1/We have a video showing USS Truxtun (DDG-103) colliding with USNS Supply (T-AOE 6) in the Caribbean during an underway replenishment/refueling operation.
Supply had the USS Gettysburg (CG-64) alongside to starboard, so Supply could not maneuver.
This video shows the moment that Truxtun loses control and maneuvers into the starboard amidships of Supply.
2/The video was shot in the gold circled area, forward on the port side. You can see the life rafts (white capsules) above the deck. This is the position that distance and telephone line would be positioned during the Underway Replenishment.
It appears that Truxtun, identified due to the 103 on the bow, was making its approach on the port side to conduct a refueling. It does not appear that this was after the UNREP due to the refueling hoses.
3/We hear multiple horn signals. The question is who is sounding them. It appears to be Truxtun.
If Supply was sounding them, that would have been the signal for an emergency breakaway with Gettysburg to starboard.
As Gettysburg is alongside, Supply is restricted in its ability to maneuver and cannot do anything but maintain its course and speed.
It is the worst position for SUPPLY to be in.
4/The ship's horn appears to hang, which makes me think it is Truxtun who is sounding it, plus the tone indicates the video is right in front of it.
Truxtun veers hard to starboard. This appears not to be just a simple helm error.
This could indicate a rudder failure, or the potential loss of power to the starboard propeller (similar to what happened with McCain back in 2017). McCain ordered a speed change and when the throttle was adjusted, only one of the two propellers were changed.
5/There is the potential for hull damage to both as Truxtun comes in at a steep angle.
Shortly after you hear the Supply announce they have been hit to port, Truxtun, after the initial hit, comes down the port side of Supply.
Truxtun then veers off to port and then appears to stop as the ship looses its bow wave.
6/You can see that the rigs on Supply appear to be clear of personnel, leading me to think this is before the UNREP began.
Truxtun appears to stop engines as Supply moves past her, with the video ending as Truxtun is off Supply's port quarter.
There is no indication of fuel in the water and Truxtun's bow does not show any damage, potentially indicating that the hit was at an angle and not piercing into the side of Truxtun.
7/There will need to be full investigation, but as someone who worked and sailed on @MSCSealift underway replenishment ships, let me say that this is a dangerous operation.
While they are common, they are never routine, and the margin for error between a 9,000 ton destroyer and cruiser with a 45,000 ton fast combat support ship between and nearly a thousand sailors and mariners involved is minimal.
Glad that the injuries were limited to two.
Hats off to the mariners and sailors on duty for the @USNavy
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