USS Benfold Destroyer Loses Power for Four Days in Pacific, Crew Without Water and Food
On July 24, the USS Benfold, a US Navy destroyer manned by approximately 300 sailors, suffered a significant engineering malfunction when its generators failed. This left the vessel without electrical power for four days while it was in the Pacific Ocean. The power loss led to a shortage of drinking water, prepared meals, operational toilets, and air conditioning. Commander Matthew Comer, a Navy spokesman, referred to the event as an 'engineering casualty,' with the public announcement made on Friday. This situation raises alarms regarding the living conditions of sailors amid rising tensions with Iran. Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers are probing the circumstances aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been deployed for an unprecedented 250 consecutive days, encountering food and hygiene issues.
Key facts
- USS Benfold lost power on July 24 due to a generator failure.
- The destroyer carried about 300 sailors.
- Power was out for four days.
- Crew went without drinking water, meals, functioning toilets, and air conditioning.
- Navy spokesman Commander Matthew Comer confirmed the incident.
- USNI News first reported the breakdown on Friday.
- Pentagon faces questions about living conditions on naval vessels and supply during the Iran conflict.
- Lawmakers seek investigation into USS Abraham Lincoln, which has spent 250 days at sea with shortages and mental health issues.
Entities
Artists
- Matthew Comer
Institutions
- US Navy
- USS Benfold
- USS Abraham Lincoln
- USNI News
- Pentagon
- San Diego Union-Tribune
Locations
- Pacific Ocean
- San Diego
- United States
- Iran