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Defense official: Arson suspected as cause of Navy ship fire

A fire burns on the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard.
A fire burns on the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard at Naval Base San Diego on July 12, 2020 in San Diego, California. Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO (AP) — A senior defense official says arson is suspected as the cause of a July 12 fire that left extensive damage to the USS Bonhomme Richard and a U.S. Navy sailor is being questioned as a potential suspect.

The official, with knowledge of the investigation, spoke Wednesday to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to provide details not yet made public.

The amphibious assault ship burned for more than four days.

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