US Navy investigates power failure aboard destroyer USS Benfold in South China Sea

Published Aug 18, 02:00 PM UTC

The U.S. Navy is investigating a power failure aboard the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Benfold that occurred on July 24 in the South China Sea. An engineering casualty involving a generator caused the ship to lose power for several days, impacting potable water, galley services, toilets, and air conditioning. No crew injuries were reported. The ship was towed by commercial tugboats to Subic Bay, Philippines, arriving on July 28. Power was restored on July 30, and repairs were completed by August 7. The USS Benfold departed Subic Bay on August 8 with all systems functioning normally. The crew received support from other ships in the George Washington Carrier Strike Group, including the cruiser USS Robert Smalls, which provided meals. Retired Navy experts noted that such prolonged power loss is extremely rare and would have made conditions miserable for the crew, who demonstrated resilience and problem-solving skills.