On Sunday at around 8 AM Pacific Time, an explosion and fire were reported aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard dockside at the Naval Base San Diego. More than 24 hours later, the fire is still raging. Fifty-seven sailors, firefighters, and contractors are reported to have been injured in fighting the fire. Most of those injured suffered from heat exhaustion and smoke inhalation. Five are reported to be still hospitalized in stable condition. Of the approximately 1,000 crew, only around 160 were aboard the ship when the fire broke out.
The ship was undergoing maintenance when the fire broke out. All crew members have been accounted for. The cause of the fire is still unknown, although it is believed to have started in the lower cargo hold of the ship, known as the “Deep V,” according to a statement to reporters by Rear Adm. Philip Sobeck, commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 3.
The fire is reported to have spread to the ship’s island superstructure and bridge. It’s unclear how long it will take to control the fire and whether the ship is repairable or whether it will be declared a constructive total loss.
Thick plumes of smoke continue to billow from the burning ship and local residents are advised to remain indoors over air-quality concerns.
The Bonhomme Richard is one of eight Wasp Class landing helicopter dock (LHD) commissioned in 1988. The ships are capable of transporting almost the full strength of a United States Marine Corps Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), and landing them in hostile territory via landing craft or helicopters, as well as providing air support via AV-8B Harrier II attack aircraft or F-35B Lightning II stealth strike-fighters.
Thanks to David Rye for contributing to this post.
A local fire official indicated that it might well “burn to the waterline,” meaning I guess that it’s too risky to contain. 🙁
Steel doesnt burn (unless you get it to 6000F degrees).
Well it is one way to retire the boat with out the POTUS’s help.
Tho some how wiith the economy where it is. I doubt there would be a replacment
Burn, no. Melt, yes!
Steel is just the element iron that has been processed to control the amount of carbon. Iron, out of the ground, melts at around 1510 degrees C (2750°F). Steel often melts at around 1370 degrees C (2500°F).
Doesn’t look good. On the active carriers I was on we had fast response fire parties mustered pretty much all the time. When you are in port for maintenance response is harder. With all the electronics now, I can see how damage can happen.
They will rebuild, but the ship is cursed!
The fire is a warning!
This looks like 1942, SS Normandie, pier 88 NYC..
As usual Maritime Executive have published an excellent report which ends with:
“The devastating extent of the fire raises questions about the 22-year-old vessel’s future and the cost-effectiveness of a restoration. A replacement built to the more modern America-class amphib design would cost roughly $4 billion.
Long before the fire, the Navy had discussed accelerating the procurement of the next planned America-class amphib (LHA-9) to FY2023. However, a tranche of $650 million in early funding for that purpose has been diverted for “DHS counter-drug activities, commonly reported to mean the construction of the southern border wall,” according to the Congressional Research Service.”
Would bulkhead doors would have been wedged open with cables running through them preventing their closure? The ultimate nightmare.