A U.S. Navy replenishment ship, the USNS Big Horn, incurred damage while operating in the Middle East after resupplying the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group. The cause of the damage is currently under investigation as officials work to assess the extent of the situation. Amid heightened tensions in the region due to the Israel-Hamas conflict and Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon, the incident raises concerns about the safety and operational capabilities of the fleet.

Although details about the exact location of the damage have not been disclosed, photos released by the U.S. military show the USNS Big Horn providing supplies to the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea. Following the incident, the Big Horn's crew has been confirmed safe, and there have been no reports of an oil leak from the vessel. Efforts are underway to support the damaged ship with private tugboats to facilitate its journey to a nearby port for further evaluation and repairs.

Rumors about the USNS Big Horn's condition circulated after images surfaced showing flooding on board the replenishment oiler off the coast of Oman. The vessel is a crucial component in supplying fuel and other essentials to the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group, enabling the carrier and its accompanying ships to carry out their missions effectively in the region. While the damage to the USNS Big Horn is deemed an inconvenience, the fleet is expected to continue operations through alternative refueling methods until the situation is resolved.