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Navy Reports Fault Training, Maintenance and Leadership in USS Truman Mishaps

Heavily redacted investigations say four avoidable incidents during Houthi combat operations stemmed from high-tempo strain and systemic shortfalls.

Overview

  • The Navy released four command investigation summaries that detail a friendly-fire shootdown, a collision near Port Said, and two Super Hornet losses during the Truman strike group’s deployment.
  • Investigators said the USS Gettysburg commanding officer’s decision to fire on two F/A-18s was neither reasonable nor prudent, citing poor training, weak backup, and overreliance on systems.
  • The Truman’s Feb. 12 collision was deemed avoidable, with officials warning a slight change in impact could have pierced a berthing housing 120 sailors; Capt. Dave Snowden was later relieved.
  • An April 28 overboard loss was attributed to inadequate brake engagement and poor communication during an evasive turn, while a May 6 landing loss was traced to arresting gear failures tied to missing parts and degraded maintenance.
  • Officials reported no deaths but minor injuries and estimated roughly $164 million in losses; leaders said accountability actions were taken and pledged training and maintenance reforms, though specifics remain redacted.