### **US Navy Warship and Refueling Vessel Collide Near South America, Prompting Investigation and Minor Injuries**
In a rare and concerning incident, two US Navy vessels collided during a routine replenishment-at-sea operation in waters near South America, raising questions about naval safety protocols and operational risks in complex maritime maneuvers. The vessels involved were the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Truxtun (DDG-103) and the Supply-class fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE-6). This collision occurred on Wednesday during a standard refueling maneuver, a delicate operation where ships sail side by side to transfer fuel and supplies while underway. ![shi.jpg>](file-guid:422e6c72-87be-477f-ac3e-8fbb4db99f89 "shi.jpg" =300x)
According to military officials, two sailors sustained minor injuries but are reported to be in stable condition. Both ships remained operational and were able to continue sailing safely after the incident. The US Southern Command, responsible for the area encompassing the Caribbean Sea, parts of the South Atlantic, and adjacent regions, confirmed the incident and the ongoing investigation to determine the causes and assess any damage to the vessels.
Videos circulating on social media capture the moment of impact, showing the USS Truxtun making contact with the USNS Supply. While the exact location of the collision has not been publicly disclosed, it falls within the Southern Command’s jurisdiction. Naval experts emphasize that replenishment-at-sea operations are inherently complex and require precise coordination, communication, and seamanship to avoid accidents. The investigation aims to uncover whether human error, mechanical failure, environmental conditions, or other factors contributed to this mishap.
This incident highlights the challenges faced by naval forces in maintaining operational readiness and safety during routine but high-risk procedures. It also underscores the importance of continuous training and technological improvements to mitigate risks during underway replenishment, a critical capability that enables naval vessels to remain deployed without returning to port.
As the investigation proceeds, the US Navy is expected to provide further updates on the findings and any measures implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future. Meanwhile, the incident serves as a reminder of the demanding nature of naval operations and the vigilance required to safeguard personnel and assets in dynamic maritime environments.
