Key Takeaways:
– U.S. oil replenishment ship, the USNS Big Horn, gets stranded off the coast of Oman.
– The incident did not cause any injuries, affect other vessels, or result in fuel leaks.
– U.S. military assets continue operations in the Middle East despite temporary inconvenience.
– The U.S. Navy is battling resource availability issues amid global threats.
Incident with USNS Big Horn
The USNS Big Horn, the sole U.S. Navy oiler supporting the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group deployed in the Middle East amidst rising tensions with Hamas, ran aground off the Oman coast this Monday. The damage sustained by the vessel resulted in partial flooding, causing the ship to be tugged into port for a detailed assessment. No injuries or fuel leaks were reported, despite the significant damage to the vessel, officials told CBS News national security correspondent Charlie D’Agata.
Role of the Big Horn
The Big Horn is a type of vessel called an “oiler,” which is essential for ferrying fuel and other vital supplies to the ships and aircraft operating in a strike group. This type of vessel plays a significant role in supporting the Lincoln and its fleet of battleships, escort vessels, and aircraft, especially amidst the soaring regional tension.
Ongoing Investigation
There is an ongoing investigation into a video posted online allegedly showing the ship taking on water. Navy officials have so far declined to authenticate the video. Images released by the U.S. military showed the Big Horn undertaking a recent resupply mission, sailing beside the Lincoln, and even resupplying the Lincoln’s sailors, establishing its key role.
Significant Role in Regional Security
The Lincoln and associated Navy vessels have been engaged in patrolling the Arabian Sea in support of Israel and protecting U.S. assets. An integral part of joint U.S.-British military endeavors, the Lincoln helps deter Yemen’s Houthi rebels, backed by Iran like Hamas, from targeting commercial and military vessels. Despite the ongoing airstrikes against Houthi targets, missile attacks on ships continue unabated.
Fallout of the Incident
Military officials describe the damage to the Big Horn as an inconvenience but emphasize that naval operations can continue. Fleet destroyers can refuel in port, transporting aviation fuel to the carrier to ensure continued operation of on-board fighter jets and surveillance aircraft. Oilers like the Big Horn typically carry around 80 civilians and five military personnel onboard.
Resource Constraints for U.S. Navy
The incident arrives amidst concerns regarding the readiness of the U.S. Navy to handle global threats — both the escalating conflict in the Middle East and the military assertiveness of China in the contentious waters of the South China Sea and around Taiwan.
A labor shortage in shipyards, causing delays in ship production and maintenance, coupled with shifting defense priorities, unforeseen design changes, and cost overruns have rendered the U.S. Navy lagging behind its Chinese counterpart when it comes to the number of ships.
Eric Labs, a Congressional Budget Office naval analyst, expressed concerns in August about the “terrible state” of U.S. Navy shipbuilding, attributing it primarily to labor shortages onshore. He cautioned that resolving the problem will be neither quick nor easy.
The incident with the Big Horn should serve as a reminder of the vital need to address these operational readiness issues for the U.S. Navy, amidst escalating global tensions.