Navy Ships Collide in Caribbean, Causing Minor Injuries

On Wednesday, a collision involving two Navy vessels occurred in the Caribbean, resulting in minor injuries to two individuals. The incident involved the USS Truxtun, an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, and the USNS Supply, a Supply-class fast combat support ship. The ships were engaged in a replenishment-at-sea when the collision took place, according to a statement from Col. Emmanuel Ortiz of U.S. Southern Command.

Navy Collision Details

Col. Ortiz reported that the personnel injured in the collision are in stable condition and did not require medical transport for treatment. Both vessels have continued to operate safely following the incident, which is currently under investigation.

Operational Context

This mishap marks the first known accident of its kind in the Caribbean. Since August, the U.S. Navy has increased its presence in the region as part of ongoing efforts to combat narcotics trafficking. The military’s operations have included strikes against suspected drug trafficking vessels.

Moreover, a partial quarantine on sanctioned oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuela has been implemented as part of this initiative, which was announced by former President Trump in December.

Replenishments-at-Sea

Replenishment-at-sea operations, like the one during which the collision occurred, are complex maneuvers that require precise coordination between ships. These operations can take days to prepare and several hours to complete.

• USS Truxtun (DDG103) involved was recently integrated into the Fourth Fleet.
• The fleet includes approximately a dozen ships near South America, among them the USS Gerald R. Ford, the largest aircraft carrier.

Recent Naval Incidents

While this incident occurred in the Caribbean, it follows a series of accidents involving Navy operations in the Middle East. The USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group faced several challenging situations during its deployment from September 2024 to May 2025, including a friendly fire episode and a collision with a merchant vessel.

As the investigation into the recent collision unfolds, the Navy continues to maintain a significant operational presence in the Caribbean region.