US Warship Engulfed In Fire Near Okinawa Japan – Crew Battles Flames For 12 Hours

There was a fire on Wednesday on board the USS New Orleans, an amphibious transport dock ship, while it was sailing off the coast of Okinawa, Japan. Two sailors were injured in the fire, the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet confirmed in a statement.

Fire at White Beach Naval Facility in Okinawa

The blaze, which began as the 684-foot-long ship was close to the White Beach Naval Facility in Okinawa, lasted almost 12 hours until it was put out. Sailors aboard were aided by the crew of another warship that transports troops and aircraft, USS San Diego, as well as assistance from the Japanese Coast Guard and military.

Although the ship was damaged, the Navy stated that the crew of USS New Orleans will still be on board.

USS New Orleans Fire Cause

Commissioned in 2007, the USS New Orleans can hold 800. The reason for the fire on Wednesday is under investigation, officials say.

This recent incident follows almost five years since a huge fire burned the USS Bonhomme Richard in San Diego in July 2020. That fire lasted for five days and inflicted serious structural, electrical, and mechanical damage that ultimately resulted in the scrapping of the ship.

A sailor was accused at the time of igniting the fire but was subsequently acquitted. A Navy report afterward indicated wholesale failures by commanders, sailors, and other personnel in the management of the disaster.