The incident occurred on 24/7, but details were only released by U.S. Navy 7th Fleet spokesperson Matthew Comer on 14/8.
"During routine operations in the Indo-Pacific region, the guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold experienced a technical casualty involving its generators, leading to a loss of power. The crew sustained no injuries and demonstrated resilience, professionalism, and steadfastness in responding to the incident," Comer stated.
A "technical casualty" refers to malfunctions related to machinery, equipment, ship structure, or control systems, which can pose a risk or cause a maritime accident.
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The destroyer USS Benfold operates in the South China Sea on 23/7. Photo: US Navy |
The exact location of the incident was not disclosed, but USNI News, a publication of the U.S. Naval Institute, identified the USS Benfold as operating in the South China Sea at the time.
Commander Comer added that the power outage prevented the crew from using the galley, restrooms, and air conditioning systems. The ship's drinking water supply was also affected. He did not specify whether the sensor and combat operating systems were disabled due to the casualty.
The George Washington carrier strike group provided assistance to the USS Benfold during its transit to port, with the cruiser USS Robert Smalls responsible for supplying food to the destroyer's crew.
The USS Benfold arrived at Subic port in the Philippines on 28/7 to begin repairs. A day later, the crew was accommodated ashore. Power was restored on 30/7. Repair operations concluded on 7/8, before the USS Benfold refueled and departed Subic Bay a day later. The ship entered Yokosuka naval base in Japan on 13/8.
The incident prevented the USS Benfold from continuing its journey to the Middle East with the George Washington carrier strike group.
The U.S. Navy is investigating the cause.
The USS Benfold, a Flight I version of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, was commissioned in 1996 and was among the first U.S. warships equipped with the Aegis ballistic missile defense system. The warship had a construction cost of approximately one billion USD, equivalent to over 2 billion USD today.
The ship measures 154 meters in length and has a full-load displacement of about 9,000 tons. It has undergone upgrades to its radar systems, weaponry, communications, sonar, and electronic warfare capabilities. The USS Benfold is equipped with three Rolls-Royce AG9130F gas turbine generators, each providing 2,5 MW of power, to supply electricity for its weapon systems, radar, and crew support infrastructure.
In late April, another U.S. destroyer, the USS Higgins, also experienced a "technical casualty" involving its power distribution network while on duty in the Indo-Pacific region. That incident caused a complete ship-wide power loss and shut down the propulsion system, leaving the U.S. warship adrift at sea for several hours.
Thanh Danh (According to USNI News)
