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Video: Fire Aboard USS New Orleans is Contained with Japanese Assistance

USS New Orleans
Navy is reporting a fire aboard the USS New Orleans anchored off Japan (USN file photo)

Published Aug 20, 2025 1:47 PM by The Maritime Executive


The U.S. 7th Fleet is reporting that a fire aboard the amphibious transport vessel USS New Orleans is contained but not yet extinguished. They have twice requested the assistance of Japanese forces to fight the fire aboard the vessel, which is currently anchored off Okinawa.

The U.S. Navy has released few details other than reporting that the fire was being contained and that there are no reported injuries so far. The vessel is stable with no reports of pollution.

The Japanese media is reporting that the ship, which was commissioned in 2007, has been anchored off Okinawa for the past few days. It is assigned to the 7th Fleet and has been based in Sasebo, Japan, since 2019. The ship is 24,400 tons displacement and 684 feet (208 meters) in length with a maximum capacity of approximately 800 marines.

 

 

Some of the Japanese reports are saying the fire began as early as 0800 on August 20. Spectators reported seeing smoke coming intermittently from the forward part of the vessel or midship. Video on Japanese TV showed tugs near the forward part of the ship spraying water on the hull.

The fire was reported to the Japan Coast Guard, which sent a patrol boat to determine the extent of the situation. Around 5:00 p.m. local time, the Coast Guard reports it received a request for assistance from the U.S. Navy. However, that first call was withdrawn within the hour, and the U.S. Navy was instructing vessels to stay about one mile away. The request for assistance from the Japanese was reinstated around 7:30 p.m. local time. 

 

 

The Japan Self-Defense Force reports its vessels are conducting firefighting efforts to aid the crew of the USS New Orleans. The Japan Coast Guard was also preparing to provide additional assistance.

The reports emphasize that there have been no requests to evacuate any of the U.S. personnel from the vessel. A spokesperson for the 7th Fleet said additional information would be provided as it becomes available.