US Navy Strips USS Harry Truman Captain Of Command After Collision Near Egypt
The commanding officer of the USS Harry S. Truman has been relieved of duty following a collision with a merchant vessel near the entrance to the Suez Canal. The Navy removed Capt. Dave Snowden from command on February 20, citing a loss of confidence in his leadership.
The U.S. Navy has fired Captain Dave Snowden, the Commanding Officer of the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75), for “Loss of Confidence” following the February 12th Collision of the Aircraft Carrier with a Merchant Cargo Ship, near the mouth of the Southeast Mediterranean Suez Canal .… pic.twitter.com/JIy0IAdmZ8
— Rob O'Donnell (@odonnell_r) February 21, 2025
The incident took place on February 12 when the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier collided with the Panama-flagged merchant ship MV Besiktas-M. No injuries were reported, but the Truman sustained damage to its hull above the waterline and a flight-deck extension. The carrier, deployed from Norfolk, Virginia, in September, is currently undergoing inspections and repairs at US Naval Support Activity Souda Bay in Greece.
Navy bros- anyone ever heard of a carrier involved collision? WTF over https://t.co/2sli6RK9rb
— Clay Martin ⚔️ (@wayofftheres) February 13, 2025
Rear Adm. Sean Bailey, commander of Carrier Strike Group 8, made the decision to relieve Snowden. Capt. Christopher Hill, commanding officer of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, has been named interim commander of the Truman while repairs are underway. Hill previously led the Eisenhower during an extended deployment supporting Operation Prosperity Guardian, a US-led effort to counter Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.
According to the Navy, an assessment team is evaluating the full extent of the damage. The review will determine the next steps in repairs before the carrier returns to operational duty. The collision affected the Truman’s starboard quarter, damaging external storage areas and a maintenance space. Despite the impact, the ship’s aircraft elevator remained operational.
Navy fires aircraft carrier captain after cargo ship collision https://t.co/Gju9pRpr0a
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) February 21, 2025
Snowden, a career fighter pilot and 1996 graduate of the US Naval Academy, previously commanded the USS San Antonio and served as the Truman’s executive officer before assuming command in December 2023. He will be reassigned to Naval Air Forces Atlantic pending further review.
The Truman, named after the 33rd US president, is the eighth Nimitz-class carrier in service and remains a key component of the Navy’s global operations.