Navy Removes Commander After Oiler Collision; Uss Truxtun CO Fired
The U. S. Navy announced Sunday that it relieved the commanding officer of the uss truxtun after the destroyer collided with the USNS Supply during a replenishment-at-sea on Feb. 11 in the Caribbean, citing a loss of confidence in leadership.
Collision during underway replenishment
The collision occurred during a replenishment-at-sea on Feb. 11 and involved the USNS Supply, the Navy said. Two sailors aboard the destroyer sustained minor injuries and were listed in stable condition after the incident in the Caribbean.
The Navy has opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision, and investigators are examining the events that led to contact between the two ships during the underway replenishment on Feb. 11.
Uss Truxtun now in Ponce as leadership changes
The uss truxtun is currently in port Ponce, Puerto Rico, after deploying in February 2026 to the U. S. Southern Command area of responsibility for counternarcotics operations near Venezuela. Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello relieved Cmdr. James Koffi on Sunday, citing a loss of confidence.
Koffi has been temporarily reassigned to Commander, Naval Surface Group Middle Atlantic, and Cmdr. Taylor Auclair, most recently assigned to U. S. Fleet Forces Command, will serve as the Truxtun’s commanding officer, the Navy said.
Navy statement and next steps
In a Navy release,, “The Navy maintains the highest standards for leaders and holds them accountable when those standards are not met. ” The service described the change in command as tied to those standards and the ongoing review of the collision.
The immediate consequence of the personnel move is a change in shipboard leadership while the Navy continues its investigation. The Truxtun remains in Ponce, Puerto Rico, and Cmdr. Taylor Auclair is slated to assume command while officials complete their review.
Naval officials have confirmed the ship’s location, the reassignment of Cmdr. Koffi, the appointment of Cmdr. Auclair, the Feb. 11 replenishment-at-sea with USNS Supply, and that two sailors suffered minor injuries and were in stable condition. The investigation into the collision is the next confirmed action the Navy has announced.
