions between vessels.

  • Complexity: These operations involve ships maneuvering side-by-side at relatively slow speeds, connected by fuel lines and other transfer equipment. This demands high levels of crew training and constant communication.

  • Safety Considerations: Factors such as sea state, visibility, communication effectiveness, and precise ship handling are paramount to preventing accidents.

Context of U.S. Naval Deployments in the Region

Recent naval activities in the Caribbean and broader region provide a backdrop to this incident. While not directly linked, these deployments highlight the operational tempo of U.S. naval forces.

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  • The USS Thomas Hudner, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, has been deployed to the Caribbean after a prior assignment in the eastern Mediterranean, where it participated in operations related to the conflict involving Houthi rebels.

  • The USS Gravely, another Aegis destroyer, along with Marines, arrived in Trinidad for joint drills, underscoring a strategic U.S. interest in the southern Caribbean.

Precedent of Naval Collisions

While this incident involves a destroyer and a support ship, the U.S. Navy has experienced other ship collisions.

  • In February 2025, the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman was involved in a collision at sea.

  • The damage to the USS Harry S. Truman was assessed as superficial, and its nuclear propulsion system was unaffected. The cause of that collision was also under investigation.

Investigative Focus and Next Steps

The U.S. Navy is expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the collision between the USS Truxtun and the USNS Supply.

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  • Investigators will likely examine factors such as:

  • Navigation data and communications logs.

  • Crew performance and adherence to procedural protocols.

  • Environmental conditions at the time of the incident.

  • The findings will inform any necessary adjustments to training, procedures, or equipment to enhance safety during replenishment-at-sea operations.

Sources:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened between the two Navy ships?
A US Navy destroyer and a support ship bumped into each other while they were giving supplies at sea.
Q: Were people hurt badly?
Two sailors had small injuries. They are okay.
Q: Where did this happen?
The ships bumped in the Caribbean Sea.
Q: What kind of ships were they?
One was the USS Truxtun, a destroyer. The other was the USNS Supply, a support ship.