USS Benfold Adrift in South China Sea for Four Days Due to Generator Failure

The USS Benfold, a guided-missile destroyer part of the USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group, was adrift for four days in the South China Sea following a generator failure on July 24. According to Cmdr. Matthew Comer of the 7th Fleet, the incident was classified as an 'engineering casualty' that resulted in a loss of power. The ship's crew did not sustain any injuries during the incident, and their response was commended. The power outage affected essential services on the ship, including potable water and air conditioning. The USS Robert Smalls provided meals to the crew during this period. The Benfold was towed to Subic Bay, Philippines, where it was met by maintenance personnel on July 28. Power was restored on July 30, and repairs were completed before the ship shifted berth for fuel on August 7. The Benfold departed Subic Bay on August 8 and is currently at Yokosuka. Meanwhile, the USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group has begun its deployment to the Middle East to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has faced challenges during its extended deployment.