What happened on the USS Bonhomme Richard?
The USS Bonhomme Richard was an amphibious assault ship of the United States Navy. On July 12, 2020, a major fire broke out aboard the ship while it was undergoing maintenance at Naval Base San Diego, California.
The fire started in the lower decks of the ship and quickly spread. Causing extensive damage and producing thick smoke seen from miles away. Firefighting efforts launched immediately. With multiple agencies and personnel involved in trying to contain and extinguish the fire. It took several days to fully extinguish the flames.
The fire resulted in significant damage to the USS Bonhomme Richard, including the destruction of several decks and compartments. The ship’s superstructure and flight deck also heavily affected. The ship’s crew, along with local firefighters and sailors from other nearby ships, worked tirelessly to save the vessel and prevent further damage.
While the cause of the fire was initially unknown, subsequent investigations suggested that it likely became started by a combination of factors, including a lack of proper fire safety protocols and maintenance procedures. The investigation revealed lapses in following safety regulations and inadequate fire prevention measures.
As a result of the extensive damage, the U.S. Navy announced in November 2020 that the USS Bonhomme Richard would become decommissioned rather than repaired. The decision to decommission the ship was based on an assessment that the cost of repairs would exceed the cost of replacing the vessel. The decommissioning process involves removing valuable equipment and systems from the ship before becoming disposed of.
The loss of the USS Bonhomme Richard was a significant blow to the U.S. Navy, as the ship played a vital role in supporting amphibious operations and serving as a platform for helicopter and aircraft operations. The incident highlighted the importance of fire safety and maintenance practices aboard naval vessels and prompted a review of safety protocols across the fleet.
Damage of the superstructure of the ship after the fire.
The U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6) sits pier side at Naval Base San Diego, California (USA), on 16 July 2020. On the morning of 12 July, a fire was called away aboard the ship. While it was moored pierside at Naval Base San Diego. Base and shipboard firefighters responded to the fire. Bonhomme Richard was going through a maintenance availability, which began in 2018. Note that her forward mast has tilted forward.
The fire damaged the vessel beyond reasonable repair; decommissioned in 2021 and sold for scrap. While the fire became found to have become started deliberately. Shortcomings in training and equipment later found to have contributed to the loss of the vessel. As of July 2022, the sailor alleged to have started the blaze is facing court martial. The ship’s commanders have become issued letters of reprimand and forfeitures of pay; they have failed the Navy for the last time. Among 20 sailors disciplined.
SAN DIEGO (July 12, 2020) The U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6) on fire at Naval Base San Diego, California (USA), on 12 July 2020. On the morning of 12 July, a fire was called away aboard the ship while it was moored pier side at Naval Base San Diego. Base and shipboard firefighters responded to the fire. Bonhomme Richard was going through a maintenance availability, which began in 2018. The fire was extinguished on 16 July.
What happened on the USS Bonhomme Richard?
Bonhomme Richard underway in the Pacific Ocean
Mass Communication Specialist Seaman James R. Evans – http://www.navy.mil/view_image.asp?id=37452
The Wasp-class Amphibious Assault Ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6) sails in formation with ships and submarines from the U.S. Navy as well as the Navies of the seven other nations. To commemorate the last day of the 2006 Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise, participating country’s naval vessels fell into ranks for a photo exercise. RIMPAC trains U.S. allied forces to be interoperable and ready for a wide range of potential combined operations and missions. Eight nations participated in RIMPAC, the world’s largest biennial maritime exercise. Conducted in the waters off Hawaii, RIMPAC brings together military forces from Australia, Canada, Chile, Peru, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States.
