Washington: The US Navy, a crucial tool for American power projection across global waters, has recently faced a series of setbacks, raising concerns over its ability to manage prolonged deployments and operational demands efficiently. These challenges have sparked discussions about maintenance issues and the strain on personnel.According to TRTworld.com, the USS Benfold, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, experienced an engineering failure on July 24, 2026, during routine operations in the Indo-Pacific. The ship suffered a power outage for four days in the South China Sea, leaving sailors without essential services. The George Washington Carrier Strike Group provided support during this period, though the cause of the failure is still under investigation.Adding to these concerns, the USS Abraham Lincoln has been deployed for over 250 days as of August 18, 2026, leading to reports of food shortages, broken plumbing, and exhaustion among its 5,000 personnel. Although a Navy official disputed claims of deteriorating conditions, broader research indicates long-standing issues affecting sailors' mental health and well-being.On March 16, 2026, a fire on the USS Gerald R. Ford took more than 30 hours to extinguish, injuring two sailors and forcing others to sleep in unconventional spaces. The incident occurred amid the ship's 10-month deployment and recurring maintenance issues, underscoring the strain of extended missions.The USS Harry S. Truman also faced significant incidents, including a collision with a merchant vessel near Port Said, Egypt, on February 12, 2025, and costly mishaps involving aircraft. A Navy investigation highlighted poor communication and operational knowledge as contributing factors.Beyond individual vessels, fleet growth has been hindered by budget inefficiencies and delays in shipbuilding programs. The US Government Accountability Office reported in March 2025 that the Navy failed to expand its fleet despite increased shipbuilding budgets, with notable setbacks in the L ittoral Combat Ship and Zumwalt-class programs.According to a 2024 report by the US Office of Naval Intelligence, the Chinese Navy's expansion poses a strategic challenge. With a fleet exceeding 370 vessels, including 153 major surface combatants, China's naval capabilities continue to grow, potentially widening the gap with the US Navy, which has operated fewer than 300 ships for several years.