US Navy destroyer USS Benfold suffers four-day power outage in South China Sea

Published Aug 19, 04:57 PM UTC

The US Navy destroyer USS Benfold, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, suffered a severe engineering casualty on July 24, 2026, leaving it without power for four days in the South China Sea. The incident left approximately 300 sailors without potable water, galley services, toilets, or air conditioning. The ship was towed by contracted tugboats to Subic Bay, Philippines, arriving on July 28 for repairs. Support was provided by the George Washington Carrier Strike Group, including meals from the USS Robert Smalls. Power was restored on July 30, and all repairs were completed by August 8. No injuries were reported. The incident is under investigation and follows reports of poor morale and mental health issues on other Navy vessels, including the USS Abraham Lincoln.