Capt. Dave Snowden has been removed from his role as commanding officer of the USS Harry S. Truman following a collision with a merchant ship earlier this month. The US Navy announced his dismissal on February 20, citing a loss of confidence in his ability to lead.
The incident took place on February 12 when the Truman collided with the MV Besiktas-M while operating in the Mediterranean near Egypt’s Port Said. Although no crew members were injured, the aircraft carrier sustained damage to its starboard side, affecting its hull and external storage areas. The ship has since arrived at US Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, where an assessment team is reviewing the extent of the damage.
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, head of Carrier Strike Group 8, made the decision to relieve Snowden of command. Capt. Christopher Hill, who currently commands the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, has been named as the temporary replacement while the Navy addresses repairs. Hill previously led the Eisenhower through an extended deployment in 2024 supporting US operations in Central Command and European Command 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 1996 graduate of the US Naval Academy and career fighter pilot, had taken command of the Truman in December 2023. Prior to that, he served as the ship’s executive officer and commanded the USS San Antonio. Following his removal, he will be 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, a Nimitz-class carrier, deployed from Norfolk in September and remains a key part of the US fleet. The Navy has confirmed that while damage was sustained above the waterline, the ship’s aircraft elevator remains fully functional.
The MV Besiktas-M, the merchant vessel involved in the collision, was flying under a Panama flag and is owned by Synergy Ship Management, a company based in Turkey.
