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2024-09-24 -Land of the Free
US Navy Oiler Runs Aground, Forcing Carrier Strike Group to Scramble for Fuel
[gCaptain via Insty] gCaptain has received multiple reports that the US Navy oiler USNS Big Horn ran aground yesterday and partially flooded off the coast of Oman, leaving the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group without its primary fuel source.

First reported on the gCaptain forum and by maritime historian Sal Mercogliano, a leaked video and photos show damage to the ship’s rudder post and water flooding into a mechanical space. US Navy vessels don’t typically transmit AIS signals, so we don’t know the exact location of the ship but a Navy source confirms she is anchored near Oman awaiting a full damage assessment.

Fortunately, no injuries or environmental damage have been reported for the ship. This is significant because the 33-year-old vessel is one of the single-hull versions of the Kaiser-class oilers.

Kaiser-class oilers, named after Henry J. Kaiser, were introduced in the 1980s and have long been the backbone of the Navy’s underway replenishment (UNREP) capabilities. These vessels refuel carrier strike groups and other naval assets at sea—a crucial task ensuring the Navy’s global reach and operational readiness. However, as single-hull tankers, they’ve been considered environmentally vulnerable since, following the Exxon Valdez oil spill, the 1990 Oil Pollution Act (OPA 90) mandated double-hull designs for commercial oil tankers.

The John Lewis-class, a modern replacement for the aging Kaiser-class, features double-hull construction, improved safety, and enhanced fuel capacity. Named after the late civil rights leader, these ships are designed to meet the Navy’s future logistical needs, reflecting a broader push to modernize the fleet and enhance operational resilience.

Compounding the problem is the fact that the Big Horn is the only oiler the Navy has in the Middle East. One shipowner told gCaptain that the Navy is scrambling to find a commercial oil tanker to take its place and deliver jet fuel to the USS Abraham Lincoln.

If the Navy resorts to using a commercial oil tanker as a temporary replacement, it would need to install a Consolidated Cargo Handling and Fueling (CONSOL) system for underway replenishment operations. This system includes specialized refueling rigs, tensioned fueling hoses, and high-capacity fuel pumps—all essential for safely transferring fuel to warships at sea. The tanker would also require robust communication and control systems to ensure precise coordination during refueling maneuvers.
This retrofitting process is no small feat. It requires significant modifications to the commercial vessel, enabling it to withstand the unique stresses and operational demands of pumping fuel while sailing at full speed. Moreover, a U.S. Merchant Marine crew trained in CONSOL UNREP procedures—a complex and high-risk operation—would need to be flown to the Middle East to supervise the operation. This adds another layer of complexity to an already challenging situation.

Commercial tankers are significantly slower than Navy oilers, which could leave the USS Abraham Lincoln more vulnerable to attack during aviation fuel loading operations.
Posted by Frank G 2024-09-24 10:05|| || Front Page|| [11154 views ]  Top

#1 using a commercial oil tanker as a temporary replacement

I understand a Greek tanker may be available.
Posted by Skidmark 2024-09-24 10:31||   2024-09-24 10:31|| Front Page Top

#2 Someone was too busy watching soap operas.
Posted by Rex Mundi 2024-09-24 11:55||   2024-09-24 11:55|| Front Page Top

#3 He didn't want a career in the Navy anyway.
Posted by Silentbrick 2024-09-24 13:20||   2024-09-24 13:20|| Front Page Top

#4 USNS ships typically have a civilian Captain,
Wiki cite:"United States Naval Ships are unarmed auxiliary support vessels owned by the U.S. Navy and operated in non-commissioned service by Military Sealift Command with a civilian crew. Some ships include a small military complement to carry out communication and special mission functions, or for force protection.[2]"
Posted by NoMoreBS 2024-09-24 14:51||   2024-09-24 14:51|| Front Page Top

#5 /\ Add that to the volumes of stuff I had absolutely no clue about. Thanks NoMo.
Posted by Besoeker 2024-09-24 15:56||   2024-09-24 15:56|| Front Page Top

#6 General Dynamics/NAASCO San Diego just launched another and has a contract for 8 more IIRC
Posted by Frank G 2024-09-24 17:54||   2024-09-24 17:54|| Front Page Top

#7 I’m not a boat driver but wouldn’t you normally incur damage near the bow of the ship if you run aground moving forward. The rudder damage suggests the ship was moving backwards. Presume that being a target of opportunity by an underwater drone already officially ruled out.
Posted by Gloluns Turkeyneck4904 2024-09-24 21:34||   2024-09-24 21:34|| Front Page Top

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