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Navy fires commander of USS Truxtun after collision with refueling tanker

Feb 24, 2026, 1:15 PM10
(Update: Feb 24, 2026, 1:15 PM)
maritime service branch of the United States Armed Forces

Navy fires commander of USS Truxtun after collision with refueling tanker

  • Cmdr. James Koffi was fired from his position due to a loss of confidence in his command abilities.
  • The USS Truxtun collided with USNS Supply during a refueling operation on February 11.
  • The Navy emphasizes accountability and high standards for its leaders following the incident.
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In a significant incident involving military oversight, Cmdr. James Koffi was relieved of his command of the USS Truxtun, a guided-missile destroyer, after the ship collided with the USNS Supply, an oiler, during a refueling operation in the Caribbean Sea on February 11. The incident, which was captured on video, showed the dramatic moment of impact, leading to shouting onboard and resulting in minor injuries to two sailors. Both vessels had to return to port in Ponce, Puerto Rico, highlighting the seriousness of the situation and the Navy's commitment to maintaining high operational standards. Cmdr. Koffi, a career naval officer, took command of the Truxtun in January 2025 and had previously expressed his dedication to leading a team that exemplifies naval excellence. The collision raised questions about leadership accountability as the Navy cited a loss of confidence in Koffi's ability to command. This decision was part of a broader effort by the Navy to hold leaders accountable for standards of excellence, especially given the public and internal scrutiny following the embarrassing incident. The USS Truxtun had been deployed as part of the Trump administration's naval strategy in the Caribbean, targeting threats like drug trafficking and political instability in Venezuela. This deployment followed a period of training and previous missions in Europe and the Middle East. Koffi's reassignment to Commander, Naval Surface Group Middle Atlantic signifies how incidents like these can have immediate consequences on military careers. Higher-ups in the Navy and the Pentagon have made firings in the last year, indicating an ongoing push to reform the military leadership. As the Navy incorporates new standards and accountability measures, it seeks to improve the overall effectiveness and reputation of its commands. Such actions reflect an organization navigating challenges in leadership amid contemporary issues facing military culture and operations.

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