Captain of USS Harry S. Truman Relieved of Command Following Collision
On Thursday, the commanding officer of the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, Captain Dave Snowden, was relieved of his command due to a loss of confidence in his ability to lead. This decision comes more than a week after the ship collided with a merchant vessel in the vicinity of the Mediterranean Sea and the Suez Canal.
According to a press release, Snowden’s removal was prompted by an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision. The preliminary findings of the investigation indicate that the Truman failed to take appropriate measures to avoid the collision.
"Something didn’t happen that should have happened," said a senior U.S. Navy official to Fox News. "A ship that hasn’t taken measures to avoid a collision, it’s on the captain. The buck stops with him."
The senior Navy official stressed that the circumstances of the collision are still under investigation and that the relief of the commanding officer was a necessary step to ensure accountability.
Snowden’s removal from command is a significant development, potentially marking the end of his career in the Navy. He has been temporarily assigned to Naval Air Forces Atlantic, a position that is typically seen as a career-ending move.
The incident occurred on February 12th, as the Truman was preparing to enter the Suez Canal from the Mediterranean Sea. The aircraft carrier had recently been involved in strikes on ISIS targets in Somalia, with F-18s flying from the Truman in the Red Sea to carry out the strikes.
As the Truman approached the mouth of the waterway, the area became crowded, said the senior Navy official. The collision occurred just before midnight.
Photos released by the Navy’s Sixth Fleet show a tear on the starboard side of the Truman, near its stern. A pipe running along the side of the ship appears to be severely damaged as well, though all the damage is above the water line.
The Truman is currently undergoing repairs at Souda Bay in Greece and is expected to return to the Red Sea within a matter of days.
The Navy holds commanding officers to the highest standards and takes action to hold them accountable when those standards are not met, the press release emphasized. Naval leaders are entrusted with significant responsibilities to their Sailors and their ships.
Snowden’s relief from command is a reminder of the critical role that captains play in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of their vessels. The Navy’s investigation into the collision continues, and further details are expected to emerge in the coming weeks.
