USS Harry S. Truman Collides with Merchant Vessel Near Egypt – Guy D. McCardle
A Routine Operation Turns Eventful
In the late hours of February 12, 2025, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) found itself in an unexpected predicament. While navigating the bustling waters near Port Said, Egypt, the Truman collided with the merchant vessel Besiktas-M at approximately 11:46 p.m. local time.
Assessing the Damage
Despite the alarming nature of such incidents, initial reports were reassuring. The Navy confirmed that there were no injuries or flooding aboard the Truman. Importantly, the ship’s propulsion systems remained unaffected, ensuring that the carrier could continue its operations without hindrance. The Besiktas-M, a bulk carrier sailing under the Panamanian flag, also reported no injuries among its crew.
Context of the Deployment
The Truman, homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, had been actively deployed since September 2024. After participating in NATO exercises in the North Sea, the carrier made a notable visit to Oslo, Norway, in November. By December, the Truman had transited the Suez Canal, entering the Middle East to support operations against Houthi rebels in Yemen. Notably, on December 22, 2024, an F/A-18F Super Hornet from the Truman was lost in a friendly fire incident over the Red Sea; fortunately, both aviators survived.
Navigational Challenges in Congested Waters
A Routine Operation Turns Eventful
In the late hours of February 12, 2025, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) found itself in an unexpected predicament. While navigating the bustling waters near Port Said, Egypt, the Truman collided with the merchant vessel Besiktas-M at approximately 11:46 p.m. local time.
Assessing the Damage
Despite the alarming nature of such incidents, initial reports were reassuring. The Navy confirmed that there were no injuries or flooding aboard the Truman. Importantly, the ship’s propulsion systems remained unaffected, ensuring that the carrier could continue its operations without hindrance. The Besiktas-M, a bulk carrier sailing under the Panamanian flag, also reported no injuries among its crew.
Context of the Deployment
The Truman, homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, had been actively deployed since September 2024. After participating in NATO exercises in the North Sea, the carrier made a notable visit to Oslo, Norway, in November. By December, the Truman had transited the Suez Canal, entering the Middle East to support operations against Houthi rebels in Yemen. Notably, on December 22, 2024, an F/A-18F Super Hornet from the Truman was lost in a friendly fire incident over the Red Sea; fortunately, both aviators survived.
Navigational Challenges in Congested Waters
Operating near Port Said presents unique challenges. As the northern gateway to the Suez Canal, the area is a hotspot for maritime traffic, with vessels of all sizes converging. Navigating such congested waters requires meticulous coordination and constant vigilance. Even with advanced navigation systems and experienced crews, the risk of incidents remains ever-present.
Historical Precedents and Safety Protocols
While collisions involving U.S. Navy vessels are rare, they do occur. The Navy has stringent protocols to investigate such incidents thoroughly. The primary focus is to identify the root causes, be it human error, mechanical failure, or environmental factors, and implement corrective measures to prevent future occurrences. The investigation into the Truman’s collision is ongoing, with findings anticipated in the coming weeks.
Looking Ahead
The USS Harry S. Truman continues its mission, embodying the resilience and commitment of the U.S. Navy. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks of naval operations, even during routine maneuvers. As the investigation unfolds, the lessons learned will undoubtedly contribute to enhancing maritime safety and operational protocols in the future.
