Blaze Erupts Aboard USS New Orleans Off Okinawa

URUMA, Okinawa, Japan (Aug. 20, 2025) -strong> - A large fire broke out Wednesday evening on the USS New Orleans (LPD 18). It was operating near White Beach Naval Facility, located off Okinawa’s southeastern coast.

At around 5 p.m. Japan Standard Time, the Japan Coast Guard got an emergency alert. It reported smoke and flames coming from the front of the vessel. The U.S. Seventh Fleet confirmed that Navy crews on the New Orleans, along with firefighting tugs from White Beach and Japan Self-Defense Forces, were working to contain the fire.

““Tonight, Aug. 20, a fire is reported on USS New Orleans (LPD 18) near Okinawa, Japan. Crews are responding,” said a fleet spokesperson. ““We will provide more details as they become available.”

NHK’s video showed two firefighting tugs at the ship’s bow. They aimed powerful water streams at the forward superstructure and hull. A Japan Coast Guard patrol boat and Self-Defense Forces vessels joined in battling the fire. The ship’s 361 sailors did not have to evacuate.

By late evening, U.S. Navy officials said the fire was contained but not fully out. The cause is still under investigation. No casualties have been reported. Also, there’s no sign of oil pollution in nearby waters.

Impact on Amphibious Fleet

The incident further strains the readiness of the Navy’s amphibious warfare ships. A defense official in Military Times says that amphibious vessel availability is now at 41 percent. This is far below the Marine Corps’ needed 80 percent. Last year, the Government Accountability Office found that half of the fleet’s 32 amphibious ships were in bad shape. This highlights ongoing maintenance issues.

Ship Profile

Commissioned in 2007, USS New Orleans is a San Antonio-class transport dock. It carries Marines, vehicles, and air assets like CH-46 Sea Knights and MV-22 Ospreys into contested areas. Homeported in Sasebo, Japan, it usually works with the U.S. Seventh Fleet. Its job is to support Marine expeditionary units that are forward-deployed.

Timeline of Events

  • Aug. 20, 1700 JST: Fire reported aboard USS New Orleans off White Beach Naval Facility.
  • Evening: Japan Coast Guard and JSDF ships help fight fires. U.S. Navy teams coordinate the efforts.
  • Late Evening: Fire contained; no injuries or spills reported. Investigation underway.

Looking Ahead

U.S. Navy authorities have pledged a full inquiry into the fire’s origin and damage assessment. The fire on USS New Orleans shows ongoing readiness problems in the amphibious fleet. This may lead to a renewed focus on maintenance and support for key maritime assets.