A U.S. Navy replenishment ship, the USNS Big Horn, operating in the Middle East, has sustained damage in an incident currently under investigation, officials confirmed on Tuesday. The vessel had been providing supplies to the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group and remains in the region amidst escalating tensions related to the Israel-Hamas conflict and Israel's military actions targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The specific location of the damage has not been disclosed, as per a U.S. Navy official who chose to remain anonymous. However, it was clarified that all crew members are safe, and an assessment of the situation is underway. There have been no reports of an oil leak from the ship.
Assistance is being provided to the USNS Big Horn by private tugboats, and a comprehensive evaluation of the vessel's condition is ongoing. Further details regarding the incident are expected to be released at a later time as the investigation progresses.
This development comes at a critical juncture in the region, with heightened tensions and military activities unfolding in the vicinity. The U.S. Navy is actively monitoring the situation and ensuring the safety and security of its personnel and assets in the area.
