US Warship Reportedly Catches Fire Near Indonesia, USS Higgins Suffers Serious Malfunction
A fire was reported on the US Navy’s guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG-76) earlier this week. The incident caused a disruption to the ship’s power supply and propulsion systems, according to US media reports citing relevant officials.
An official who spoke anonymously to CBS News stated that the disruption to the ship’s main systems resulted from the fire. As of Wednesday, there have been no reports of injuries among US military personnel.
The cause of the fire remains unknown. Authorities have not yet disclosed details about the affected parts of the ship or the exact location of the incident. Based on data from the Automatic Identification System, the USS Higgins has been docked in Singapore since February.
The USS Higgins is an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer that forms a crucial part of the US military presence in the Indo-Pacific region. The ship is equipped with advanced combat systems, including the Vertical Launch System (VLS) capable of carrying various types of missiles, such as the Tomahawk cruise missile, Standard Missile for air defence, and anti-submarine missiles.
Additionally, the ship is armed with a 127 mm main gun, close-in weapon systems (Phalanx CIWS), torpedoes, and features anti-submarine and anti-air warfare capabilities. The USS Higgins also operates MH-60R Seahawk helicopters to support maritime operations.
In its operational history, the USS Higgins has been involved in various military missions, including maritime security operations and freedom of navigation patrols (FONOP) in the South China Sea. The ship has also played a role in US military operations in the Middle East, including supporting missile strikes on targets in Syria in 2018 alongside other US warships.
This fire incident adds to the scrutiny of the US fleet’s operational readiness in the strategic Indo-Pacific region. To date, the US Navy has not provided further official statements regarding the impact of the incident on the USS Higgins’ combat capabilities.