US Navy destroyer USS Benfold loses all generator power for 4 days in South China Sea

Published Aug 19, 04:57 PM UTC

The US Navy destroyer USS Benfold (DDG-65) experienced a severe engineering casualty on July 24, 2026, while conducting routine operations in the South China Sea, leaving approximately 300 sailors without potable water, galley services, toilets, or air conditioning for four days. The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer lost all generator power and was towed by contracted tugboats to Subic Bay, Philippines, arriving on July 28. The George Washington Carrier Strike Group provided support, including meals from USS Robert Smalls. Subject-matter experts from Ship Repair Facility-Japan Regional Maintenance Center met the ship upon arrival. Power was restored on July 30, and all repairs were completed by August 7, with the ship departing Subic Bay on August 8. No crew injuries were reported. The incident is under investigation and follows reports of poor morale and mental health issues on other Navy vessels, including USS Abraham Lincoln.