USS New Orleans Catches Fire Near Okinawa, Japan – Crew Contain Blaze Onboard U.S. Navy Warship

Braking News update August 20, 2025

USS New Orleans Catches Fire Near Okinawa, Japan – Crew Contain Blaze Onboard U.S. Navy Warship

Okinawa, Japan – August 20, 2025:
The U.S. Navy amphibious warship USS New Orleans (LPD-18) caught fire while anchored off White Beach in Uruma City, Okinawa on Wednesday evening, according to Navy and Japanese officials.

Fire Incident on USS New Orleans

The blaze reportedly broke out around 5:00 PM local time (4:00 AM ET), prompting an immediate response from the ship’s crew alongside firefighting support vessels. Videos shared by Japanese broadcaster NHK showed thick smoke rising from the bow of the ship, with two firefighting tugs dousing the vessel with water.

Officials confirmed that no evacuation order was issued and, as of now, no injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire and the extent of the damage remain under investigation.

U.S. and Japanese Response

According to Navy statements, the USS New Orleans crew, assisted by firefighting tugs from White Beach Naval Facility, worked to contain the blaze. The Japan Coast Guard and Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF) also deployed vessels to support the firefighting efforts.

A U.S. Navy spokesperson said:

“Crews are responding to a fire aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) this evening near Okinawa, Japan. More details will be provided as they become available.”

About USS New Orleans

The USS New Orleans is a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock assigned to the U.S. 7th Fleet and homeported in Sasebo, Kyushu, Japan. The ship plays a crucial role in transporting Marines, vehicles, and equipment across the Pacific.

White Beach in Okinawa serves as a strategic staging area for U.S. Marine Corps operations, allowing landing craft and hovercraft to transfer troops and equipment to amphibious ships at sea.