US Navy Ships Collide in Caribbean, Minor Injuries Reported

The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Truxtun and the Supply-class fast combat support ship USNS Supply were involved in the incident.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Two U.S. Navy ships collided in the Caribbean on Wednesday, leaving two personnel with minor injuries, according to U.S. Southern Command. The incident occurred during a replenishment-at-sea operation between the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Truxtun and the Supply-class fast combat support ship USNS Supply.

Why it matters

Collisions at sea are very rare for U.S. Navy ships, with the most recent incident occurring in 2025 when the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman collided with a merchant ship off the coast of Egypt. While no injuries occurred in that collision, a subsequent Navy investigation determined that a slight adjustment in the course of either ship could have led to a mass-casualty event.

The details

According to a U.S. Southern Command spokesman, the two ships collided during a replenishment-at-sea operation, where two ships sail side-by-side at a close distance and supplies are transferred via a cable. The spokesman stated that two personnel reported minor injuries and are in stable condition. Both ships have reported sailing safely, and the incident is currently under investigation.

  • The collision occurred on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.
  • The USS Truxtun had just left its homeport of Norfolk, Virginia, on February 6 to begin its deployment to the Caribbean.

The players

USS Truxtun (DDG103)

An Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer that was involved in the collision.

USNS Supply (T-AOE-6)

A Supply-class fast combat support ship that was involved in the collision.

Col. Emmanuel Ortiz

A U.S. Southern Command spokesman who provided details about the incident.

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What they’re saying

“Yesterday afternoon, the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Truxtun (DDG103) and the Supply-class fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE-6) collided during a replenishment-at-sea.”

— Col. Emmanuel Ortiz, U.S. Southern Command spokesman (mycentraloregon.com)

“Two personnel reported minor injuries and are in stable condition.”

— Col. Emmanuel Ortiz, U.S. Southern Command spokesman (mycentraloregon.com)

What’s next

A damage assessment for the collision is being made that will help determine whether the ships will proceed with their deployments or will return to port.

The takeaway

This collision highlights the risks and challenges of naval operations, even for the highly trained and experienced U.S. Navy. While minor injuries were reported, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of strict safety protocols and vigilance during complex maneuvers at sea.