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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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U.S. Marines aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) stand watch in the Arabian Sea during naval blockade operations against Iran. As of today, 44 commercial vessels have been directed to turn around or return to port. https://t.co/uisKpGHEqW

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) continues to conduct routine flight operations as it sails in the Red Sea. https://t.co/FoUeZEFjIi

Guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) sails regional waters within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Mason, alongside other destroyers, is part of the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group, one of three carrier strike groups currently operating in the Middle https://t.co/0PmumSP6Rv

U.S. Army Soldiers conduct pre-flight checks on UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. The UH-60 is the workhorse of the Army, logging millions of flight hours and capable of both transporting troops and sling loading cargo. https://t.co/Cpc6vfw2A4

Earlier today in the Arabian Sea, U.S. Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit boarded M/V Blue Star III, a commercial ship suspected of attempting to transit to Iran in violation of the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports. U.S. forces released the vessel after conducting a https://t.co/UFx329OsHj

RT @USAmbUN: Iran’s attacks in the Strait of Hormuz are an assault on the world’s economy. Nearly 100 countries — including the Gulf natio…

A U.S. Sailor operates a lathe in the machine shop aboard USS Mitscher (DDG 57) sailing in the Middle East. Hundreds of crew members aboard U.S. Navy ships at sea contribute to mission readiness day in and day out. https://t.co/8OAvDM32gF

Guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) enforces the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports against M/T Stream after it attempted to sail to an Iranian port, April 26. https://t.co/mPCIp5rLlO

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II launches from amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) while sailing in the Arabian Sea, April 24. https://t.co/8dLNHfnfz1

A U.S. Sailor signals to an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter on the flight deck of guided-missile destroyer USS Mitscher (DDG 57). U.S. forces remain focused and ready across the Middle East. https://t.co/pwep0jefeP

A U.S. Sailor watches a commercial ship as U.S. forces continue to enforce a blockade against Iranian ports, preventing ships from entering or exiting. American forces have directed 38 ships to turn around, or return to port. https://t.co/Trtc41NZyp

A U.S. Sailor conducts preflight checks on an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter aboard USS John Finn (DDG 113). Multiple ships and helicopters are currently enforcing the U.S. blockade against Iranian ports. https://t.co/CO3HQUD41c

Sailors aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) conduct routine maintenance on dozens of aircraft, ensuring U.S. forces remain mission ready. https://t.co/Uz9zJjPk9N

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II takes off from USS Tripoli (LHA 7) during routine flight operations in the Arabian Sea. https://t.co/LPCm3vMtlR

Ships with the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group sail in the Indian Ocean, April 23. https://t.co/KS3ACIuWqE

Guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) enforces the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports against an Iranian-flagged ship attempting to sail to a port in Iran, April 24. https://t.co/XsGg65nXt2

A CH-53 heavy-lift helicopter lifts off from USS Tripoli (LHA 7). The CH-53 has a 36,000 lb aerial lift capacity, capable of transporting vehicles and supplies. https://t.co/ywUlkHYuFy

For the first time in decades, three aircraft carriers are operating in the Middle East at the same time. Accompanied by their carrier air wings, the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) include over 200 aircraft and 15,000 https://t.co/fbMdz1IYn8

Sailors aboard aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) serve meals to crew members. A typical aircraft carrier strike group serves around 4,000 eggs daily. Three aircraft carrier strike groups are currently operating in the Middle East. Combined, the Sailors and Marines https://t.co/S02RerxDB5

Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) sails in the Indian Ocean in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, April 23. https://t.co/oDcTM6YMLF

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