Commander of US Navy’s destroyer removed after collision with supply ship

February 23, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, commander of US Naval Forces Southern Command and US 4th Fleet, relieved Cmdr. James Koffi, as commanding officer of USS Truxtun (DDG 103), on February 22, citing a loss of confidence in his ability to command.

The relief follows a collision between USS Truxtun and the fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE-6) during a replenishment-at-sea operation on Feb. 11 in the US Southern Command area of responsibility.

Two personnel suffered minor injuries, and both vessels were able to continue sailing safely. The cause of the incident remains under investigation, the officials noted.

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

Vessels

Cmdr. Taylor Auclair, formerly assigned to US Fleet Forces Command, will assume command of USS Truxtun.

Koffi has been temporarily reassigned to Commander, Naval Surface Group Middle Atlantic.

The US Navy emphasized that it maintains the highest standards for leaders and holds them accountable when those standards are not met. USS Truxtun is currently in port in Ponce, Puerto Rico, supporting US Southern Command missions.

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 characteristics, USS 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.