The American aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman moored at the Souda Naval Base on Crete early Sunday for repairs following a collision earlier this week in the Mediterranean Sea with a Turkish merchant ship.
The repairs reportedly involve damage to the outer wall of two storage rooms and a maintenance room. Additionally, external damage was sustained to a rope-handling area, the stern, and the platform above one of the storage compartments.
According to local reports, the aircraft carrier is expected to remain at the naval base of the Hellenic Navy and NATO for approximately ten days, the estimated time needed for repairs. Crew members are expected to begin arriving in the nearby city of Hania today.
The USS Harry S. Truman collided with the Turkish-owned, Panama-flagged merchant ship Besiktas-M, a bulk carrier, late Wednesday night off the coast of Port Said, Egypt, while on an operation.
A statement from the US Navy confirmed that the collision did not put the aircraft carrier in danger or affect its propulsion systems.
No flooding or injuries were reported on either vessel, while the incident remains under investigation.
Besiktas Shipping, the owner of Besiktas-M, is a Turkey-based company specializing in ship management and ownership. With over 60 years of experience, it has built a strong reputation, particularly in tanker management.