The US Navy faces a significant operational challenge after the USNS Big Horn, the only replenishment oiler currently deployed to support the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, ran aground off the coast of Oman on September 23, 2024. This incident leaves the strike group without its sole source of fuel at a time when tensions are already high between the United States and Iran amid escalated conflicts involving Israel and Hamas.
According to reports, the 33-year-old USNS Big Horn, which operates primarily to supply jet fuel and other essentials to naval vessels, sustained considerable damage, including flooding of part of the vessel. Despite no reports of injuries or fuel leaks, the ship's grounding has raised alarms about the Navy's logistical capabilities.
The Navy confirmed the vessel is currently docked at the port of Duqm, Oman, where it will undergo comprehensive repairs. A Navy official stated, "USNS Big Horn sustained damage operating at sea in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. All crew members are safe, and the 5th Fleet is assessing the situation." This assessment follows leaked videos showing the ship's mechanical space taking on water and evidence of damage to its rudder post.
The Big Horn’s unfortunate grounding has put the USS Abraham Lincoln and its associated vessels, which include destroyers and other support ships, in acute jeopardy. These ships rely heavily on oilers like the Big Horn for up-to-date aircraft and weapon capabilities, especially amid the current geopolitical climate where military readiness is of utmost importance. A knowledgeable source disclosed to gCaptain: "The Navy is scrambling to find a commercial oil tanker to take its place and deliver jet fuel to the USS Abraham Lincoln." This manual oil supply is not only logistically challenging but also time-consuming.
Replacing the Big Horn with a commercial vessel requires extensive retrofitting. The commercial oiler would need modifications to facilitate fueling operations, indicating logistics would be more complex than simply hiring another ship. A CST Consol system must be installed to manage the high-velocity transfer of fuel, which includes specialized refueling rigs and trained personnel equipped to handle the rigors of military fuel supply operations.
Already, Congress is taking note of the logistical dilemma posed by the Big Horn situation. Senator Roger Wicker expressed concerns, stating, "If we cannot fuel our ships, our capabilities will be greatly diminished.” Wicker highlighted larger issues with the U.S. military logistics networks, emphasizing the Navy’s alarming need for expansion in its logistics fleet, which he deems the "lifeline for our global military presence."
The incident showcases broader issues troubling the Navy, where plans are already underway to sideline 17 support ships to prioritize resources. This reduction indicates increasing strain on U.S. Navy capabilities at a time when at least 100 oilers are potentially required to effectively manage and respond to international threats, especially those from countries like China.
Recently, delays on the newly constructed John Lewis-class oilers have hampered the Navy's readiness. Originally commissioned to bolster replenishment capabilities, these new vessels are reportedly facing technical issues, hinting at extended deployment timelines. Meanwhile, none of these state-of-the-art oilers have been deemed fit for active service overseas.
Compounding these logistical and operational crises, the U.S. military maintains its presence and strategic focus on the Middle East. The USS Abraham Lincoln has been closely monitoring areas susceptible to threats from Iran-backed groups. The deteriorated security environment has been exacerbated by aggressive missiles targeted at commercial ships by Houthi forces, who have utilized the chaos of the current conflicts to launch projects reflecting their support for Palestinian groups.
The Lincoln and her fleet are tasked with ensuring security of shipping lanes as tensions over the supply routes grow. Though the USS Lincoln itself is powered by nuclear energy, its strike group comprises fossil fuel vessels, stressing the need for immediate fuel supplies.
This precarious situation is especially concerning as the U.S. faces potential military engagements on various fronts. The situation is ripe for complications, and military officials have acknowledged the possibility of needing to transfer fuel between naval vessels to maintain operations until the Big Horn is again operational or replaced.
Looking forward, the Navy's logistic capabilities are under scrutiny as questions about maintenance and operational readiness persist. The grounding of the USNS Big Horn stands not only as a logistical challenge but also as a symbol of broader systemic issues within the Navy's current operational structure—as this incident occurs against the backdrop of persistent global threats and domestic resource limitations.
Ongoing investigations aim to determine the cause of the incident, but immediate solutions for the USNS Big Horn's predicament remain elusive as officials weigh their options for securing replacements and ensuring the continuity of operations for the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group and other assets deployed around the globe.