US Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class destroyer collides with supply ship during refueling

February 12, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

The US Navy guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun and fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE 6) have collided during a refueling operation at sea.

The event took place on Wednesday afternoon, Reuters reported, citing a statement from the US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM). Both vessels were conducting a replenishment-at-sea when the incident occurred, though Southern Command did not specify the exact location of the collision or what caused it. The

Two personnel aboard the ships suffered minor injuries and are in stable condition, and both vessels reported they were able to continue sailing safely, according to the statement. The collision is currently under investigation. The SOUTHCOM areas of responsibility include Central and South America and the Caribbean.

The USS Truxtun is designed as a multi-mission surface combatant capable of conducting air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, naval surface fire support, and surface warfare operations. These destroyers are equipped with advanced sensors and weapons systems, including the Aegis combat system and vertical launch cells for a variety of missiles, enabling them to detect, track, and engage air, surface, and subsurface threats.

The ship typically carries around 300 sailors, and its capabilities allow it to operate independently or as part of larger naval groups.

In terms of physical characteristics, the Truxtun measures roughly 155 meters (about 508 feet) in length with a displacement in the vicinity of 9,000–9,700 tons full load, and can exceed 30 knots in speed. It is armed with guns, missiles, torpedoes, and close-in weapon systems, and typically operates with a complement of helicopters for expanded mission reach.

On February 3, 2026, the USS Truxtun departed Naval Station Norfolk for a scheduled independent deployment. The deployment follows intensified training and recent operations in other regions.

Truxtun’s last deployment concluded in October 2025, where they conducted operations in the US 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. During this time, the ship worked alongside the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group, the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, and the HMS Prince of Wales Strike Group in various capacities.

Truxtun also represented the US Navy in the multi-national operations Mediterranean Strike and Bright Star.