A US Navy replenishment ship, the USNS Big Horn, encountered damage during its operations in the Middle East. The incident is currently being investigated by Navy officials. The ship suffered the damage after completing refueling and replenishment operations for Navy vessels, including the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and multiple guided-missile destroyers within the region.

The specifics regarding the location and type of damage sustained by the USNS Big Horn have not been disclosed by the Navy official. Following the incident, the replenishment oiler is being towed to a nearby port for further investigation into the damage and necessary repairs. The safety of all crew members on board has been confirmed, and the situation is being assessed by the US 5th Fleet, responsible for Navy operations in the Middle East.

The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group, previously conducting operations in and around the Gulf of Oman as a message of deterrence to Iran, may now opt for refueling and resupply at port instead of at sea due to the damage sustained by the USNS Big Horn. Replenishment oilers like the USNS Big Horn play a crucial role in providing fuel to Navy vessels during deployments, ensuring sustained operations of other ships and aircraft within the carrier strike group during extended overseas missions.