Commanding officer of USS Harry S Truman relieved of duties following collision

The commanding officer of the USS Harry S Truman has been relieved of duty following a collision with a merchant vessel earlier this month.

Captain Dave Snowden was removed from command due to a "loss of confidence in his ability to command," the US Navy stated.

He had been in charge of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier since December 2023.

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The decision follows an incident earlier this month when the Truman collided with the merchant vessel Besiktas-M while operating in the Mediterranean Sea near Port Said, Egypt.

Rear Admiral Sean Bailey, commander of Carrier Strike Group 8, relieved Capt Snowden, who will now be temporarily assigned to Naval Air Forces Atlantic.

In his place, Captain Christopher Hill, currently the commanding officer of the USS Dwight D Eisenhower will serve as Truman's interim commanding officer.

Following the collision, USS Harry S Truman arrived at US Naval Support Activity Souda Bay in Greece for emergency repairs.

The damage assessment includes the exterior wall of two storage rooms and a maintenance space.

External damage was also sustained to a line handling space, the fantail, and a platform above one of the storage areas.

Despite the damage, the ship remained fully mission-capable and continued flight operations before entering port.

Despite the change in command, the US Navy has confirmed that there will be no impact on Truman's mission or schedule.

The Harry S Truman Carrier Strike Group consists of the aircraft carrier, Carrier Air Wing 1 (which includes eight aviation squadrons), and staff from Carrier Strike Group 8 and Destroyer Squadron 28.

Supporting ships include the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg and three Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers: USS Stout, USS The Sullivans, and USS Jason Dunham.