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Commander Matthew Comer reports USS Benfold spent four days without power in the South China Sea

Commander Matthew Comer, a spokesperson for the Navy's 7th Fleet, confirmed that the guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold spent four days without power in the South China Sea due to an engineering casualty involving its generators. The loss of power impacted essential services including plumbing, meals, toilets, and air conditioning. While the vessel was adrift, it received support from the George Washington Carrier Strike Group, with the USS Robert Smalls providing meals to the crew. The ship was eventually towed to Subic Bay, Philippines, for repairs, which were completed by August 7. The administration announced that the vessel is now functioning normally and has resumed routine operations. Despite the incident, the crew remained uninjured. This event follows reports of low morale and mental health challenges among sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. While some Democrats allege that the administration did not plan for the current war, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has praised the sailors' resilience in austere conditions.

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