US Navy destroyer USS Benfold loses power for 4 days in South China Sea

The United States Navy's Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) experienced a significant engineering casualty on July 24, 2026, resulting in a complete loss of power for approximately four days while operating in the South China Sea. The incident occurred during routine operations in the Indo-Pacific region, according to Cmdr. Matthew Comer, spokesperson for the US 7th Fleet.

In a statement to USNI News, Comer said, "On July 24, 2026, while conducting routine operations in the Indo-Pacific, Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) reported an engineering casualty involving its generators, causing a loss of power." The power failure left the ship's crew without air conditioning, toilets, and galley services, and also affected the vessel's potable water supply. Despite these challenging conditions, no injuries were reported among the crew. Comer praised the crew's response, stating, "There were no injuries to the crew, who demonstrated resilience, grit, professionalism, and unwavering steadiness in their response."

The USS Benfold had been operating as part of the George Washington Carrier Strike Group. During the power outage, the strike group provided support. The USS Robert Smalls, a cruiser assigned to the strike group, helped provide meals for the destroyer's crew while the vessel remained without galley services. The Benfold was subsequently towed to the Philippines following the engineering failure.

The US Navy has launched an investigation into the cause of the incident, which remains ongoing. The incident highlights the operational challenges faced by naval vessels in the region, though the Navy has not disclosed further details about the extent of the damage or the timeline for repairs. According to Mehr News, the report was based on information from USNI News and the US 7th Fleet.