U.S. Aircraft Carrier Collision: What We Know

The United States Navy is investigating the collision of its nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, with a Panamanian-flagged merchant ship in the Mediterranean Sea near the entrance of the Suez Canal.

A Navy spokesperson confirmed the incident on Thursday, stating that while the cause of the collision remains unclear, the impact did not compromise the Truman's nuclear propulsion system or cause flooding on board.

Newsweek has reached out to the Pentagon via email to request further details.

Why It Matters

The collision occurred on Wednesday and underscores the challenges of operating in the busy Mediterranean, a strategic waterway critical to global trade as well as military operations. While the Truman remains operational, the incident raises questions about navigation safety and the complexities of managing large naval and commercial vessels in congested areas.

What to Know

The USS Harry S. Truman, part of the U.S. Sixth Fleet, was operating in the Mediterranean Sea near Port Said, Egypt when it collided with the Besiktas-M, a merchant vessel. Initial reports confirm no injuries or significant damage to the carrier's propulsion systems.

A photo posted on X, purports to show of damage to the starboard bow and deck of the Besiktas-M. Newsweek was not independently able to confirm this.

Aircraft carrier collisions are extremely rare because when such vessels go on deployment they are surrounded by other warships, but those ships cannot keep their positions when it goes through the Suez Canal, which is a choke point, said Captain John Konrad, the founder and CEO of gCaptain and author of the book Fire On The Horizon, in a video posted on X.

Mission and Capabilities of the Truman

The USS Harry S. Truman, whose home port is Norfolk, Virginia, is a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier which was deployed to the Mediterranean and Middle East in September. It provides a wide range of capabilities, including maritime security operations, crisis response, deterrence, and counter-terrorism.

Recent Activities

Before the collision, the USS Harry S. Truman had completed a port call in Souda Bay, Greece. The incident follows an event in December in which two U.S. Navy pilots from the Truman were shot down over the Red Sea in an apparent "friendly fire" incident. Both pilots were recovered safely, with one sustaining minor injuries.

What People Are Saying

U.S. Navy Commander Tim Gorman stated: "The collision did not endanger the Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) as there are no reports of flooding or injuries. More information will be released as it becomes available."

Captain John Konrad, the founder and CEO of gCaptain, said on X: "This is a very confusing navigation scenario."

What Happens Next

The Navy's investigation will focus on determining the cause of the collision and identifying measures to enhance safety and prevent similar incidents. The Truman is expected to continue its mission in the Mediterranean, underscoring the Navy's commitment to maintaining operational readiness.

As the investigation progresses, the findings could lead to updated protocols for naval operations in high-traffic areas, ensuring the safety of both military and commercial vessels.