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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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U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces began launching self-defense strikes against Iran at 5 p.m. ET today at the Commander in Chief’s direction, in response to yesterday’s downing of a U.S. Army Apache helicopter. The mission is a proportional response to unjustified Iranian
U.S. Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit load onto a UH-1Y Venom aboard USS Tripoli (LHA 7) to conduct aerial sniper and close air support training while transiting regional waters. https://t.co/Y6HYfgOVYJ
https://t.co/k6NzVz3G5t
Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, briefed the Defense subcommittee for the House Appropriations Committee today in Washington, D.C., on U.S. military operational priorities in the Middle East. Cooper will also brief the committee in the Senate tomorrow. These sessions follow https://t.co/jACQs9MH3E
https://t.co/EwA0PPWagv
U.S. forces across the Middle East remain vigilant and ready. https://t.co/EG9ozG1BAQ
The officer of the deck aboard USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) observes a merchant vessel while the guided-missile destroyer enforces the U.S. blockade against Iran in the Arabian Sea. As of June 7, CENTCOM forces have redirected 132 commercial vessels and disabled 6 to ensure https://t.co/mZtfSMTIRG
Two U.S. Air Force F-35A stealth fighter jets fly over the Middle East during a patrol. https://t.co/xpWnAUbeRT
Maj. Enkhtuvshin Namjildorj from the Mongolian Air Force talks about M4 familiarization training during Exercise Regional Cooperation 26. U.S. forces and our partners are stronger when we train and operate together. https://t.co/qKo4GvhuWT
U.S. Sailors and Marines aboard USS Tripoli (LHA 7) rappel out of an MH-60S Sea Hawk while the ship sails in the Arabian Sea. https://t.co/QULGIkO5yk
Moments ago, CENTCOM forces shot down four Iranian one-way attack drones that were launched toward the Strait of Hormuz. The attack drones posed an immediate threat to regional maritime traffic. U.S. forces subsequently struck Iranian coastal surveillance radar sites in Goruk and
🚫 CLAIM: Iran claims it fired warning shots at U.S. warships in the Gulf of Oman, forcing American vessels to “retreat” toward the Indian Ocean. FALSE. ✅TRUTH: Iranian forces did NOT attack or fire at U.S. Navy warships. Doing so would be a gross violation of the ceasefire. https://t.co/PdfC1EMZTP
A U.S. Sailor stands watch aboard USS McFaul (DDG 74) while the ship continues to support the U.S. blockade against Iran. As of June 4, U.S. forces have redirected 127 commercial vessels, disabled 6 non-compliant ships, and allowed 36 vessels supporting humanitarian aid to pass. https://t.co/H90ywJdk9c
🚫 CLAIM: Iran is now claiming it has targeted a U.S. Navy destroyer in the Gulf of Oman. ✅ TRUTH: Iran is lying. U.S. military assets at sea continue to fly, sail, and operate safely and unimpeded. https://t.co/khuuHuun4u
A U.S. Sailor aboard USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) observes a commercial vessel as the ship patrols the Arabian Sea while enforcing the U.S. blockade against Iran. As of June 3, CENTCOM forces have redirected 125 commercial vessels and disabled 6 to ensure compliance. https://t.co/zuXXA5ENG2
An additional wave of Iranian drones attempting to attack U.S. forces in Kuwait failed to impact intended targets tonight. U.S. Central Command air defenses successfully downed multiple drones and ensured no American personnel or assets were harmed.
https://t.co/Cmg5rQH6st
USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) transits the Arabian Sea as the aircraft carrier continues to support the U.S. blockade against Iran. U.S. forces have redirected 122 commercial vessels to ensure compliance. https://t.co/ZcOEEf4pOg
U.S. Marines assigned to Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct fast rope training aboard USS Tripoli (LHA 7) in the Arabian Sea. https://t.co/8aH8ljLDwn
https://t.co/ETdgACfn4F
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