NewsNBC 7 San Diego — Local NewsAugust 19, 2026San Diego
U.S. Navy destroyer USS Benfold loses power for four days in Pacific
The USS Benfold experienced a major generator failure on July 24 that left approximately 300 sailors without power, water, food, or working toilets for four days. The ship required assistance from the George Washington carrier strike group and was eventually towed to Subic Bay, Philippines, for repairs before returning to service on August 8.
Read the full story at NBC 7 San Diego — Local NewsWhy It Matters
The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding naval vessel maintenance, crew living conditions, and the operational readiness of the U.S. Pacific fleet.
Key Facts
- The USS Benfold suffered a generator failure on July 24, resulting in a total loss of power.
- Approximately 300 crew members were without drinking water, meals, functioning toilets, or air conditioning for four days.
- The USS Robert Smalls provided meals to the crew of the Benfold during the outage.
- The Benfold was towed to Subic Bay, Philippines, arriving on July 28.
- The ship returned to service on August 8 with all systems functioning normally.
- No injuries were reported among the crew of the Benfold.
- The USS Abraham Lincoln has spent 250 uninterrupted days at sea.
- Reports indicate the USS Abraham Lincoln has faced shortages of food and hygiene products.
Who's Mentioned
locationSubic Bay“Location where the Benfold was repaired”organizationGeorge Washington carrier strike group“Naval group that assisted the Benfold”otherUSS Abraham Lincoln“Aircraft carrier facing reports of supply shortages”otherUSS Robert Smalls“Cruiser that provided meals to the Benfold”personHung Cao“Acting Navy Secretary”personMatthew Comer“Navy spokesman”otherUSS Benfold“U.S. Navy destroyer that experienced a power failure”