Wed Sep 25 08:22:42 UTC 2024: ## US Navy Oil Replenishment Ship Runs Aground in Oman, Affecting Lincoln Strike Group

**MUSCAT, OMAN -** The USNS Big Horn, the only Navy oil replenishment ship supporting the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group currently deployed in the Middle East, ran aground off the coast of Oman on Monday, September 23rd. The incident occurred following a recent resupply mission to the strike group, which is in the region to support Israel and deter Houthi rebels in Yemen.

The damage to the Big Horn is significant, resulting in partial flooding of the vessel. Although there were no reported injuries, the grounding has raised concerns as the ship was the sole source of fuel and vital supplies for the Lincoln and its accompanying warships and aircraft. The strike group relies on the Big Horn for fuel for its non-nuclear powered vessels and aircraft, including fighter jets and surveillance aircraft.

While the Navy insists the fleet can still operate without the Big Horn, the incident highlights the challenges faced by the U.S. Navy in maintaining its fleet amid escalating global threats. The grounding comes at a time when the Navy is already struggling with labor shortages and production backlogs in shipyards, putting it behind China in terms of the number of ships in its fleet.

The Big Horn is currently being escorted to port for a full assessment, with investigations underway to determine the cause of the grounding. The incident has raised concerns about the adequacy of resources for the U.S. Navy, particularly in light of growing tensions in the Middle East and the increasing military assertiveness of China in the South China Sea.

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