An Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, USS Benfold, lost power for four days last month while operating in the South China Sea. The engineering casualty with its generators left the crew without potable water, galley services, toilets, or air conditioning during routine Indo-Pacific operations.
The incident began July 24, forcing the ship to be towed by tugboats into Subic Bay, Philippines, for repairs on July 28. Support arrived from the George Washington Carrier Strike Group, including meals from USS Robert Smalls, while the crew received food and lodging off-ship upon arrival. Power was restored by July 30, and all repairs were completed before the ship departed for fuel on August 7.
No injuries were reported, and the Navy attributed the crew’s response to professionalism and resilience. The engineering mishap remains under investigation, following recent scrutiny over morale and conditions aboard other deployed ships.
