Electricity failed, kitchen and toilets disabled: The unusual malfunction in the US Navy

The American guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold remained without proper electricity for four days last month during routine operations in the Indo-Pacific region, after a malfunction occurred on July 24 involving its generators. Following the failure, the ship lost the ability to move on its own, and at the same time, vital systems were affected, including toilets, air conditioning, the kitchen, and drinking water supply. After four days, it was towed to Subic Bay in the Philippines for repairs.

USS Benfold, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer weighing nearly 10,000 tons, was conducting routine operations in the Indo-Pacific region when a malfunction occurred in its power generation systems. The crew had to cope for four days in the middle of the sea, in heavy heat, without air conditioning and with damage to the toilets, kitchen, and water supply.

Commander Matthew Comer, a spokesperson for the United States Seventh Fleet, stated that it was an "engineering malfunction that involved its generators." The result was significant: the destroyer lost the ability to maneuver independently, and at the same time, a series of basic services for the crew members were affected — including food preparation, toilets, air conditioning, and drinking water.

According to "USNI News," the incident occurred in the South China Sea. The US Navy did not provide the exact location of the ship at the time of the malfunction, but temperatures in the area at the end of July ranged during the day around 32 to 37 degrees. Despite the difficult conditions, no casualties were reported. In the Navy's statement, it was said: "There were no injuries among the crew members, who demonstrated resilience, determination, professionalism, and unwavering stability in their response." The exact cause of the malfunction is still under investigation.

Carl Schuster, a former captain in the US Navy, told CNN that he experienced about four hours without electricity himself on board a destroyer near Puerto Rico — and described the stress created in such a situation. "It could have been very stressful. The operations officers were worried about the crew's morale and operational issues, the engineers were focused on how to solve the problem, and the navigator was worried about the direction they were drifting and the approaching weather. The crew was worried about the weather, the food, and what would happen next."

According to him, the ship's commanders are forced to deal with all the problems simultaneously and wonder when help will arrive. Schuster added: "I can guarantee you that four hours in the water southeast of Puerto Rico are not even close to as stressful as four days in the South China Sea."

During the malfunction, other American vessels mobilized to assist the crew. The guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls provided cooked meals to the Benfold personnel, and other ships from the USS George Washington carrier strike group provided assistance. After four days without the ability to operate independently, the destroyer was towed to Subic Bay in the Philippines, where it was put in for repairs. According to the US Navy, the work was completed on August 8, and the Benfold returned to operations.

The incident takes on broader significance because it is not the only malfunction of its kind in the US Navy recently. In May, the destroyer USS Higgins lost power and propulsion for several hours in the Indo-Pacific region. Then, too, the Navy defined the event as an "engineering malfunction" that concerned the vessel's electrical system.

Both ships belong to the Arleigh Burke class — the backbone of the US surface fleet. More than 70 destroyers of this class are in service. Their length is about 150 meters, their weight approaches 10,000 tons, and depending on the configuration, between 329 and 359 crew members serve on each of them. The malfunction also comes at a time when the debate in the United States is increasing regarding the burden placed on the Navy due to the war against Iran and Washington's military commitments around the world.

USS Benfold usually operates as part of the forces associated with the USS George Washington carrier strike group. The group is making its way to the Middle East to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln group, after the Lincoln operated in the area for an extended period. At the same time, reports were published about difficulties among the crew members of the Abraham Lincoln after more than 200 days without a port visit during operations against Iran.