USS Harry S. Truman Arrives In Greece For Repairs After Collision Near Egypt

U.S. Navy’s Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), arrived at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, Greece, on February 15 for emergency repairs after a collision with a merchant vessel near Port Said, Egypt.

The incident occurred on February 12 at about 11:46 p.m. local time when the aircraft carrier collided with the Panama-flagged bulk carrier MV Besiktas-M, which had just completed its transit through the Suez Canal.

The collision caused major damage to the carrier’s starboard quarter, impacting several spaces, including storage rooms, a maintenance area, line-handling space, and the fantail.

However, despite this, the number three aircraft elevator was unaffected and remains fully operational. Fortunately, there was no flooding or injuries aboard the USS Harry S. Truman, and its nuclear reactors were unharmed.

In response to the damage, the Forward Deployed Regional Maintenance Center (FDRMC) has been tasked with overseeing the Emergent Repair Availability (ERAV).

The repair is supported by a team that includes structural engineers, naval architects, and other personnel from Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY), along with the ship’s crew and local industry partners.

The team will conduct a full assessment of the damage before beginning repairs.

Follow-up pictures showing further damage to @USSHARRYSTRUMAN.

Damage is evident to the incinerator exhaust stack and a hull gasp on the starboard quarter. pic.twitter.com/wShs1f5MQv

— Sal Mercogliano (WGOW Shipping) (@mercoglianos) February 15, 2025

Despite the damage, the USS Harry S. Truman remained mission-capable and continued flight operations after the collision. According to Captain Dave Snowden, the carrier’s commanding officer, emergency repairs are necessary to ensure the ship can maintain its scheduled deployment.

The repairs will allow the carrier to continue its operations as planned.

At the time of the incident, the USS Harry S. Truman was returning from combat operations in the U.S. Central Command area, where it had been supporting strikes against Iran-backed Houthi targets in Yemen.

A photo released from one of the crew of #BesiktasM after the collision with #Truman.

It appears that Besiktas M hit the Truman with her starboard bow. Note the mooring line cable spool sheared off and the damage to the forward starboard hatch coaming.

This damage may indicate… https://t.co/MtXUhg7hSG pic.twitter.com/4I2jCGMrZA

— Sal Mercogliano (WGOW Shipping) (@mercoglianos) February 13, 2025

The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, which includes Carrier Air Wing 1, the USS Gettysburg (CG 64) and three Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers- USS Stout, USS The Sullivans, and USS Jason Dunham- continues to maintain its operational status across various regions.

The collision reminds us of the 2017 collisions of the USS John S. McCain and USS Fitzgerald, in which 17 sailors lost their lives.

Reference: TWZ