The USS Benfold, a U.S. Navy destroyer, lost power for four days in the South China Sea due to an engineering failure involving its generators, according to a statement from 7th Fleet spokesman Matthew Comer. The incident occurred on July 24 while the ship was operating with the George Washington carrier strike group, affecting approximately 300 sailors aboard. The power outage resulted in a lack of drinking water, hot meals, working toilets, and air conditioning.
Other vessels in the strike group, including the USS Robert Smalls, provided assistance by supplying meals to the crew. The Benfold was towed to Subic Bay in the Philippines, arriving on July 28, where the crew was accommodated ashore while repairs were conducted. Power was restored on July 30, and the Benfold resumed operations on August 8 without any reported injuries to the crew.
Comer noted that the crew demonstrated professionalism and resilience during the incident. The situation has drawn attention amid ongoing scrutiny of the conditions aboard U.S. military vessels, particularly the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has faced reports of deteriorating conditions due to extended deployments. The George Washington strike group, which included the Benfold, is expected to head towards the Middle East to relieve the Lincoln. The cause of the power loss is still under investigation.