U.S. Destroyer Loses Power in South China Sea, Endures Four Days of Scorching Heat

According to CNN (Japanese edition): Last month, a U.S. Navy missile destroyer lost power while "conducting routine operations" in the South China Sea, leaving toilets, galley facilities, and air conditioning inoperable for four days under extreme heat.

It is reported that the incident was caused by a "technical malfunction." This marks another emerging issue for the U.S. Navy, as military pressure from conflicts with Iran and global missions continues to mount.

CNN reported: On the 24th of last month, the Arleigh Burke-class missile destroyer USS Benfold experienced a generator technical failure while conducting "routine operations" in the South China Sea. The USS Benfold frequently operates within the George Washington Carrier Strike Group, which is currently en route to the Middle East to replace the USS Lincoln, whose crew has suffered serious health issues.

The missile destroyer USS Benfold, which suffered the power outage, remains stationed in Asia. With a displacement of approximately 10,000 tons, the ship lost its ability to maneuver independently, and its cooking facilities, restrooms, air conditioning, and drinking water supply were all affected.

U.S. military officials stated: "The crew handled the situation with patience and composure. No injuries occurred. The cause of the blackout is under investigation."

The U.S. Navy news site USNI News first reported this incident, stating it occurred in the South China Sea. The statement did not specify the exact location of the malfunction, but meteorological records indicate that average daytime temperatures in the South China Sea during late July ranged from 32 to 37 degrees Celsius.

Retired U.S. Navy Captain Karl Schuster once experienced about four hours of power outage aboard a destroyer near Puerto Rico. He noted: "The crew must have endured unimaginable stress." However, he added: "I can confidently say that four hours of stress in the South China Sea pales in comparison to what they would have faced off the southeastern coast of Puerto Rico."

According to naval sources, when the ship lost power, the missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls provided hot meals to the USS Benfold. Other vessels from the George Washington Carrier Strike Group based in Japan also offered assistance until the USS Benfold was towed to Subic Bay in the Philippines for repairs. The repair work was completed on the 8th of this month.

According to U.S. Navy officials interviewed by CNN, the George Washington Carrier Strike Group is heading toward the Middle East to take over from the USS Lincoln. However, on the 17th, the Navy did not disclose whether the USS Benfold had also been deployed to the Iranian coast. According to U.S. Navy News reports, the USS Benfold has already arrived in Japan. This marks the second time a Pacific Fleet destroyer has lost propulsion this year.

The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command oversees the region stretching from the west coast of the United States to the western end of India, and from the Arctic to the Antarctic. In May this year, Defense Department officials told CNN that the U.S. Navy missile destroyer USS Higgins lost power for several hours in the Indo-Pacific region. The Navy cited a "technical fault" in the electrical system, though the specific location of the incident was not disclosed.

Destroyers like the USS Benfold and USS Higgins, belonging to the Arleigh Burke class, form the backbone of the U.S. Navy’s surface fleet, with more than 70 units in service. Each vessel carries a crew of between 329 and 359 personnel.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1873842047599680/

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