Two Norfolk-Based Navy Ships Collide in Caribbean
Two U.S. Navy ships based in Norfolk, Virginia, collided in the Caribbean Sea. The incident resulted in minor injuries to some sailors. The Navy has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the collision and is currently assessing the extent of the damage to both vessels.
- The vessels involved were the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun (DDG-103) and the Supply-class fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE-6). The collision occurred on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, during a replenishment-at-sea operation. - Replenishment-at-sea is a standard naval maneuver requiring two ships to sail side-by-side at a close distance to transfer fuel, ammunition, and supplies via cables and hoses. An official familiar with the incident stated the supply ship was refueling the cruiser USS Gettysburg on one side as the Truxtun approached on the other. - The USS Truxtun had recently departed its homeport of Norfolk, Virginia, on February 6, following a multi-day delay for an "emergent equipment repair." A damage assessment is now underway to determine if the ships can continue their deployment or must return to port. - This incident occurred amidst a significant U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean, which at the time included 11 to 12 ships, such as the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford. This increased naval presence is part of an effort to combat drug trafficking and enforce sanctions on Venezuela. - U.S. Southern Command has launched an investigation into the collision. Past investigations into similar incidents, such as the fatal collisions involving the USS John S. McCain and USS Fitzgerald in 2017, found probable causes included a lack of effective operational oversight, insufficient training, and inadequate bridge operating procedures. - While the Navy describes such collisions as rare, the most recent prior incident occurred in February 2025, when the USS Harry S. Truman collided with a merchant vessel in the Mediterranean. The more serious collisions in 2017 resulted in the deaths of 17 sailors and led to significant scrutiny and changes in naval procedures.
