A Nimitz-class aircraft carrier's encounter with a commercial ship leads to visible damages requiring assessment at a Greek port.
According to Naval News, USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) collided with Panamanian-flagged M/V Besiktas-M near Port Said, Egypt, on February 12, resulting in damage to the carrier's starboard side.
The incident occurred at 11:46 p.m. local time at the northern end of the Suez Canal. Navy officials confirmed that the collision caused visible damage aft of elevator 3, specifically affecting the underside of a sponson housing a .50 caliber machine gun.
Despite the impact, the adjacent aircraft elevator appears unaffected, and no flooding or injuries were reported aboard the Truman.
The Truman Carrier Strike Group had been actively participating in Operation Prosperity Guardian, marking 50 days of operations in the Red Sea before the incident.
During this deployment, the carrier conducted multiple strikes against Houthi targets in self-defense scenarios. The strike group also executed operations against ISIS-Somalia targets on February 1, demonstrating its crucial role in maintaining regional security.
Throughout its two-month deployment in the CENTCOM area of operations, the carrier faced several challenges from Houthi rebels. These included encounters with one-way attack drones and cruise missiles.
The Houthi group claimed one attack lasted nine hours, though this duration remains unverified by U.S. Navy sources. The Truman served as the fourth carrier deployed to the Red Sea region, taking over duties from USS Abraham Lincoln.
Recent developments in the region showed a pause in Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping, coinciding with the ceasefire arrangement between Israel and Hamas. The rebel group stated its intention to maintain this pause as long as the ceasefire remains intact. However, forces involved in Operation Prosperity Guardian continue their escort duties through the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait.
The Truman is currently docked at U.S. Naval Support Activity Souda Bay for a scheduled working port visit. This stop allows for necessary maintenance work and munitions replenishment. The superficial nature of the damage suggests minimal impact on the carrier's operational capabilities should it be required to return to the Red Sea.
The carrier's current deployment began on September 23, 2024, following an extended COMPUTEX workup phase through July 2024. This timeline places the Truman at approximately four months into its deployment schedule. The Navy has not yet confirmed whether the carrier will return to Red Sea operations after completing its port visit in Greece.
Navy officials are conducting a thorough assessment of the incident, with further details pending from Navy Public Affairs. The collision investigation will likely examine factors such as navigation protocols and communication between vessels in the high-traffic area near the Suez Canal entrance.
The USS Harry S. Truman's collision with M/V Besiktas-M near Port Said resulted in visible but non-critical damage to the carrier's starboard side. The incident occurred while the vessel was transitioning near the Suez Canal after completing significant operations in the Red Sea region, including counter-terrorism missions and maritime security operations. As the carrier undergoes assessment and maintenance at Souda Bay, military planners will determine its next deployment phase while maintaining the necessary naval presence in strategic Middle Eastern waters.
