U.S. Navy charges sailor for starting massive fire aboard USS Bonhomme Richard

Jessica Schladebeck

The U.S. Navy has charged a sailor with sparking the fire that ripped through the USS Bonhomme Richard last year, leaving more than 60 people injured and the amphibious assault vessel damaged beyond repair.

The sailor, who was not named, holds the rank of seaman’s apprentice and was working on the ship’s crew at the time, Cmdr. Sean Robertson, a U.S. 3rd Fleet spokesperson, said in a statement. He was charged on Thursday with aggravated arson and the willful hazarding of a vessel.

It’s not clear what evidence was turned up amid an investigation into the fire, which raged for four straight days starting on July 12, 2020. An estimated 160 sailors and officers were aboard the ship, docked at the time at Naval Base San Diego, where it was undergoing an upgrade.

In this U.S. Navy released handout, a fire continues to be fought into the evening on board USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) at Naval Base San Diego, July 12, 2020 in San Diego, Califonia.
In this U.S. Navy released handout, a fire continues to be fought into the evening on board USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) at Naval Base San Diego, July 12, 2020 in San Diego, Califonia.


In this U.S. Navy released handout, a fire continues to be fought into the evening on board USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) at Naval Base San Diego, July 12, 2020 in San Diego, Califonia. (U.S. Navy/)

The two-year overhaul was nearing its end when the fire broke out and was estimated to cost $250 million, NPR reported.

Navy officials said they believe the suspect intended to destroy the vessel, but high winds at time whipped the flames into a dangerous and massive blaze. What started as a small spark in the storage area aboard the 27,565-ton military vessel soon transformed into a huge inferno, sending acrid plumes of smoke into the air and over most of San Diego.

The blaze was further fueled by two subsequent explosions — one heard as far as 13 miles away.

On the morning of July 12, a fire was called away aboard the ship while it was moored pierside at Naval Base San Diego. Local, base and shipboard firefighters responded to the fire. USS Bonhomme Richard is going through a maintenance availability, which began in 2018.
On the morning of July 12, a fire was called away aboard the ship while it was moored pierside at Naval Base San Diego. Local, base and shipboard firefighters responded to the fire. USS Bonhomme Richard is going through a maintenance availability, which began in 2018.


On the morning of July 12, a fire was called away aboard the ship while it was moored pierside at Naval Base San Diego. Local, base and shipboard firefighters responded to the fire. USS Bonhomme Richard is going through a maintenance availability, which began in 2018. (U.S. Navy/)

Extinguishing the fire was a days-long effort, requiring hundreds of military and civilian firefighters, as well as helicopters dumping gallons and gallons of water. When the flames were finally put out, the Bonhomme Richard was left with extensive structural, electrical and mechanical damage.

Estimates for its repair topped $4 billion, prompting officials to call for it to be decommissioned. In addition, more than 60 people were injured and about 85 sailors were displaced.

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