April 9, 2024
Release Number 20240409 - 01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TAMPA, Fla. – At approximately 3:00 a.m. (Sanaa time) on April 9, USS Mason (DDG 87) and United States Central Command (CENTCOM) forces successfully engaged and destroyed one inbound anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) launched by Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists from Yemen over the Gulf of Aden.
The ASBM was likely targeting the MV Yorktown, a U.S.-flagged, U.S.-owned vessel being escorted by a U.S. warship USS Laboon (DDG 58) and USS Mason (DDG 87). There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition, or commercial ships.
It was determined the ABSM presented an imminent threat to U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels in the region. These actions are taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S, coalition, and merchant vessels.