USS Benfold experiences four-day power failure in South China Sea

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold experienced a significant power failure during operations in the South China Sea. A technical malfunction in the ship’s generators resulted in a four-day blackout, depriving the crew of approximately 300 personnel of electricity, drinking water, air conditioning, functioning toilets, and meal preparation capabilities.

During the incident, the vessel required assistance from nearby US assets, including the aircraft carrier strike group centered around the USS George Washington and the guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls, which provided food and support. Due to the severity of the failure, the destroyer could not reach port under its own power and had to be towed to Subic Bay in the Philippines on July 28.

Repairs were conducted by US Navy technicians, and power was restored on July 30. The ship completed repairs by August 7 and returned to sea on August 8 with its propulsion, combat systems, and onboard installations fully operational. The cause of the generator failure is currently under investigation.