Navy Prosecutors Tried to Scapegoat Junior Sailor for Billion-Dollar Fire

Seaman Recruit Ryan Mays, a junior sailor in the U.S. Navy, has been acquitted for alleged arson that destroyed an amphibious assault ship in the summer of 2020. Good for Seaman Mays and shame on the Navy’s investigators for moving forward with such a highly suspect prosecution.

Two years ago, a fire consumed the innards of the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6), known to most sailors as the “Bonnie Dick.” As soon as news broke, with videos of black smoke pouring out of the craft, I figured some nonsense had taken place. The Richard, in port for an extended maintenance period, had a fire in the well deck. It was later discovered that some rags and hand sanitizer had likely contributed to the fire’s start, and that crew confusion about firefighting in the flammable Navy Working Uniform (NWU Type IIIs) had delayed the suppression response. Hatches inoperable due to miles of cabling passing through them, improperly cared for damage-control equipment, and a Sunday morning skeleton crew made for the absolute worst conditions in which to arrest the ravening conflagration.

About the Author

Luther Ray Abel

Luther Ray Abel is an Associate Editor for National Review. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Luther is a proud native of Sheboygan, Wis.

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Seaman Recruit Ryan Mays, a junior sailor in the U.S. Navy, has been acquitted for alleged arson that destroyed an amphibious assault ship in the summer of 2020. Good for Seaman Mays and shame on the Navy’s investigators for moving forward with such a highly suspect prosecution.

Two years ago, a fire consumed the innards of the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6), known to most sailors as the “Bonnie Dick.” As soon as news broke, with videos of black smoke pouring out of the craft, I figured some nonsense had taken place. The Richard, in port for an extended maintenance period, had a fire in the well deck. It was later discovered that some rags and hand sanitizer had likely contributed to the fire’s start, and that crew confusion about firefighting in the flammable Navy Working Uniform (NWU Type IIIs) had delayed the suppression response. Hatches inoperable due to miles of cabling passing through them, improperly cared for damage-control equipment, and a Sunday morning skeleton crew made for the absolute worst conditions in which to arrest the ravening conflagration.