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Electrical Fault Sparks Fire on USS Higgins, Power Restored

5/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

An electrical distribution malfunction caused a fire on the guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins, knocking out power and propulsion.
Power was later restored on the ship, which is home-ported in Yokosuka, Japan, and assigned to the U.S. 7th Fleet.
Three sailors received treatment for injuries related to the blaze.
The incident marks the fourth U.S. Navy ship fire reported in 2026, following the Zumwalt, Eisenhower and Gerald R. Ford.

History

Historical Context

On 29 April 2026 the guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins suffered an electrical-distribution fire, marking the fourth Navy ship blaze reported that year. The Navy’s experience with fire hazards dates back to carriers such as USS Forrestal, commissioned on 14 April 1956 as the first with high-pressure boilers and has long informed safety protocols across the fleet.

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Story summary

An electrical distribution malfunction caused a fire on the guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins, knocking out power and propulsion.
Power was later restored on the ship, which is home-ported in Yokosuka, Japan, and assigned to the U.S. 7th Fleet.
Three sailors received treatment for injuries related to the blaze.
The incident marks the fourth U.S. Navy ship fire reported in 2026, following the Zumwalt, Eisenhower and Gerald R. Ford.

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