🕒 Created · Updated

USS Benfold Destroyer Suffers Four-Day Power Outage in Pacific Ocean

The USS Benfold, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, suffered a major engineering casualty involving its generators that left the vessel without power for four days on July 24. Navy spokesman Matthew Comer confirmed that the breakdown left the crew of approximately 300 sailors without drinking water, meals, functioning toilets, and air conditioning. The ship was eventually towed to Subic Bay, Philippines, where repairs were completed by August 7. This incident occurred while the Navy manages the conflict with Iran and faces scrutiny over the quality of life aboard naval vessels. Democratic lawmakers have called for investigations into the conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has spent a record-setting 250 days at sea. Meanwhile, the George Washington carrier strike group is heading to the Middle East to relieve the Lincoln. The administration sees China as a settled force that requires deterrence rather than being the primary global adversary, a shift from the previous administration's strategy.

Sources