USS Bonhomme Richard Fire

[Roadkingtrax]

This will no doubt be seen as a critical loss, but one that should have been avoided. Thankfully no one was killed.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/craigho...ety-practices/

[M1Tommy]

She was undergoing major maintenance, had a skeleton duty crew and swarms of civilian contractors, had multiple fire fighting systems tagged out and inoperative, and up to recently had only civilian fire fighting efforts, i.e. monitors from dockside or boats directing water onto and against her sides. I am given to understand that USN fire fighting folks are boarding her, as should be.

If they do not wright her off, she will require very major repairs (yes, obviously). Perhaps she can be modernized too, then.

Don't give up the ship! (seems I've heard that before.....)

Tommy

[m1ashooter]

The importance of actually paying attention when you are on fire watch. My as a non rate had to stand fire watch when is cutter was in dry dock. He said he was bored, I told him to pay attention. I wonder what they box looking structure is thats tied up.

[dryheat]

Probably the usual, some one with a torch. The Navy likes to keep the sailors busy. Ships have been found with paint 3" thick.

[barretcreek]

Report said there was an explosion resulting in the fire. Someone may have taken a shortcut to save time, 'it was gas free earlier'.

[M1Tommy]

I have read of no deaths, and all personnel and contractors accounted for.
That said, yes, I read of the explosion. Firefighting teams going aboard her will have their work cut out for them, definitely.

Tommy

[m1ashooter]

its great that there is not loss of life. I don't think the Navy has had a fire this big since the Forrestal accident.

[pcox]

"I wonder what that box looking structure is that's tied up?" Probably living quarters and administration offices for the civilian crew of workers.

[Robert Scott]

Yes, that looks like a FAF, Floating Accomodation Facility, not for civilians except during emergencies.

[RED]

An eye witness account

Yep he was there... From one of the USS Bon Homme Richard Chief Petty Officers.

I am home from the ER, smoke inhalation, abrasions to both eyes, and a pretty intense sunburn. So far we have no deaths and only 2 Sailors needed to be admitted overnight. BUT...It’s not over, the fire is still raging. Sailors and civilian first responders are still there. For those conspiracy people, it wasn’t a terrorist attack. It just got out of hand and once the explosions began, they didn’t stop. With all that said, let me tell you....TODAY WAS A GREAT DAY TO BE A CHIEF IN THE WORLD’S FINEST NAVY. We got two ships underway with no cranes, no port ops, no briefs, just Sailors from multiple ships coming together and putting their training to work. Officers and Enlisted...hand to hand...it wasn’t about rank, it was about experience and leadership, following orders, and taking charge. We got two ships underway in conditions where you couldn’t see the Sailor in front of you. We got two ships underway basically blindfolded with nothing more than the standardized training across the waterfront AND THAT is AMAZING!

[tmark]

The tv news stated that due to overhauls, the fire sprinkler system was turned off! Smart!

[Tuna]

Hill plates are starting to buckle I was told and if so then she is doomed for the breakers.

[M1Tommy]

The tv news stated that due to overhauls, the fire sprinkler system was turned off! Smart!

That is not unusual for maintenance activities.
Add to that, lines, cords, hoses of all manner EVERYwhere through passageways which prevent setting material conditions, literally tons of refuse everywhere in the ship from contractor work, and .... there's reason that "the yards" are a dangerous time for ships.
Tommy

- - - Updated - - -

Yep he was there... From one of the USS Bon Homme Richard Chief Petty Officers.

A family member of the man who reported that is on a Facebook page I follow. They are NOT giving up the ship! At last I read, there are literally hundreds of USN personnel fighting for her life.
Tommy

[m1ashooter]

Yep he was there... From one of the USS Bon Homme Richard Chief Petty Officers.

Red thanks for the post. Many forget that we have a lot of young people doing amazing things in the service and again when things get tough you want the Chiefs or senior NCO's making things happen.

[Griff Murphey]

I was on two LPHs, the antecedent to the LHA and LHD; USS Okinawa and New Orleans. There were fires on both ships underway and I remember that on NO at least twice the fire was announced to be “out of control” and the ship was brought to General Quarters. It was always a relief when the 1MC boomed out that the fire was out!