東武日光線4人死亡事故、会見で残った疑問点「十分な態勢」のはずが

A U.S. Navy aircraft carrier recently found itself unable to operate for four days due to a malfunction in its power systems while deployed in the South China Sea last month. According to CNN's report on July 17, the Seventh Fleet's public affairs officer revealed that the USS Benfold, a guided missile destroyer, suffered a "mechanical failure related to its generators" on July 24.

The ship's commander, Marine Corps Lt. Col. Matthew Comer, explained that this loss of self-sufficiency extended beyond the ship's propulsion, affecting its galley, bathrooms, cooling system, and water supply. The cause of the power outage is under investigation. The ship's crew endured sweltering temperatures of 32-37 degrees Celsius for two days as they waited for assistance from a nearby U.S. Navy frigate, the USS Robert Smalls, which provided them with prepared meals.

No casualties were reported. Former Navy Adm. Carl Vuuster told CNN that the situation would have been "very stressful." The Benfold was towed to Manila, Philippines, by a private company on July 28 and returned to duty on August 8 after repairs. It was spotted near the Japanese port of Yokosuka on August 13 and again departed on August 17.

The Benfold has primarily served with the Seventh Fleet's George Washington Carrier Battle Group, which is currently deployed to the Middle East to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln. However, it remains unclear whether the Benfold will rejoin the George Washington Carrier Battle Group. The aircraft carrier's power failure marks the second such incident for the U.S. Navy this year.

Last May, the USS Higinbotham, a guided missile destroyer, also experienced an outage in the Indian and Pacific regions, losing both power and propulsion for several hours. The Benfold's ordeal occurred during the longest period the Navy has gone without refueling - 200 days. A recent CNN article noted growing concern over the heavy burden placed on the Navy's deployment in Iran and globally, with mental health issues and declining morale being a growing concern.