On Feb. 13, 2026, a release of JP-5 jet fuel occurred at Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. (HII)’s Newport News Shipbuilding division during a fuel transfer operation to the pre-commissioned John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), resulting in fuel entering the James River near 4101 Washington Avenue in Newport News.

Initial estimates placed the release at approximately 50 gallons; however, follow-up investigations and fuel tank measurements later determined the total volume discharged to be 7,749 gallons*. Odors and surface sheens were reported across portions of Newport News and Hampton (see image), prompting coordinated on-water investigation by DEQ, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM), the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), and fire departments from the cities of Newport News and Hampton.

The responsible party activated an oil spill response company to begin oil containment and recovery operations, including deploying containment boom, conducting boat-based recovery, and using a vacuum truck to remove captured product. Favorable tides and winds assisted in containing the release, and a USCG drone overflight confirmed the effectiveness of response actions. Most recoverable product remains concentrated near the spill area.

Pollution Assessment teams from Coast Guard Sector Virginia, supported by Coast Guard Station Portsmouth boat crews and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), are blanketing the area via land, air, and water to provide real-time tracking of the sheen and ensure rapid response to any shifting conditions.

Operational Update: Tuesday, Feb. 17

Hundreds of gallons of jet fuel (JP5) have been removed from the James River following the accidental release of fuel on Friday, Feb. 13. Significant progress in the urgent clean-up work continues under response oversight from local, state and federal agencies including the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Virginia Department of Emergency Management, Virginia Department of Health and the cities of Newport News, Hampton, and Suffolk.

*Estimates of the released fuel initially ranged from dozens of gallons to potentially up to 7,749 gallons, however, an evaluation by shipyard engineers has validated that at most, 4,722 gallons of fuel were released while the rest is accounted for in the ship’s piping system and storage tanks.

While clean-up efforts continue, it is important to note that due to the chemical nature of JP5 jet fuel which evaporates readily, residents may continue to notice odors as some of the fuel evaporates.
 
The Virginia Department of Health’s assessment is that there is no evidence of impacts to drinking water sources and there have been no changes to classifications of shellfish growing areas.

Operational Update: Friday, Feb. 20

Response operations are ongoing. Contractors continue to investigate sheen and odor reports as well as potential wildlife impacts. To date, only one bird mortality has been attributed to the fuel release. HII's contactor has recovered over 1900 gallons of fuel.

The cause of the spill remains under investigation.

Operational Update: Tuesday, Feb. 24 (Final Update)

Response contractors recovered a total of 2,132 gallons of fuel.

Questions? Contact us.