Fire on USS New Orleans Amphibious Warship Off Okinawa Now Extinguished

An amphibious warship USS New Orleans (LPD-18) suffered a fire off the coast of Okinawa, Japan on Wednesday, prompting a coordinated international response from both U.S. and Japanese forces.

According to a U.S. Navy statement, the was declared extinguished at 4 a.m. on August 21, approximately 12 hours after it began. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Two Sailors were treated for minor injuries, according to the Navy’s latest update.

Firefighting efforts involved a collaborative response from multiple units. The crew of USS San Diego (LPD 22), which was moored at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, supported the New Orleans Sailors’ firefighting operations. Additional critical support came from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Japan Coast Guard, and U.S. Navy commands from across Commander, Fleet Activities Okinawa.

Footage from Japanese broadcaster NHK showed the New Orleans with two tugs using water cannons directed at the bow of the amphibious vessel.

According to the latest statement, New Orleans is anchored near the White Beach Naval Facility. Its crew will remain aboard the ship, with additional services and berthing available aboard San Diego and Commander, Fleet Activities Okinawa, if needed.

The Japan Coast Guard (JCG) previously noted that no oil leaks had been observed in nearby waters.

USS New Orleans is part of the Navy’s forward deployed amphibious force based in Sasebo, Japan.

This incident comes during a period of heightened maritime activity in the region, with the ship playing a key role in the U.S. naval presence in the Western Pacific.

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