On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Truxtun and the Supply-class fast combat support ship USNS Supply collided during a replenishment-at-sea operation in waters under U.S. Southern Command jurisdiction, which includes the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and portions of the South Atlantic and South Pacific. Two personnel sustained minor injuries and are reported to be in stable condition; neither required transport for medical treatment. Both ships remained operational and able to sail safely following the collision. U.S. Southern Command confirmed the incident is under investigation, with no cause yet determined.
The USS Truxtun had departed Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia on February 3 for scheduled deployment, but returned briefly for unspecified maintenance issues before departing again on February 6. The USNS Supply had been operating in the Caribbean region. Replenishment-at-sea operations are routine but complex procedures where two ships sail side-by-side to transfer fuel, food, equipment, and other supplies—operations that can take days to prepare and hours to complete. These resupply missions are essential for extended naval deployments without returning to port.
The collision occurred during a period of significant U.S. naval buildup in the region, with approximately 12 warships currently operating under Southern Command, including the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group. This buildup has been part of expanded counter-narcotics operations and enforcement of Venezuela-related sanctions that intensified under the Trump administration.