The Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Assault Ship Fire: An Internal Control Analysis

Abstract

The fire aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), a catastrophic incident that occurred on July 12, 2020, has raised critical questions about the effectiveness of internal controls within naval operations. This capstone research study explores the events leading up to the fire, analyzing the various internal control factors that contributed to its escalation. This study primarily reviews the formal command investigation as well as the Major Fires Review associated with the investigation into the mishap. This research also incorporates information from the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) Internal Control-Integrated Framework and the Government Accountability Office Green Book to identify actionable deficiencies. Five research questions regarding internal control factors that lead to significant deficiencies and negative patterns in naval operations are addressed. An internal control analysis underscores the significance of robust internal controls in preventing and mitigating the impact of such disasters. This study enhances the Navy’s understanding of internal controls within naval operations and provides operative observations for policy and training augmentation. By examining the USS Bonhomme Richard incident through the lens of internal controls, this study aims to guide future policies and practices to prevent similar disasters and enhance overall operational resilience.