Navy Relieves USS Harry S. Truman Commander Following Collision Near Egypt

Captain Dave Snowden was removed from his position after the aircraft carrier collided with a merchant vessel near Port Said, causing significant damage but no injuries.

The USS Harry S. Truman collided with the merchant vessel Besiktas-M near Port Said, Egypt, on February 12, 2025, while transiting from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea.
Captain Dave Snowden, the carrier's commanding officer since December 2023, was relieved of duty due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command.
The collision caused damage to the carrier's exterior, including two storage rooms, a maintenance space, and external areas such as the fantail and platform above a storage space.
No injuries or flooding were reported, and the carrier remained operational, conducting flight operations before docking in Souda Bay, Greece, for repairs.
Captain Christopher Hill has been named interim commander, while the Navy emphasizes its commitment to holding leaders accountable for maintaining high standards.