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

A US Navy guided-missile destroyer, the USS Benfold, faced a four-day power failure in the South China Sea, according to a report. The incident, which occurred on July 24, left the ship without functioning toilets, galley services, air conditioning, and potable water. The USS Benfold, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, lost its ability to maneuver independently due to an engineering failure involving its generators.

Navy Cmdr. Matthew Comer, a spokesperson for the 7th Fleet, confirmed the incident in the Indo-Pacific region, though the specific location was not disclosed. The power outage prompted assistance from other US warships, including the USS Robert Smalls, which provided cooked meals, and the USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group, which helped maintain the destroyer's operations.

Following four days of outage, the Benfold was towed to Subic Bay in the Philippines for repairs, which were completed on August 8, allowing the vessel to return to duty. This incident underscores the challenges faced by the US Navy amid prolonged deployments, as it continues its military operations against Iran. The USS Benfold is often part of the strike group accompanying the USS George Washington, which is currently en route to the Middle East to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been on a deployment lasting over 240 days without a port call.

The extended presence of these vessels has raised concerns about the strain on both naval personnel and equipment. The USS George Washington's movement toward the Middle East is expected to temporarily decrease US aircraft carrier presence in the Pacific, where China has been increasing its military activities.