The Arleigh Burke–class destroyer USS Benfold lost generator power for four days beginning July 24 while operating in the Indo‑Pacific, leaving sailors without potable water, galley services, toilets and air conditioning. The ship was towed to Subic Bay, Philippines, on July 28; power was restored July 30 and repairs were completed before Benfold departed on Aug. 8. No injuries were reported, and subject‑matter experts assisted with repairs. The Navy has launched a formal investigation into the engineering casualty.
USS Benfold Lost Power for Four Days in South China Sea — Crew Towed to Subic Bay, Navy Opens Investigation
Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold conducts routine underway operations in the Philippine Sea on June 24, 2022. (Arthur Rosen/U.S. Navy)
USS Benfold, an Arleigh Burke–class guided‑missile destroyer, experienced a major electrical failure during routine operations in the Indo‑Pacific that left the ship without generator power for four days in late July. According to 7th Fleet spokesperson Cmdr. Matthew Comer, the engineering casualty affected the ship's generators and temporarily disabled potable water, galley services, toilets and air conditioning.
What Happened
The engineering casualty began on July 24. Multiple news outlets reported the incident occurred in the South China Sea, though Cmdr. Comer declined to confirm the exact location. While at sea, Benfold received support from ships in the George Washington Carrier Strike Group; the crew was supplied meals by the Ticonderoga‑class cruiser USS Robert Smalls.
After four days without power, contracted tugboats towed Benfold into Subic Bay, Philippines, arriving on July 28. Subject‑matter experts from the Ship Repair Facility–Japan Regional Maintenance Center boarded to assess and repair the ship. Benfold's power was restored on July 30, and required repairs were completed before the ship shifted berth to take on fuel on Aug. 7. The destroyer departed Subic Bay on Aug. 8, with engineering, combat systems and crew support systems reported to be functioning normally.
Aftermath and Investigation
Cmdr. Comer said there were no injuries and praised the crew's response, calling out their "resilience, grit, professionalism, and unwavering steadiness." The Navy has opened a formal investigation into the engineering mishap to determine cause and corrective actions.
This incident comes amid separate reports of low morale and mental‑health concerns aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been on an extended deployment. Military Times reported at least two sailors attempted to go overboard during that deployment; Adm. Brad Cooper visited the carrier in response to those reports. Lawmakers have requested information on conditions aboard Lincoln, including supply and mental‑health issues. Pentagon and White House officials have downplayed some concerns, with media reports quoting President Donald Trump saying the deployment's length was "not nearly long enough."
Key takeaway: Benfold's crew was supported at sea and ashore, power was restored within days after arrival in Subic Bay, and a Navy investigation is underway to identify the cause and prevent recurrence.
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