By SCM REPORTER
TWO US Navy vessels have smashed into each other in the Caribbean as the region’s waters become “dangerously overcrowded” due to a massive American military buildup.
The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Truxtun and the fast combat support ship USNS Supply collided on Wednesday afternoon during a high-stakes refueling maneuver.
The “replenishment-at-sea” operation—which requires ships to sail parallel just yards apart while moving at speed—turned into a high-seas fender-bender that left two personnel with minor injuries.
‘Overcrowded’ Waters
The crash comes as the US ramps up its naval presence to levels not seen in generations.
Tensions have reached a boiling point following a series of dramatic events in early 2026:
Operation Absolute Resolve: On January 3, US Special Forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a predawn raid.
Cuban Blockade: The US Navy is currently enforcing a “cordon sanitaire” around Cuba, targeting energy supplies and causing widespread power grid collapses on the island.
Massive Fleet: There are currently at least 12 major US warships in the region, including the world’s largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford.
Critics argue the sheer density of hardware in the Caribbean “operational space” is making routine maneuvers increasingly hazardous.
Investigation Launched
A spokesperson for US Southern Command, Colonel Emmanuel Ortiz, confirmed the incident:
”The USS Truxtun and USNS Supply collided during a replenishment-at-sea. Two personnel reported minor injuries and are in stable condition. Both ships have reported sailing safely.”
While both vessels remained seaworthy and continued their missions, the incident has been flagged for a full investigation.
The USS Truxtun had only just returned to the area on February 6 after undergoing “emergent repairs” in Virginia.
The Caribbean has transformed into a primary “kinetic” theater for the US in 2026.
Following the capture of Maduro in January, the Trump administration has shifted its focus toward a total energy blockade of Cuba.
With a fleet that includes a carrier strike group and multiple destroyers patrolling a relatively confined maritime corridor, “traffic jams” and operational mishaps like this collision are becoming a significant concern for naval commanders.
