U.S. Navy Releases Photos of Damage to USS Harry S. Truman
Updated: Additional photos were released showing more damage to Harry S. Truman
The U.S. Navy recently released the first official photos showing the acknowledged damage to the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman. Despite the damage, the vessel remains fully mission capable and is currently conducting flight operations in the Mediterranean Sea.
The initial picture reveals damage below the flight deck near one of the carrier’s elevators and observation points. Although the elevator itself was not damaged, portions of the underside of the observation point appear to be ripped open with large scrapes. Subsequent photos show additional damage on the starboard quarter of the carrier, including a damaged exhaust stack pipe and hull plates.
Exterior damage near the stern of USS Harry S. Truman viewed from an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter (note the damaged exhaust pipe near the stern and the damage to the observation point (right). (USN released photos)
Damage to Bulk Carrier Besiktas M
Well-known industry commentator Sal Mercogliano shared pictures of the damage to the bulk carrier Besiktas M (53,000 dwt). The images highlight the “mooring line spool which has been sheared off and the damage to the starboard forward hatch combing.” Managed by Synergy Ship Management, the vessel is registered in Panama and has been in operation since 2015.
A photo released from one of the crew of #BesiktasM after the collision with #Truman.
It appears that Besiktas M hit the Truman with her starboard bow. Note the mooring line cable spool sheared off and the damage to the forward starboard hatch coaming.
This damage may indicate… https://t.co/MtXUhg7hSG pic.twitter.com/4I2jCGMrZA
— Sal Mercogliano (WGOW Shipping) ??????????????????? (@mercoglianos) February 13, 2025
Collision Details
The collision between USS Harry S. Truman and Besiktas M occurred at approximately 11:46 p.m. local time on February 12 near Port Said, Egypt. Both vessels were maneuvering in the busy area north of the Suez Canal. Fortunately, there were no reports of flooding or injuries on the carrier, and its propulsion plants remain unaffected and stable.
The Harry S. Truman is currently in the Mediterranean conducting damage surveys while Navy command determines the next steps. The guided-missile destroyer Jason Dunham was also in the vicinity but was not involved in the collision.
Contrary to earlier reports, Besiktas M is currently docked in Alexandria, Egypt, instead of continuing its journey to Constanta, Romania.