US Navy Destroyer and Supply Ship Collide in Caribbean, Injuring 2 Sailors

The cause of the collision remains under investigation, officials say.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Two U.S. Navy sailors were injured on Wednesday after a U.S. Navy destroyer, the USS Truxtun, and a supply ship, the USNS Supply, collided in the Caribbean during a replenishment-at-sea operation. Both ships were assigned to the military buildup in the Caribbean ordered by President Donald Trump to combat drug trafficking in the region.

Why it matters

Collisions between Navy ships are rare but can have serious consequences, including injuries, damage to the vessels, and disruptions to military operations. This incident raises questions about the safety protocols and procedures involved in complex at-sea refueling maneuvers, especially in the context of heightened military activity in the Caribbean.

The details

The collision occurred during a replenishment-at-sea operation, which involves the transfer of supplies and fuel between two ships sailing side-by-side. While the Navy owns the Supply ship, it is typically operated by civilian mariners. The two injured sailors were reported to be in stable condition.

  • The collision occurred on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.
  • The USS Truxtun had deployed earlier in February from its home port, Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia.

The players

USS Truxtun (DDG103)

An Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer assigned to the military buildup in the Caribbean.

USNS Supply (T-AOE-6)

A Supply-class fast combat support ship, typically operated by civilian mariners, also assigned to the military buildup in the Caribbean.

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What’s next

The cause of the collision remains under investigation by military officials.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the inherent risks and complexities involved in naval operations, particularly during at-sea refueling maneuvers, and the need for robust safety protocols to prevent such collisions and protect the wellbeing of sailors.