USS New Orleans fire, Microsoft protests, Russia hits Ukraine. It’s Thursday, August 21, 2025. This is your SOFREP Morning Brief.

A fire broke out aboard the USS New Orleans in the vicinity of Okinawa, Japan, the U.S Navy confirmed. A spokesperson for the U.S. Navy said crews are responding to the fire. "We will provide more details as they become available," the spokesperson said in a statement.

The amphibious transport docking ship New Orleans was ablaze off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, as of Wednesday night Japan Standard Time. U.S. Navy crews were responding to the fire, along with the Japan Coast Guard and military. The Japan Coast Guard said it received an emergency message about the fire at 5 p.m. local time.

The U.S. Navy reported a fire aboard amphibious docking ship USS New Orleans on Thursday. It was anchored near White Beach Naval Facility, in Okinawa, Japan.

A fire burned aboard a US Navy warship anchored off Okinawa for 12 hours, injuring two sailors, a statement from the Navy’s 7th Fleet in Japan said.

A fire was reported aboard the amphibious USS New Orleans (LPD-18) on Wednesday off the coast of Okinawa. “Crews are responding to a fire aboard USS New Orleans this afternoon, Aug. 20,