The Japan Coast Guard (JCG) reported a fire broke out on the USS New Orleans at approximately 5 PM today. The ship was off the coast of White Beach Naval Facility in Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture, when the fire started.
Images from Japanese media showed large plumes of smoke billowing from the ship's bow as support vessels sprayed water onto the burning warship. The JCG reported no casualties or evacuation requests from the ship, and the cause of the fire is currently unknown.
Ships fighting the fire on the USS New Orleans off the coast of Okinawa on 20/8. Video: NHK
The crew worked to extinguish the fire with assistance from Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force vessels. The JCG also dispatched a patrol boat to the scene.
The USS New Orleans is over 208 meters long, 32 meters wide, and has a displacement of over 24,400 tons. According to the US navy website, the USS New Orleans is an amphibious transport dock capable of launching two Osprey aircraft simultaneously from its deck.
Deployed to the US navy base in Sasebo 6 years ago, the ship primarily transports US marines stationed in Okinawa and can carry up to 800 troops.
Thuy Lam (NHK)
