US Navy destroyer hit by 4-day power failure in South China Sea amid Iran war strain: Report

The USS Benfold, a US Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, experienced a four-day power failure in the South China Sea due to an engineering failure involving its generators. This incident occurred amid rising scrutiny of the Navy's ability to sustain prolonged deployments, particularly as the US continues its war against Iran.

The destroyer, which was conducting routine operations in the Indo-Pacific, lost the ability to maneuver independently and experienced issues with galley services, toilets, air conditioning, and potable water. The power failure, reported by CNN, was assisted by other US warships, including the USS Robert Smalls and vessels from the USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group.

After four days without power, the Benfold was towed to Subic Bay in the Philippines for repairs, which were completed on August 8, and it returned to duty. This incident highlights the strain faced by the US Navy as it navigates extended deployments and competing global commitments.

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