**Breaking News: USS Harry S. Truman Collides with Merchant Vessel in Critical Incident**

In a shocking turn of events, the USS Harry S. Truman, one of the U.S. Navy’s most formidable aircraft carriers, collided with the Panamanian cargo ship Basiktas M early this morning near Port Said, Egypt. The incident occurred in the congested waters just north of the Suez Canal, raising alarms about naval safety and operational oversight.

The 100,000-ton nuclear-powered carrier, a floating fortress crucial to U.S. military presence in the volatile region, suffered significant damage to its starboard side, impacting multiple internal compartments. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries aboard either vessel, but the implications of this collision are profound. Initial assessments estimate repair costs could exceed $75 million, with full restoration potentially taking months and requiring a dry docking at a major U.S. shipyard, likely in Norfolk, Virginia.

In a swift response, Captain Dave Snowden has been relieved of duty due to a loss of confidence in his command abilities, with Captain Christopher Hill stepping in as interim commander. The Truman has been rerouted to Suda Bay, Greece, for emergency repairs, a move that disrupts its critical mission in the Red Sea amidst rising tensions with Iran-backed militias.

This incident echoes past naval disasters, raising urgent questions about human error and operational readiness. The Truman, commissioned at a staggering cost of $4.5 billion, is vital for maintaining security in one of the world’s key maritime choke points. Its deployment disruption could send shockwaves through allied defense strategies.

As the U.S. Navy grapples with this crisis, the stakes have never been higher. With global threats on the rise, can the Navy afford another blunder? This collision serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers faced by even the most advanced warships. Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds.