Navy destroyer stuck in South China Sea for 4 days without power

The Navy says the guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold lost electrical power in the South China Sea and remained dead in the water for four days after an engineering system failure. Cmdr. Matthew Comer, spokesman for the Navy’s 7th Fleet, said the incident occurred last month during routine operations and a visit to Vietnam. USS Benfold, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, reported a generator-related casualty on July 24, 2026, leaving the crew without galley services, toilets and air conditioning, and affecting drinking water. No injuries were reported. A guided-missile cruiser provided meals while tugboats towed Benfold to Subic Bay. Power was restored July 30, and the ship resumed normal operations on Aug. 8.