US Navy relieves USS Truxtun commander after sea collision

The US Navy relieved the commander of the guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun after the ship collided with the fast combat support ship USNS Supply during a replenishment-at-sea operation earlier this month. Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello relieved Cmdr. James Koffi following the incident.

Two personnel sustained minor injuries during the February 11 collision. The cause remains under investigation. The Truxtun, which had been deployed for under a month, is in port in Ponce, Puerto Rico, undergoing repairs. Koffi has been reassigned to Commander, Naval Surface Group Middle Atlantic, and Cmdr.

Taylor Auclair has been assigned to command the Truxtun. Replenishments-at-sea are resupplies in which one ship sails closely alongside another to transfer supplies such as fuel or ammunition. These routine missions support global naval activity by allowing vessels to remain at sea, but carry risks that can be exacerbated by sea state, crew fatigue, communication breakdowns, and equipment failures.

Puerto Rico, Ponce

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