Key facts
- The USS Benfold, a US guided-missile destroyer, lost power for four days in the South China Sea in July.
- The power loss was due to an engineering casualty involving its generators.
- Sailors aboard the destroyer experienced a lack of galley services, toilets, and air conditioning.
- Another vessel, USS Robert Smalls, provided meals to the crew.
- The USS Benfold was towed to Subic Bay, Philippines, and power was restored two days later.
- No injuries were reported among the crew.
The USS Benfold, a US guided-missile destroyer, reportedly experienced a four-day loss of power in the South China Sea in July due to an engineering issue with its generators. This incident has amplified concerns regarding the strain on deployed military personnel, particularly in light of other reports about low morale and challenging living conditions aboard the USS George Washington strike group, which includes the USS Benfold.
According to US Naval Institute News, the 10,000-ton destroyer lost power on July 24, leaving sailors without essential services such as galley facilities, toilets, and air conditioning. The USS Robert Smalls, a cruiser within the strike group, assisted by providing meals to the Benfold's crew. The destroyer was subsequently towed to Subic Bay in the Philippines on July 28, with power being restored two days later. US Seventh Fleet spokesperson Commander Matthew Comer stated that the crew demonstrated resilience and professionalism, and no injuries were reported.
These events coincide with reports from Navy Times and Stars and Stripes concerning multiple suicide attempts by sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, which had been deployed for over 200 days without a port call. This has led Democratic lawmakers and military families to question the Trump administration about crew morale, mental health, and living conditions. Senator Ruben Gallego suggested these issues stemmed from the Iran war, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed the reports as misrepresented, asserting that the military provides adequate support. Navy officials acknowledged the strain of extended deployments but stated no increase in suicidal ideation or attempts had been identified.
Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command, visited the USS Lincoln and addressed the crew, acknowledging media reports on operational tempo and morale. He characterized many of the reported issues as "old news" and described the deployment as operationally intense. Cooper also noted that the Lincoln had a relatively low number of mental health cases among active aircraft carriers, while also recognizing the unique challenges of long-term sea duty.