The USS Tripoli, USS New Orleans, USS San Diego and the embarked 31st MEU are reportedly heading to the Middle East in support of Operation Epic Fury. The USS Robert Smalls will be replaced by the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin. The fire occurred Thursday in the aircraft carrier's main laundry room and was not combat related, the Navy said. Composite Training Unit Exercise, or COMPTUEX, readies naval task forces for sustained combat and results in recommendations for deployment. CENTCOM officials also claimed that "damage to U.S. installations was minimal and has not impacted operations." The U.S. Navy will have at least 16 ships in the region, dwarfing the 11-ship fleet that was, until the Ford’s departure, positioned in the Caribbean Sea. The USS Truxtun collided with the USNS Supply nearly two weeks ago during a replenishment-at-sea. Capt. Chavius Lewis was relieved of his duties due to a "loss in confidence" in his ability to command, the Navy said. By Beth Sullivan
2 months ago The USS Gerald Ford set out on deployment in late June 2025, which means the crew will have been deployed for eight months in two weeks time. The destroyer USS Truxtun and the supply ship USNS Supply collided as the warship was getting a load of supplies, leaving two troops with minor injuries. Load More