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The U.S. Navy confirmed on Thursday that Captain Dave Snowden has been relieved of command following an incident involving the USS Harry S. Truman, which collided with a merchant vessel near the Suez Canal last week.
Captain Snowden had been commanding the aircraft carrier since December 2023. The collision occurred as the aircraft carrier was transitioning from the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or flooding. However, the Navy released a photograph that indicated significant damage to the ship’s structure.
According to information provided by the Navy’s 6th Fleet, the affected areas included the exterior walls of two storage rooms and a maintenance space. Additionally, damage was noted outside the carrier, particularly in a line handling space and on the platform above one of the storage facilities.
As of Sunday, the USS Harry S. Truman has been docked in Souda Bay, located off the coast of Crete, for necessary repairs. Rear Admiral Sean Bailey, commander of the carrier’s strike group, reassured that the operational capacity of the group remains intact. This strike group comprises the Truman, along with three destroyers and a cruiser.
Admiral Bailey stated, “Our mission has not changed, and we remain committed to responding to any challenge in this dynamic and global security environment.” The carrier strike group has had an active deployment since September, operating in both European and Middle Eastern waters. Aircraft from the USS Harry S. Truman have conducted airstrikes, including actions against Houthi forces in December and targeting an al-Qaeda operative in Somalia earlier this month.
The incident raises questions about naval safety protocols and command accountability, especially as the U.S. Navy continues to engage in critical operations worldwide.
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