Kathmandu— A US Navy destroyer, the USS Benfold, experienced a significant engineering failure last month while operating in the South China Sea, leaving its crew without essential services like power, hot meals, working toilets, and air conditioning, according to reports. The incident occurred as the ship participated in freedom of navigation exercises – patrols through waters claimed by China – and comes amid growing concerns about conditions aboard other US warships deployed to global hotspots.

Power Loss And Emergency Assistance

The USS Benfold, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, suffered a “engineering casualty involving its generators” during exercises in the South China Sea. As a result, the vessel lost the ability to maneuver independently and experienced a complete failure of essential onboard systems. Temperatures in the region averaged between 32 and 37 degrees Celsius at the time of the incident, compounding the difficulties for the crew. The guided missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls provided hot meals to sailors aboard the Benfold before it was towed to the Philippines for repairs.

Wider Issues With US Navy Vessels

The Benfold’s breakdown is not an isolated case; other US warships have recently faced similar challenges. The USS George Washington carrier strike group, of which the Benfold is usually a part, has been ordered to redeploy to the Persian Gulf, relieving the USS Abraham Lincoln, whose crew has been at sea for nearly nine months. Reports indicate deteriorating conditions on the Lincoln, including non-functional toilets and food shortages.

Morale Concerns And Controversial Messages

A photograph circulating on social media revealed messages written by frustrated sailors on the wings of aircraft aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. These included anti-Israel sentiments such as “be a good goy and do what Israel tells you to,” alongside references to Operation Epstein Fury and commentary about US involvement in the region. The Pentagon previously rotated the USS Gerald R. Ford out of the Persian Gulf after it experienced malfunctions, including a fire and sewage overflow.

Extensive Repairs Needed

The USS Gerald R. Ford, the most advanced aircraft carrier in the US Navy’s fleet, is currently undergoing repairs at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia, and is expected to be out of commission for approximately one year. These repeated mechanical issues across multiple vessels raise questions about maintenance and readiness within the US Navy.

The USS Benfold has since returned to duty following its repairs in the Philippines, but the incidents highlight ongoing challenges facing the US Navy regarding ship maintenance and crew morale.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.