Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

USS Benfold Restores Power After South China Sea Shutdown

8/17/2026

31 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

USS Benfold lost power on July 24 in the South China Sea, drifting four days.
Cmdr. Matthew Comer said a casualty disabled generators, propulsion, toilets and water, and reported no injuries.
Tugboats and meals from USS Robert Smalls towed Benfold to Subic Bay on July 28.
Power returned on July 30.
After repairs were completed by August 7, Benfold left Subic Bay for Yokosuka on August 8, marking destroyer loss since USS Higgins in May.

1 of 1

Story summary

USS Benfold lost power on July 24 in the South China Sea, drifting four days.
Cmdr. Matthew Comer said a casualty disabled generators, propulsion, toilets and water, and reported no injuries.
Tugboats and meals from USS Robert Smalls towed Benfold to Subic Bay on July 28.
Power returned on July 30.
After repairs were completed by August 7, Benfold left Subic Bay for Yokosuka on August 8, marking destroyer loss since USS Higgins in May.