Story perspectives

USS Benfold Towed to Subic Bay After Power Loss

8/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Navy towed the destroyer USS Benfold to Subic Bay after a four-day power loss.
The loss stemmed from generator failure on July 24 during routine operations.
Power returned on July 30, restoring air conditioning, galley, toilets and potable water for about 300 sailors.
USS Robert Smalls supplied meals while the George Washington carrier strike group assisted the destroyer.
The incident heightens worries about Navy strain from extended deployments against Iran and Indo-Pacific operations.

History

Historical Context

During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, the U.S. Navy’s carrier battle groups logged more than 400 aircraft and sustained continuous deployments that overloaded ship systems. The legacy of that strain frames the 2024 power loss on destroyer USS Benfold, which was rescued by USS Robert Smalls and carrier USS George Washington.

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Story summary

The U.S. Navy towed the destroyer USS Benfold to Subic Bay after a four-day power loss.
The loss stemmed from generator failure on July 24 during routine operations.
Power returned on July 30, restoring air conditioning, galley, toilets and potable water for about 300 sailors.
USS Robert Smalls supplied meals while the George Washington carrier strike group assisted the destroyer.
The incident heightens worries about Navy strain from extended deployments against Iran and Indo-Pacific operations.

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