NORFOLK, VA — In a significant leadership shake-up for the U.S. Navy, the commanding officer of the USS Truxtun (DDG 103) was relieved of duty on February 23, 2026, following a maritime collision in the Caribbean Sea earlier this month.
Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet, officially removed Cmdr. James Koffi from command. The decision comes after the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer collided with a Navy supply vessel, identified as the USNS Supply, during a replenishment-at-sea maneuver off the coast of South America.
Details of the Collision
The incident occurred while the USS Truxtun was receiving supplies and fuel in open waters. According to reports from the U.S. Naval Institute (USNI) and public military records, the collision resulted in minor injuries to two personnel. While the extent of the physical damage to the $2 billion destroyer has not been fully disclosed, the Navy cited a “loss of confidence” in Cmdr. Koffi’s ability to command as the primary reason for his removal.
The USS Truxtun had only recently departed its homeport at Naval Station Norfolk on February 3, 2026, for a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations. The vessel was operating in the Caribbean to support regional security and partner-nation exercises at the time of the accident.
About the USS Truxtun (DDG 103)
The USS Truxtun is a Flight IIA Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, a cornerstone of the Navy’s surface fleet. Named after Commodore Thomas Truxtun—one of the original six captains appointed by George Washington—the ship is designed for multi-mission environments, including anti-air, anti-submarine, and anti-surface warfare.
- Displacement: Approximately 8,373 tons (full load).
- Dimensions: 509 feet 5 inches in length with a 66-foot beam.
- Armament: Equipped with the Aegis Combat System, Vertical Launching Systems (VLS), and advanced sonar suites.
- Homeport: Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia.
Next Steps for the Crew
Following the relief of Cmdr. Koffi, the Navy is expected to appoint an interim commanding officer to maintain the ship’s operational readiness. The USS Truxtun remains in the Caribbean region, though it is unclear if the vessel will require a return to port for significant repairs or if it will continue its current mission under new leadership.
The Navy has launched a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision to determine if mechanical failure or human error played the decisive role in the mishap.