The American naval destroyer USS Benfold was left completely without power for four days in the South China Sea following a major generator breakdown.
The failure left the Arleigh Burke class warship unable to move under its own power, forcing other units from the USS George Washington aircraft carrier strike group to deploy emergency assistance.
During the four day blackout, the guided missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls took over basic logistical support for the disabled ship, including preparing meals for the crew. U.S. Navy personnel aboard the destroyer maintained operations until support units arrived in the area.
The USS Benfold is an Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer equipped with advanced combat systems. The warship operates as part of the forward deployed naval forces in the Western Pacific under the U.S. Seventh Fleet, regularly conducting maritime security patrols in international waters.
Emergency tow to Subic Bay
Naval authorities resolved the propulsion failure by attaching private tugboats to the vessel. The tugboats towed the warship across the water to the naval base at Subic Bay in the Philippines.
Specialist technicians flew into the Philippines from Japan to repair the malfunctioning power generators. While technical crews worked on the electrical systems, the destroyer crew rested off the vessel while waiting for power to be restored.
Subic Bay is a deep water port on the western coast of Luzon island in the Philippines. The former American naval station provides critical maritime infrastructure near disputed shipping routes in the South China Sea, serving as a strategic staging area for Pacific naval operations.
Repairs and return to Yokosuka
Repair work at the Philippine port lasted for more than a week before electrical power was fully restored. Although the USS Benfold returned to operational status and initially headed toward the Philippine Sea, tracking data subsequently located the destroyer at its home port in Yokosuka, Japan.
Naval specialists are expected to subject the vessel to an extensive technical inspection before returning it to active patrol duties. The thorough overhaul of the ship systems is expected to take several weeks to prevent further power failures at sea.
