US Navy destroyer USS Benfold lost power for four days in the South China Sea
The USS Benfold, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, lost all power for four days last month after a generator failure. Crews lost air conditioning, toilets and galley service until tugboats towed the ship to Subic Bay.
The USS Benfold, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer sailing with the George Washington Carrier Strike Group, suffered a generator failure on July 24, 2026 that knocked out power, air conditioning, toilets, galley service and potable water. The cruiser USS Robert Smalls supplied meals while contracted tugboats towed Benfold to Subic Bay, Philippines. Power was restored July 30 and repairs were completed by August 7. The Navy says no one was hurt and the cause of the generator failure is still under investigation.