The guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold lost all power for four days last month after an engineering failure while deployed in the South China Sea, leaving sailors without food, potable water, working toilets, or air conditioning, according to a U.S. Navy spokesperson. The incident, which occurred on July 24, was not publicly disclosed until nearly a month later.
Part 1: Immediate Action & Core Facts
The USS Benfold, a 10,000-ton Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, experienced a complete loss of power due to an engineering issue while operating as part of the USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group. The failure disabled plumbing, food preparation systems, and air conditioning, forcing sailors to rely on external support for basic needs.
The ship was towed to Subic Bay, Philippines, by contracted tugboats on July 28, arriving two days after the power failure began. Meals were provided by nearby vessels, including the USS Robert Smalls, a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser. The crew was housed in contracted lodging starting July 29, and full power was restored on July 30. All repairs were completed by August 7, and the ship resumed operations on August 8.
No injuries were reported, and the U.S. Navy has launched an investigation into the cause of the failure.
Part 2: Deeper Dive & Context
Engineering Failure and Response
The 7th Fleet spokesperson, Commander Matthew Comer, confirmed the power loss was due to an engineering problem but did not specify the root cause. The vessel was protected by air and surface assets during the incident to prevent vulnerability, according to officials. The Ship Repair Facility - Japan Regional Maintenance Center dispatched experts to assist with repairs upon arrival in the Philippines.
The USS Benfold was later towed to Subic Bay, where it underwent full system checks, including engineering, combat systems, and crew support systems, before resuming operations.
Broader Military Context
The incident occurs amid ongoing scrutiny of extended deployments in the Middle East, particularly the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been deployed for nine months supporting operations related to President Donald Trump’s policies toward Iran. Reports have emerged of food shortages, rationing, and mental health concerns among sailors aboard the Lincoln, including claims of suicidal ideation and attempted overboard jumps.
President Trump has dismissed reports of poor conditions on the Lincoln, calling the vessel “beautifully maintained and beautifully taken care of.” During a press interaction, Trump criticized a CNN reporter, accusing her of “fake news” after she questioned whether North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had requested reductions in U.S.-South Korea military exercises.
Military Families and Morale Concerns
Families of sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln have raised concerns about collapsing morale and mental health crises, with reports of severe burnout, food rationing, and shortages of basic supplies such as soap and deodorant. One sailor’s wife told Navy Times that her husband, suffering from burnout, attempted to jump overboard.
The USS George Washington Strike Group, of which the USS Benfold was a part, is currently en route to the Middle East to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln. The timing of the USS Benfold’s incident has renewed questions about operational readiness and crew welfare across the fleet.
Official Statements and Investigations
The U.S. Navy has not disclosed the cause of the power failure, stating only that an investigation is underway. The delay in public disclosure—nearly a month—has drawn attention, though the Navy has not provided a reason for the delay. The USS Benfold has since returned to routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet.