US Navy Ship Damaged in Middle East Incident Under Investigation

A U.S. Navy replenishment ship, the USNS Big Horn, has sustained damage while operating in the Middle East, prompting an ongoing investigation. The incident occurred amid rising tensions in the region due to the Israel-Hamas conflict and Israel's military actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon. The Big Horn has been actively supplying the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group, which is currently patrolling the Arabian Sea. Officials have confirmed that the crew of the Big Horn is safe, and there are no indications of an oil leak from the vessel. However, the exact location of the incident remains undisclosed. Reports suggest that the ship may have run aground and experienced flooding off the coast of Oman, as indicated by images shared on a shipping tracking website. The Big Horn is being supported by private tugboats while assessments of the damage are conducted. The replenishment ship plays a crucial role in supplying fuel and other necessities to the strike group, which includes vessels powered by fossil fuels that require resupply at sea. As the situation develops, the U.S. Navy is focused on ensuring the safety of its personnel and the operational readiness of its fleet in a region marked by heightened military activity. The investigation into the incident will likely provide further insights into the circumstances surrounding the damage to the Big Horn.