USS BONHOMME RICHARD ON FIRE

[Jake]

Just a few days ago, a modern amphibious warship in port in San Diego Naval Station exploded and caught on fire.  The photos below progress from bad to worse.  Both civilian and navy fire teams are on scene with helos dumping water from water buckets.  It was reported that 1000 degrees heat prevented active assault on the fire plus imminent danger of another explosion.  Sixty or more sailors were injured but no fatalities, so far.  

It's still not under control.  Look at the antenna array above the island (bridge) before and after:  Main mast collapsed and island severely damage like it was melting.  No words as to the cause.  Will keep you updated.  

 

  

Edited July 15, 2020 by Jake

[Joey G]

did a WESTPAC on LHA-1 USS Tarawa... similar ship, it's big.... can't believe they shut down the internal fire extinguisher system without setting extra fire watches... and maybe they did... but still... WTH?

[earthdome]

I spent 4 months on an LPD out of the 32nd street pier in San Diego. Fire is one of the most dreaded casualties aboard ship and one you constantly trained for. Since they were tied up to the dock for maintenance they likely did not have a full crew on board when the fire broke out. That would limit their ability to organize damage control parties to respond to the fire.

On a submarine it is even worse because you are in a confined area and you could quickly become overcome by smoke or lack of oxygen if you don't get into an air supplied respirator. So on subs you had an emergency breathing air system with stations everywhere to plug in your respirator. Usually once a patrol there would be a race from stern to bow for the newbies in respirators with them having to find air stations to plug into along the way.