Two US Navy ships collided Wednesday during a routine replenishment-at-sea operation in waters off South America. According to the Wall Street Journal, two sailors were reported with minor injuries, but no life-threatening injuries.
Two US Navy ships, USS Truxtun and USNS Supply, collide during a refueling operation off South America. Here’s What You Need to Know (Unsplash)Also Read: Russia Sends Submarine To Escort Tanker As US Tries To Take Over Venezuela: Report
Details of the collisionAccording to a statement by Colonel Emmanuel Ortiz, the collision involved the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Truxtun and the supply-class fast combat support ship USNS Supply.
The two ships collided with each other during a refueling exercise at sea. After the incident, both the ships were said to be able to continue their journey safely. Also, the condition of two injured crew members is stable.
During an ongoing replenishment, two ships traveling side by side exchange fuel and supplies. The Navy owns ships such as supply, but civilian sailors operate them most of the time.
Ortiz said the incident remains under investigation and the cause of the collision is still unknown.
The Wall Street Journal confirmed that the collision occurred within the command’s area of responsibility, which covers the Caribbean, the South Atlantic and areas outside South America. But the exact latitude or longitude is not yet known.
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Why has the location of the USS Truxtun not been disclosed?This month, the USS Truxtun reportedly left Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia on February 3 for an autonomous deployment by the US Navy.
The Army recognition, according to a defense news outlet, came just three months after the USS Truxton’s last operational deployment. Naval vessel departures coincide with ongoing naval pressure in the Middle East and Caribbean.
As President Donald Trump continues to threaten US involvement in efforts to reach a deal on Iran’s nuclear program and missiles. These operations vary from maritime security and anti-narcotics patrols in the Caribbean to countermeasures in the Middle East.
According to Army Reconnaissance, Truxtun’s deployment coincides with a greater concentration of surface combatants supporting the US Southern Command and US Central Command.
US Navy officials have not disclosed Truxtun’s location due to operational security concerns.
