US Navy destroyer stranded for four days in South China Sea without bathrooms or AC – report

In July, the US Navy destroyer USS Benfold, assigned to the 7th Fleet, was stranded for four days in the South China Sea due to an engineering failure. The incident left the guided-missile destroyer without functioning bathrooms, galley services, air conditioning, or potable water, though no crew injuries were reported. Meals were provided by another ship during this period. Former Navy Captain Charles Schuster commented on the stressful nature of such an event, stating, "I can assure you four hours in the waters southeast of Puerto Rico is not nearly as stressful as four days in the South China Sea." This incident occurred as the USS George Washington aircraft carrier, which the Benfold normally accompanies, departed Vietnam for the Middle East, leaving no US carrier in the western Pacific. Concerns have also been raised regarding conditions on the USS Abraham Lincoln, which is returning to port after months in the Middle East.