Global Conflict Reporting

Tag: New Orleans

  • Fire aboard USS New Orleans (LPD-18) while at anchor in Okinawa Japan

    By. Scott Jackson

    08/21/2025

    A fire aboard the San Antonio-class amphibious transport ship USS New Orleans (LPD-18) has, after 12 hours, been extinguished according to the U.S. Navy 7th fleet. The ship was anchored in the harbor at Okinawa at the time of the fire and it at least appears that the marines were not currently on the ship, however 2 sailers received minor injuries during the incident and were treated on board.

    Video during the efforts to control the fire as tugboats cool down the metal of the hull with water.

    The crew fighting the fire was assisted by sailors from another San Antonio-class amphibious transport ship, USS San Diego (LPD-17) which was moored at the White Beach Navel Facility. The crew was also assisted by the Japanese Coast Guard and military.

    At this time the cause of the fire is still under investigation. The ship remains in Nakagusuku bay.

    The New Orleans is apart of the Navy’s forward-deployed amphibious forces based in Japan.

    The fire began at 4:00 PM on August 20th. Judging by where the tugs are spraying it appears the fire started near the living spaces and stores of the ship.

    The navy overhauled how it fights fires after a 2020 fire on the big deck amphibious warship, USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6) burned for four days and resulted in the total loss of the ship.