In late July, the U.S. Navy’s USS Benfold, an Arleigh Burke‑class guided‑missile destroyer, suffered an engineering casualty that knocked out its generators. The failure left the nearly 10,000‑ton warship without power, air conditioning, galley services, toilets and potable water for four days while operating in the South China Sea.
Incident details
According to a statement from the U.S. 7th Fleet, the problem occurred on July 24 during routine Indo‑Pacific operations. Navy spokesperson Cmdr. Matthew Comer said the loss of power also prevented the ship from maneuvering under its own propulsion. No crew members were injured, and the crew’s response was described as “resilient, gritty, professional and unwavering.”
Assistance and repairs
During the outage, the guided‑missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls supplied cooked meals to the Benfold. Additional ships from the Japan‑based USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group also provided aid. After four days afloat without power, the Benfold was towed to Subic Bay in the Philippines, where repairs were completed by August 8 and the ship returned to duty.
Context and broader concerns
The incident comes amid growing scrutiny of the U.S. Navy’s operational tempo. Analysts and Democratic lawmakers have warned that the Navy is being stretched thin by commitments related to the conflict with Iran and its global responsibilities. Earlier this year, the carrier USS Abraham Lincoln faced morale and mental‑health concerns after more than 200 days at sea without a port call. In May, another Arleigh Burke‑class destroyer, the USS Higgins, lost power and propulsion for several hours in the Indo‑Pacific, also attributed to an engineering casualty.
Expert perspective
Carl Schuster, a former Navy captain, recalled a four‑hour power loss aboard a destroyer near Puerto Rico and noted that a four‑day outage in the South China Sea would be far more stressful for crew and commanders alike. He highlighted concerns about crew morale, navigation, weather, and the need for timely assistance.
Operational implications
Arleigh Burke‑class destroyers like the Benfold and Higgins form the backbone of the U.S. surface fleet, with more than 70 ships in service. They typically carry crews of 329 to 359 and are equipped for a range of missions, from anti‑air and anti‑submarine warfare to strike operations. The recent power loss underscores the importance of maintenance and redundancy in a fleet that is simultaneously supporting carrier strike groups headed to the Middle East and maintaining a presence across the vast Indo‑Pacific region.
The USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group, of which the Benfold is a regular component, is currently en route to the Middle East to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln. While the Navy has not confirmed whether the Benfold will accompany the group, ship spotters in Japan have reported the destroyer’s arrival there.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
