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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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Feb. 5, 2026

U.S. Navy and Royal Saudi Naval Forces Conclude Exercise Indigo Defender

Feb. 5, 2026

USS Delbert D. Black Departs Israel Following Port Visit

Feb. 3, 2026

MARCENT Hosts Lebanese Armed Forces for Security Summit

Jan. 27, 2026

AFCENT to Conduct Readiness Exercise, Generate Combat Airpower

Jan. 13, 2026

Blue Sands 26.1 Fortifies Integrated Air Defense and C-UAS Capabilities Across AFCENT

Jan. 8, 2026

Soldiers, Airmen Increase Sustainment Mission Capabilities

Dec. 16, 2025

332nd AEW Rolls Towards Modernization with New Vehicle Fleet

Dec. 11, 2025

U.S. and Israeli Navies Conclude Exercise Intrinsic Defender

Nov. 22, 2025

U.S., Qatar and Allies Enhance Regional Defense during Exercise Ferocious Falcon 6

Nov. 19, 2025

Royal Saudi Land Forces Complete Historic Training Rotation in U.S.

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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

U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter aircraft are among more than 100 land and sea-based aircraft supporting Project Freedom. During the defensive operation, these advanced warfighting platforms are helping to protect U.S. forces and defend commercial shipping. https://t.co/7boqPZ1rSZ

Remarks to media today from Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, on Project Freedom: https://t.co/68hSeZfGXO

Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, flew over regional waters in and near the Strait of Hormuz in an AH-64 Apache helicopter, May 3, on the eve of U.S. military support for Project Freedom. He interacted with U.S. Army Soldiers after visiting with Sailors and Marines on Saturday https://t.co/NEc9YCFBPB

🚫 CLAIM: Iranian state media claims that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps hit a U.S. warship with two missiles. ✅ TRUTH: No U.S. Navy ships have been struck. U.S. forces are supporting Project Freedom and enforcing the naval blockade on Iranian ports. https://t.co/VFxovxLU6G

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U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft taxi at a base in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. The A-10 is able to deliver close air support when and where it is needed most. https://t.co/Dl6xwtJxwJ

During a trip to the region earlier today, Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, visited Sailors and Marines aboard USS Tripoli (LHA 7) in the Arabian Sea. He interacted with service members, recognized top performers, and toured various spaces throughout the amphibious assault https://t.co/GVl23P7Pl6

USS New Orleans (LPD 18) sails in the Arabian Sea during the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports, April 28. Over the past 20 days, 48 vessels have been redirected to ensure compliance with the blockade. https://t.co/Zuj12vfFMw

U.S. Navy Sailors conduct routine maintenance on MH-60 Sea Hawk helicopters aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). The MH-60 is U.S. Navy’s primary shipboard helicopter and operates from destroyers, amphibious ships, and carriers in the region. https://t.co/7aENmEfByk

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