US Navy Destroyer USS Benfold Lost Power Four Days in South China Sea

A U.S. Navy destroyer, the USS Benfold, spent four days without power last month while operating in the South China Sea. The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer suffered an engineering casualty with its generators, leading to a power outage.

This left sailors without potable water, galley services, toilets, or air conditioning. The incident occurred on July 24 while the ship was conducting routine operations in the Indo-Pacific. While 7th Fleet spokesperson Cmdr. The USS Benfold received support from the George Washington Carrier Strike Group, including meals from the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls.

The destroyer was towed by contracted tugboats into Subic Bay, Philippines, for repairs on July 28. Upon arrival, subject-matter experts from Ship Repair Facility-Japan Regional Maintenance Center met the ship. There were no injuries to the crew, who demonstrated resilience, grit, professionalism, and unwavering steadiness. The day after arriving in the Philippines, the crew received food and contracted lodging off board.

The ship's power was restored on July 30. All necessary repairs were completed before the ship shifted berth for fuel on August 7. By the time the USS Benfold left Subic Bay on August 8, all engineering, combat systems, and crew support systems were functioning normally. The engineering mishap is currently under investigation. An analyst suggested the breakdown could be a sign that the US is taxing its reserve capacity as its operation against Iran continues.

The incident follows reports of poor morale and mental health conditions on the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been deployed for nine months, partly in support of U.S. military operations against Iran.