Iran Press/America: The amphibious assault ship Kearsarge enters the Hampton Roads on the way to Naval Station, Norfolk after a seven-month cruise.
The incident started when a spark from welding landed on nearby material, which was then quickly put out by the fire watch. A fire watch is a sailor or contractor who stands nearby with a fire hose and/or extinguisher to stop a larger blaze in its tracks.
In a statement, Naval Sea Systems Command spokesman Rory O’Connor said the “stop work” was to ensure the company followed fire safety protocols.
Last week, the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard was on fire for four days in a row and was on the verge of sinking.
The explosive blaze, which heavily damaged the warship, was believed to have been finally extinguished on Thursday, following a four-day costly and highly hazardous firefighting effort.
Scores of American sailors and civilians were injured in the massive fire and a large explosion that followed it.
Both Bonhomme Richard and Kearsarge are Wasp-class amphibious assault ships. Kearsarge has been in maintenance at NASSCO since late last year.
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Fire on US Navy ship Bonhomme Richard continues for third day
