The U.S. Navy is investigating the grounding of the USNS Alan Shepard, a 19,000-ton cargo ship, in Bahrain over the weekend. Fifth Fleet spokesperson Commander Tim Hawkins confirmed the incident, stating the vessel ran aground while transiting from the ASRY shipyard to Khalifa Bin Salman Port. Tugboats assisted the Alan Shepard, and it was later safely moored. No injuries were reported among the approximately 85 crew members aboard.

The Alan Shepard, commissioned in 2007, primarily transports dry cargo and ammunition. This incident recalls a similar event in 2017 when the USS Antietam ran aground in Tokyo Bay, resulting in a hydraulic fluid spill and millions of dollars in repairs. A Navy investigation attributed that mishap to the commanding officer's judgment and decision-making. More recently, in late 2022, two Navy warships in San Diego Bay narrowly averted a collision, highlighting the ongoing challenges of maritime navigation.