U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sonja Wickard/Released
A collision between two U.S. Navy ships operating in the Atlantic resulted in no injuries and only minor damage to the ships. According to a report from the U.S. Naval Institute (USNI), the incident occurred on Tuesday, February 5, just after 4 p.m. EST while the two vessels were completing a resupply and refueling-at-sea operation, known formally as an underway replenishment (UNREP). During the operation, the sterns (back ends) of the two vessels—the guided missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf and the dry cargo ship USNS Robert E Perry—brushed against each other, causing damage to some of the deck equipment on board the Leyte Gulf and to the hull of the Robert E Perry.
“No personnel were injured when a U.S. Navy guided-missile cruiser and dry cargo ship made contact during an underway replenishment off the southeastern coast of the United States, Feb. 5,” the U.S. Navy wrote in a press release.
The incident is currently being investigated by U.S. Fleet Forces Command and Military Sealift Command (MSC), and the ships are currently making their way back to port for further inspection. The USS Leyte Gulf is currently attached to the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, which, according to the USNI, is currently conducting a training exercise in the Atlantic. The current training mission is designed to prepare the entire strike group for a wartime deployment, and all of the group’s assets will be tested.
Although the damage to both ships appears to be superficial, UNREP operations are extremely dangerous. In 2012 the USS Essex collided with the USNS Yukon, a replenishment oiler, while the pair were conducting an UNREP in the Pacific near California. Although no sailors were hurt in the incident and neither vessel received serious damage, the Navy fired the Essex commander “due to loss of confidence in his ability to command,” according to a report from Maritime Executive.
Check out this YouTube video of the USNS Big Horn refueling both the USS Whidbey Island and the USS WASP simultaneously in 2016.
The majority of supply ships in the United States Navy are operated by the MSC, and are not “commissioned” warships. The MSC ships prefixed with USNS instead of the typical USS are normally crewed by civilian mariners, not U.S. Navy sailors. The MSC is technically part of the Department of Defense (DoD), so crew from the MSC are considered federal civil service mariners. Besides supply ships, the MSC also operates the only two hospital ships in the U.S. military—the USNS Comfort in the Atlantic and the USNS Mercy in the Pacific.
A collision between two U.S. Navy ships operating in the Atlantic resulted in no injuries and only minor damage to the ships. According to a report from the U.S. Naval Institute (USNI), the incident occurred on Tuesday, February 5, just after 4 p.m. EST while the two vessels were completing a resupply and refueling-at-sea operation, known formally as an underway replenishment (UNREP). During the operation, the sterns (back ends) of the two vessels—the guided missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf and the dry cargo ship USNS Robert E Perry—brushed against each other, causing damage to some of the deck equipment on board the Leyte Gulf and to the hull of the Robert E Perry.
“No personnel were injured when a U.S. Navy guided-missile cruiser and dry cargo ship made contact during an underway replenishment off the southeastern coast of the United States, Feb. 5,” the U.S. Navy wrote in a press release.
The incident is currently being investigated by U.S. Fleet Forces Command and Military Sealift Command (MSC), and the ships are currently making their way back to port for further inspection. The USS Leyte Gulf is currently attached to the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, which, according to the USNI, is currently conducting a training exercise in the Atlantic. The current training mission is designed to prepare the entire strike group for a wartime deployment, and all of the group’s assets will be tested.
Although the damage to both ships appears to be superficial, UNREP operations are extremely dangerous. In 2012 the USS Essex collided with the USNS Yukon, a replenishment oiler, while the pair were conducting an UNREP in the Pacific near California. Although no sailors were hurt in the incident and neither vessel received serious damage, the Navy fired the Essex commander “due to loss of confidence in his ability to command,” according to a report from Maritime Executive.
Check out this YouTube video of the USNS Big Horn refueling both the USS Whidbey Island and the USS WASP simultaneously in 2016.
The majority of supply ships in the United States Navy are operated by the MSC, and are not “commissioned” warships. The MSC ships prefixed with USNS instead of the typical USS are normally crewed by civilian mariners, not U.S. Navy sailors. The MSC is technically part of the Department of Defense (DoD), so crew from the MSC are considered federal civil service mariners. Besides supply ships, the MSC also operates the only two hospital ships in the U.S. military—the USNS Comfort in the Atlantic and the USNS Mercy in the Pacific.
As someone who’s seen what happens when the truth is distorted, I know how unfair it feels when those who’ve sacrificed the most lose their voice. At SOFREP, our veteran journalists, who once fought for freedom, now fight to bring you unfiltered, real-world intel. But without your support, we risk losing this vital source of truth. By subscribing, you’re not just leveling the playing field—you’re standing with those who’ve already given so much, ensuring they continue to serve by delivering stories that matter. Every subscription means we can hire more veterans and keep their hard-earned knowledge in the fight. Don’t let their voices be silenced. Please consider subscribing now.
One team, one fight,
Brandon Webb former Navy SEAL, Bestselling Author and Editor-in-Chief
Barrett is the world leader in long-range, large-caliber, precision rifle design and manufacturing. Barrett products are used by civilians, sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military, and more than 75 State Department-approved countries around the world.
PO Box 1077 MURFREESBORO, Tennessee 37133 United States
Scrubba Wash Bag
Our ultra-portable washing machine makes your journey easier. This convenient, pocket-sized travel companion allows you to travel lighter while helping you save money, time and water.
Our roots in shooting sports started off back in 1996 with our founder and CEO, Josh Ungier. His love of airguns took hold of our company from day one and we became the first e-commerce retailer dedicated to airguns, optics, ammo, and accessories. Over the next 25 years, customers turned to us for our unmatched product selection, great advice, education, and continued support of the sport and airgun industry.
COMMENTS
There are on this article.
You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article.