USS Harry S. Truman commanding officer relieved after collision with merchant ship near Suez Canal

The U.S. Navy made a significant decision on Thursday, relieving the commanding officer of the USS Harry S. Truman, Captain Dave Snowden, of his duties more than a week after the aircraft carrier was involved in a collision with a merchant vessel near the Suez Canal. The incident, which occurred on February 12, took place as the Truman was preparing to enter the Suez Canal from the Mediterranean Sea, en route to the Red Sea. According to a Navy press release, Capt. Snowden was removed due to a “loss of confidence in his ability to command,” a decision that a senior Navy official described as effectively ending his career. The collision, which damaged the starboard side of the Truman near its stern, is currently under investigation. While the inquiry is ongoing, the Navy deemed the relief of Capt. Snowden as warranted, emphasizing the high standards of accountability that commanding officers must uphold.

The incident occurred just before midnight as the Truman approached the bustling waters near Port Said, the northern entrance to the Suez Canal. The area was crowded with ships, and the collision happened under circumstances that are still being investigated. A senior Navy official told Fox News that the captain bears ultimate responsibility for the incident, stating, “Something didn’t happen that should have happened. A ship that hasn’t taken measures to avoid a collision—it’s on the captain. The buck stops with him.” This sentiment reflects the Navy’s strict expectations for its commanding officers, who are entrusted with the safety of their crews, ships, and missions. The official emphasized that Capt. Snowden’s removal was not taken lightly but was deemed necessary to maintain the trust and confidence in leadership that are critical to the Navy’s operations.

The USS Harry S. Truman, one of the Navy’s most advanced aircraft carriers, was en route from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea when the collision occurred. The ship was preparing to transit the Suez Canal, a vital waterway connecting Europe and Asia, when it came into contact with the merchant vessel Besiktas-M. Photos released by the Navy’s Sixth Fleet revealed that the Truman sustained a noticeable tear on its starboard side, near the stern, and a damaged pipe running along the ship’s hull. Fortunately, all the damage was above the waterline, preventing more severe consequences. The ship is currently undergoing repairs at Souda Bay in Greece, and officials expect the repairs to be completed within days, allowing the Truman to resume its operations in the Red Sea.

Captain Dave Snowden had assumed command of the USS Harry S. Truman in December 2023, but his tenure was cut short by the collision. He was relieved of his duties by Rear Admiral Sean Bailey, commander of Carrier Strike Group 8. Capt. Christopher Hill, the commanding officer of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, has temporarily taken over as the Truman’s interim commander until a permanent replacement is named. The senior Navy official described the decision to relieve Capt. Snowden as a “career-ender,” noting that such a loss of confidence is rarely overcome in the Navy’s hierarchical structure. The official also stressed that the Navy holds its leaders to the highest standards, as they are responsible for the lives of their sailors and the operational readiness of their ships.

The incident has drawn attention to the challenges and responsibilities that come with commanding a massive and complex warship like the USS Harry S. Truman. Aircraft carriers like the Truman are critical assets for the Navy, deploying around the world to support military operations and maintain regional security. However, their size and operational demands make them inherently challenging to maneuver, especially in congested waterways like the Suez Canal. The collision highlights the importance of vigilance and adherence to safety protocols, even in the most routine operations. While the investigation into the incident is still ongoing, the Navy’s decision to relieve Capt. Snowden underscores the accountability that comes with command.

The USS Harry S. Truman’s collision and the subsequent relief of its commanding officer serve as a reminder of the high stakes involved in naval operations. The Navy’s decision to hold Capt. Snowden accountable reflects the service’s commitment to maintaining the trust and confidence of its sailors and the public. As the Truman undergoes repairs and prepares to return to its mission, the incident will likely be scrutinized to identify lessons learned and prevent similar occurrences in the future. For now, the focus remains on ensuring the ship’s readiness and the continued safety of its crew, even as the Navy upholds its rigorous standards of leadership and accountability.