USS Truman Arrives in Souda Bay for Repairs After Collision Off Egypt

The U.S. aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75), which collided with a merchant vessel off the coast of Egypt, has arrived in Souda Bay, Greece, for repairs, the U.S. 6th Fleet announced on Sunday.

The Navy’s Forward Deployed Regional Maintenance Center will assess the damage sustained by Truman following the incident.

“The assessment team includes structural engineers, naval architects, and other specialists from FDRMC and Norfolk Naval Shipyard,” the Navy’s statement reads. “They will be supported by the ship’s crew and local industry partners for the repair efforts.”

The collision occurred Wednesday night when Truman made contact with the merchant bulker M/V Besiktas-M off the coast of Port Said, near the entrance to the Suez Canal. As the bulker was exiting the canal en route to Constanta, Romania, its starboard bow struck Truman’s aft starboard quarter, damaging a hull sponson near the aft aircraft elevator and puncturing the hull above the waterline further aft.

“Damage assessment includes the outer wall of two storage rooms and a maintenance space,” the 6th Fleet’s statement continues. “Externally, damage has been identified in a line-handling area, the fantail, and a platform above one of the storage spaces. Aircraft elevator number three sustained no damage and remains fully operational.”