A fire aboard the USS New Orleans warship has burned for 12 hours off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, with two sailors suffering minor injuries. The incident is under investigation by the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet. The blaze was extinguished after 12 hours of burning, with assistance from the USS San Diego, Japanese coast guard, and military forces. The ship, commissioned in 2007, can hold up to 800 people. This follows a similar fire that occurred on the USS Bonhomme Richard in 2020, which resulted in the ship being scrapped.
The Navy has stated that its crew will remain aboard the ship while the investigation continues. The fire, which started off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, has raised concerns about fire safety measures aboard U.S. naval vessels. The incident comes five years after a fire broke out aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard and burned for five days in San Diego in July 2020. A sailor was charged and later acquitted of starting that fire. A Navy report concluded that there were sweeping failures by commanders, crew members, and others involved in that incident, which resulted in extensive structural, electrical, and mechanical damage to the ship and led to its eventual scrapping.
The current incident highlights the ongoing concerns about fire safety and management on U.S. Navy ships. The Navy has not yet released details about the cause of the fire or the extent of the damage to the USS New Orleans. However, the incident is being taken seriously, with the Navy’s 7th Fleet stating that the ship will remain in service while the investigation continues. The fire also raises questions about the safety protocols in place for naval vessels operating in foreign waters, particularly in proximity to Japanese territory.
As the investigation continues, the U.S. Navy is expected to provide more details about the incident, including the cause of the fire and any potential safety issues that may need to be addressed. The ship, which is a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock, is a key asset in the U.S. Navy’s fleet. The incident could have broader implications for naval operations and safety standards across the U.S. fleet.