Other ships in the strike group stepped in to assist the Benfold, including the cruiser USS Robert Smalls, which provided meals to the destroyer’s crew. The Benfold was eventually towed to Subic Bay in the Philippines, arriving July 28, where sailors were given accommodations ashore while repairs were made.

Power was restored July 30, and the Benfold returned to operations Aug. 8 with its systems fully operational, and no soldiers were injured, Comer said.

“There were no injuries to the crew, who demonstrated resilience, grit, professionalism, and unwavering steadiness in their response,” Comer said in a statement.

The breakdown comes as the Trump administration faces growing scrutiny over the toll of prolonged deployments amid U.S. military operational support in Iran. Recent reports have detailed deteriorating conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, whose deployment was repeatedly extended as the aircraft carrier held its posture near the Strait of Hormuz.

The carrier and its more than 5,000 sailors have spent over eight months deployed, with family members reporting shortages of food and water, broken equipment, and mounting mental health concerns among the crew.

Comer provided an explanation to the Washington Examiner about what happened.

“On July 24, 2026, while conducting routine operations in the Indo-Pacific, Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) reported an engineering casualty involving its generators, causing a loss of power,” said Comer. There were no injuries to the crew, who demonstrated resilience, grit, professionalism, and unwavering steadiness in their response. Benfold received direct support from the George Washington Carrier Strike Group to include meals from Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls (CG 62).”

“Benfold was towed by contracted tugboats into Subic Bay, Philippines, for repairs and was met on arrival by subject matter experts from Ship Repair Facility – Japan Regional Maintenance Center, July 28,” Comer added. “The crew was provided food and contracted lodging off the ship beginning, July 29. The ship’s power was restored, July 30, and all required repairs were completed prior to Benfold berth shifting for fuel, Aug. 7. The ship departed Subic Bay, Aug. 8, with all engineering, combat systems, and crew support systems functioning normally to resume routine operations in U.S. 7th Fleet.”

USS LINCOLN TURMOIL UNDERSCORES REPUBLICANS’ IRAN VULNERABILITIES

Some family members have also said sailors attempted to go overboard due to the extended deployment, prompting Democratic lawmakers to demand answers from Navy leadership about conditions aboard the carrier. War Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Donald Trump have pushed back on reports depicting conditions aboard the Lincoln as dire.

The George Washington strike group, which included the Benfold when it lost power, is now expected to head toward the Middle East to relieve the Lincoln.

“The loss of power impacted potable water, galley services, toilets and air conditioning aboard the ship,” said Comer. “We commend the crew on their actions and resilience. The crew was directly supported by ships in the strike group while at sea and every effort was made to ensure the crew was supported on arrival in Subic Bay, Philippines. Their quick recovery and return to operations demonstrates the professionalism of the crew and Ship Repair Facility – Japan Regional Maintenance Center.”

The cause of the casualty remains under investigation,” he added.