The US Navy has relieved Capt. Dave Snowden of his duties following a collision involving the USS Harry S. Truman and a merchant vessel near Egypt. The decision was made on February 20 after officials cited a loss of confidence in his leadership.
The accident occurred on February 12 when the nuclear‑powered aircraft carrier struck the MV Besiktas‑M near the entrance of the Suez Canal. No injuries were reported, but the carrier suffered damage to its starboard quarter, affecting its hull and a flight‑deck extension. The ship is currently docked at US Naval Support Activity Souda Bay in Greece for inspections and emergency repairs.
The U.S. Navy has fired Captain Dave Snowden, the Commanding Officer of the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75), for “Loss of Confidence” following the February 12th Collision of the Aircraft Carrier with a Merchant Cargo Ship, near the mouth of the Southeast Mediterranean Suez Canal .… pic.twitter.com/JIy0IAdmZ8
— Rob O'Donnell (@odonnell_r) February 21, 2025
Rear Adm. Sean Bailey, commander of Carrier Strike Group 8, made the call to remove Snowden from command. Capt. Christopher Hill, leader of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, will serve as interim commander of the Truman while the Navy determines the next steps. The Eisenhower, currently undergoing maintenance in Norfolk, completed a nine‑month deployment in 2024 supporting missions in the Middle East and Europe.
Navy bros- anyone ever heard of a carrier involved collision? WTF over https://t.co/2sli6RK9rb
— Clay Martin ⚔️ (@wayofftheres) February 13, 2025
Snowden, a veteran fighter pilot and 1996 graduate of the US Naval Academy, had led the Truman since December 2023. Before that, he served as the ship’s executive officer and previously commanded the USS San Antonio. He will now be reassigned to Naval Air Forces Atlantic.
Navy fires aircraft carrier captain after cargo ship collision https://t.co/Gju9pRpr0a
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) February 21, 2025
The Truman, which deployed from Norfolk in September, remains a key asset in US naval operations. An assessment team is currently reviewing the damage, which includes exterior storage compartments and a maintenance area. The ship’s aircraft elevator remains fully functional despite the collision.
The merchant vessel involved, the MV Besiktas‑M, is a Panama‑flagged ship owned by Synergy Ship Management, based in Turkey.
