The U.S. Navy has dismissed Capt. Dave Snowden from his role as commanding officer of the USS Harry S. Truman after the aircraft carrier was involved in a collision with a merchant ship. Snowden was removed from command on February 20 due to concerns about his leadership following the incident.
On February 12, the Truman struck the MV Besiktas-M near the entrance to the Suez Canal while operating in the Mediterranean. No injuries were reported, but the ship sustained damage to its starboard quarter, including a flight-deck extension. The carrier is now docked at U.S. Naval Support Activity Souda Bay for emergency repairs and evaluation.
The U.S. Navy has fired Captain Dave Snowden, the Commanding Officer of the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75), for “Loss of Confidence” following the February 12th Collision of the Aircraft Carrier with a Merchant Cargo Ship, near the mouth of the Southeast Mediterranean Suez Canal .… pic.twitter.com/JIy0IAdmZ8
— Rob O'Donnell (@odonnell_r) February 21, 2025
Rear Adm. Sean Bailey, the officer in charge of Carrier Strike Group 8, ordered Snowden’s removal from command. Capt. Christopher Hill, currently in charge of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, has been assigned as interim commander of the Truman. Hill’s previous command saw him lead the Eisenhower through a lengthy deployment in 2024 that supported U.S. military operations in multiple regions.
Navy bros- anyone ever heard of a carrier involved collision? WTF over https://t.co/2sli6RK9rb
— Clay Martin ⚔️ (@wayofftheres) February 13, 2025
Snowden, a Naval Academy graduate and career fighter pilot, took over as commander of the Truman in December 2023. He had previously served as the ship’s executive officer and commanded the USS San Antonio. Following his removal, he has been reassigned to Naval Air Forces Atlantic.
Navy fires aircraft carrier captain after cargo ship collision https://t.co/Gju9pRpr0a
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) February 21, 2025
The Truman, which deployed from Norfolk in September, is undergoing a full damage assessment. The carrier’s hull sustained a puncture above the waterline, and external storage areas were affected. The Navy has confirmed that the aircraft elevator remains operational.
The merchant ship involved in the collision, the MV Besiktas-M, was registered under a Panama flag and operated by Synergy Ship Management, based in Turkey.
