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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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🚫 CLAIM: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) forces have claimed they struck two U.S. Navy destroyers operating in the Middle East. This is completely FALSE. ✅ FACT: No U.S. Navy warship has been struck; all IRGC attempted attacks failed. Meanwhile, U.S. forces https://t.co/yfC4OcwZ1f
CENTCOM forces destroyed five Iranian crude oil carriers, Sept. 8, after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted a U.S. Navy warship with ballistic missiles twice over the past two days. The U.S. warship successfully evaded the attempted Iranian attacks and https://t.co/Gi8a2tloN1
An E/A-18G aircraft launches from the flight deck of USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) during night flight operations while the ship supports enforcement of the U.S. blockade against Iran in the Arabian Sea. As of Sept. 7, CENTCOM forces have redirected 94 commercial vessels, https://t.co/yEQ7oKC5Jo
U.S. Marines assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit conduct live-fire training at night aboard USS Boxer (LHD 4). https://t.co/PnDv6o7SXz
A U.S. Navy E-2D Hawkeye command and control aircraft lands aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) as the aircraft carrier sails in the Arabian Sea supporting military operations in the Middle East. https://t.co/QpQtWAIgDO
A U.S. Air Force F-35A stealth fighter jet patrols over regional waters as CENTCOM forces continue to enforce the maritime blockade against Iran. As of Sept. 6, U.S. forces have redirected 92 commercial vessels, disabled 3 and boarded 2 to ensure strict compliance. https://t.co/oXNN5zKx1t
Thanks to the precision and professionalism of American service members, the M/T Kylo sank in the Gulf of Oman today and joined Iran’s navy at the bottom of the sea. https://t.co/OwSDMl8SSQ
Earlier this week, U.S. forces in the Middle East were brought a piece of home during a USO tour that included Craig Morgan, country music star and U.S. Army Reserve Soldier. The tour made several stops in the region. https://t.co/Vrm3Vp5Mzs
https://t.co/Xo0Vj0t2AJ
U.S. Army paratroopers set up communications equipment at a remote site in the Middle East. https://t.co/Oe9LZHLJmV
A U.S. Sailor stands watch aboard USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) as the guided-missile destroyer continues to support the U.S. blockade against Iran in regional waters. As of Sept. 3, CENTCOM forces have redirected 87 commercial vessels, disabled 3 and boarded 2 to ensure total https://t.co/o46xfhwmJw
Over 2,600 Sailor and Marines are deployed aboard USS Boxer (LHD 4) as the amphibious assault ship operates in the Middle East. Here's an inside look. 👇 https://t.co/Bh3tjpKOjJ
The U.S. Navy continues to strictly enforce the U.S. blockade against Iran. As of Sept. 2, U.S. forces have redirected 86 commercial vessels, disabled 3 and boarded 2 to ensure compliance. https://t.co/y5ZbqkvVod
Two U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter jets patrol the skies over the Middle East. U.S. forces remain vigilant and ready. https://t.co/U07VBNobPy
https://t.co/3MCmRHk7mi
A U.S. Sailor directs the takeoff of a UH-1Y Venom utility helicopter from the flight deck of USS Boxer (LHD 4) as the amphibious assault ship sails in the Arabian Sea enforcing the U.S. blockade against Iran. As of Sept. 1, U.S. forces have redirected 84 commercial vessels, https://t.co/c2ftqAnaIv
It takes hundreds of U.S. Navy Sailors to keep flight operations running smoothly aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73). From maintainers to the air traffic control center, each Sailor plays a critical role. https://t.co/hStoZHHQpM
A U.S. Air Force F-35A stealth fighter jet flies over regional waters while patrolling the skies in the Middle East. https://t.co/mBZHEK8RBQ
A U.S. Sailor directs an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter onto the flight deck of USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119) while the ship sails in the Arabian Sea enforcing the U.S. blockade against Iran. As of Aug. 30, CENTCOM forces have redirected 83 commercial vessels, disabled 3 and boarded https://t.co/FtcULlir53
U.S. Sailors conduct night flight operations aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) as the ship sails in regional waters supporting operations in the Middle East. https://t.co/C7Iqpe0acn
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