US Airstrikes Against al-Shabaab in Somalia; USS Harry S. Truman Resumes Flight Operations After Collision, Former Commanding Officer Relieved
The airstrike took place near Al-Kowsar, Somalia, and the initial assessment by U.S. Africa Command indicates that no civilians were injured or killed.
AFRICA/MIDDLE EAST - At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted a collective "self-defense" airstrike against al Shabaab on February 25th, 2025, as previously reported by the Somalian Ministry of Information yesterday.
The airstrike took place near Al-Kowsar, Somalia, and the initial assessment by U.S. Africa Command indicates that no civilians were injured or killed.
This action underscores the ongoing efforts of U.S. Africa Command, in partnership with Somali forces, to degrade al Shabaab's ability to plan and execute attacks that threaten U.S. and international security interests.
U.S. Africa Command said, "At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted collective self-defense airstrike against al Shabaab on Feb. 25, 2025."
USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Nimitz-Class Aircraft Carrier Resumes Flight Operations In Mediterranean Sea After Collision
Additionally, The USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, resumed flight operations in the Mediterranean Sea after completing an emergent repair availability (ERAV) at Souda Bay, Greece.
The repairs were needed due to a collision with the merchant vessel Besiktas-M on February 12th. Captain Chris Hill, the new commanding officer, highlighted the crew's readiness and dedication to the mission.
The rapid repair was led by the Forward Deployed Regional Maintenance Center (FDRMC) in collaboration with Norfolk Naval Shipyard and local partners.
This demonstrated the U.S. Navy's capability to maintain combat readiness through global repair partnerships.
Captain Dave Snowden, the former commanding officer, was relieved on February 20th due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command following the collision. Rear Admiral Sean Bailey, commander of Carrier Strike Group 8, made the decision.
Captain Christopher Hill, from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), temporarily replaced Snowden. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group continues its deployment, providing maritime security and regional stability.
Since deploying, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 has flown over 5,500 sorties, including strikes in Yemen and Somalia. The group includes the USS Harry S. Truman, Carrier Air Wing 1, and several other ships.