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The guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay cuts through the Strait of Hormuz, April 7, 2019.

Esper: Operation Sentinel Prevents Escalation of Middle East Waterways Conflict

By C. Todd Lopez | July 24, 2019

Just three hours into his new job, Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper met with reporters at the Pentagon to discuss Iran, China and the proposed defense budget.

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A U.S. Air Force F-35A stealth fighter jet patrols over regional waters near the Strait of Hormuz. The F-35A can carry up to 18,000 pounds of ordnance while still flying at supersonic speeds. https://t.co/VGVOPHmTFQ

F/A-18 Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers launch from the flight deck of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) as it transits the Arabian Sea, May 9. https://t.co/vlebVVGRKy

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) continues operations in the Arabian Sea, including enforcement of the U.S. blockade against Iran. CENTCOM forces have redirected 65 commercial vessels and disabled 4. https://t.co/5eV9g0CTLy

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer flies over the Middle East during a training mission, May 9. https://t.co/GNyjNgFSEj

USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119) monitors regional waters as it transits the Arabian Sea during enforcement of the U.S. blockade against Iran. CENTCOM forces have redirected 62 commercial ships and disabled 4 to ensure compliance. https://t.co/Qw5QrTUn5R

U.S. Marines rappel from an MH-60S Sea Hawk while training on the flight deck of USS Tripoli (LHA 7), May 8. This training ensures Marines remain ready, should they be called to board non-compliant ships during the U.S. blockade against Iran. https://t.co/t4V3iephVs

While patrolling the skies over the Middle East, a U.S. Navy F/A-18 fighter jet is refueled a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker. The world's greatest military routinely makes critical logistical missions look seamless. https://t.co/H6X4Txlkvt

U.S. Sailors aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), currently operating in the Middle East, conduct maintenance day and night to keep sea-based aircraft mission ready. https://t.co/OIA1r0LUA1

The U.S. Naval blockade against Iran continues be to fully enforced. As of today, CENTCOM forces have redirected 58 commercial vessels and disabled 4 since April 13 to prevent the ships from entering or leaving Iranian ports. https://t.co/mFmipUptgM

A U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter jet flies in airspace over the Middle East. U.S. forces across the region remain mission ready. https://t.co/Fh6Q2z6nBG

Photos of USS Truxton (DDG 103), USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115), and USS Mason (DDG 87) operating in the Middle East. The three destroyers are currently sailing in the Arabian Sea supporting the blockade against Iran. As of today, CENTCOM forces have redirected 57 commercial https://t.co/MA836xnHxM

There are currently more than 70 tankers that U.S. forces are preventing from entering or leaving Iranian ports. These commercial ships have the capacity to transport over 166 million barrels of Iranian oil worth an estimated $13 billion-plus. https://t.co/VBKfDwMwqJ

A U.S. Sailor signals as an EA-18G Growler takes off from the flight deck of USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). Bush is operating with more than 20 U.S. warships enforcing the blockade against Iran. https://t.co/zAqTwjAJlN

An F/A-18 fighter jet lands aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). When landing on an aircraft carrier, fighter jets utilize a tail hook to catch one of multiple arresting cables on the flight deck. This method can quickly bring an aircraft to a complete stop in about 300 feet. https://t.co/kyl08OpgJf

U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III crews provide heavy-lift capabilities for U.S. forces in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. The C-17 is able to rapidly move supplies and equipment that keeps U.S. forces mission ready. https://t.co/Qdl44D5RQP

Aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) is among the large contingent of U.S. warships, aircraft, and personnel fully enforcing the U.S. naval blockade against Iran. So far, 52 commercial vessels have been directed to turn around or return to port in order to comply. https://t.co/YtP3EC47Vt

An MH-60 Sea Hawk helicopter takes off from amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) in the Arabian Sea. Sea Hawks are playing an essential role enforcing the U.S. naval blockade against Iran. https://t.co/QKabeI8xLf

America's men and women in uniform serving across the Middle East represent the strongest fighting force the world has ever known. https://t.co/YdQybGfHI1

A U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter jet patrols near the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. forces have a large amount of capability and firepower concentrated in and around the strait to extend a defensive umbrella to protect U.S. forces and defend commercial shipping. https://t.co/Mj1JCoyTOO

USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) transits the Arabian Sea as U.S. forces enforce the naval blockade against Iran from the Gulf of Oman and support Project Freedom in the Strait of Hormuz. The carrier has more than 60 aircraft on board. https://t.co/u7U9YyhBO8

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