USS White Plains AFS-4 Fire.
On 9 May 1989, while underway in the South China Sea en route to Guam, the White Plains experienced a major Class Bravo fire in the main engine room while conducting underway fuel replenishment with the combat replenishment ship USS Sacramento (AOE-1). The fire resulted from the ejection of a valve stem on the fuel transfer system which sent a high-pressure spray of fuel over the boiler and consequently ignited into a fireball.
There were 6 fatalities and 161 injuries reported as a result of the fire.
Shipmates…We wish for you fair winds and following seas, deep green water under your bow, your main rifles trained in the posture of peace and a gentle breeze at your stern.
Tales of an Asia Sailor 
Was working at SRF Guam as a Ship Supt. Knew many onboard. God Bless
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My first and best ship!!! I learned how to be a Sailor on her!! Made SM3 on board and we won back to back Battle Es
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I fell like I was onboard. I spent 5yrs on the Niagara Falls AFS 3. May they R.I.P.
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I was there that day, MS3 Santos. Rest in Piece Shipmates.
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I served onboard USS White Plains from 82-85 and it was the best ship I ever served on. There was no better. RIP shipmates – we now have the watch.
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I was on the USS White plains when the fire broke out. Many don’t remember when myself and BM Campbell went down into the main space and shut off the fuel valve, fought the fire and recovered our fallen shipmates 6 sailors died because we were not fit to go back out on the gulf. I blame the Navy for making our ship go back out back to back tours My name is Gabe Sigaoat mm3,
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may our fallen heroes rest in peace, Shipmate from 1982-1985 H.Velez
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My name is Terry hallHt-3 I served on board the orient express from 77-79. I was #1 oba man repair #5. Rip mates
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I was on USNS SIOUX that towed WHITE PLAINS to Subic Bay after the fire. Definitely saw a lot of professionalism by WHITE PLAINS’ crew during that trying coyage.
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That was my first command was there that day everything went to hell. Think of them often
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31 year anniversary tomorrow…I will never forget them…That ship was a living hell, as was the BTC. Damn that guy to hell too.
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I was stationed on board from 1988-1990, EN3 at the time, worked in A-Gang. I was in the Emergency Diesel Generator Room when the fire broke out. Will never forget 9 May 89
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