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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

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Feb. 5, 2026

USS Delbert D. Black Departs Israel Following Port Visit

Feb. 3, 2026

MARCENT Hosts Lebanese Armed Forces for Security Summit

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

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

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A U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom helicopter lifts off from USS Tripoli (LHA 7), May 16, during the U.S. blockade against Iranian ports. The Venom is capable of executing a variety of missions including maritime interdictions, reconnaissance, and close air support. https://t.co/QLwsotHeoZ

A U.S. Sailor aboard USS Comstock (LSD 45) observes a commercial vessel while enforcing the U.S. blockade against Iran, May 21. U.S. forces have redirected 97 commercial vessels and disabled 4 since the start of the blockade. https://t.co/1Zgsoykhy4

U.S. Navy fighter jets launch from aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in the Arabian Sea. The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is maintaining peak readiness while enforcing the U.S. blockade against Iranian ports. https://t.co/VdgD1S8jrB

U.S. Marines drive an M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System to a refueling station in the Middle East. These systems, operated by both the U.S. Marine Corps and Army, are highly mobile. https://t.co/SLnFG8xxYi

As of May 21, CENTCOM forces have redirected 94 commercial vessels and disabled 4 while enforcing the blockade to prevent the flow of commerce into and out of Iranian ports. https://t.co/A54jjxDaYE

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer refuels from a KC-135 Stratotanker during a training flight over regional waters in the Middle East. https://t.co/uE9cBTQyq2

Earlier today in the Gulf of Oman, U.S. Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit boarded M/T Celestial Sea, an Iranian-flagged commercial oil tanker suspected of attempting to violate the U.S. blockade by transiting toward an Iranian port. American forces released the https://t.co/1AVT0MudKY

A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter patrols near a commercial vessel transiting regional waters as American forces enforce the maritime blockade against Iran. As of May 20, U.S. forces have redirected 90 ships and disabled 4 to ensure compliance. https://t.co/58gANXuGmR

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E heavy-lift helicopter takes off from the flight deck of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), May 15. The CH-53E can support rapid delivery of payloads, carrying up to 36,000-pounds. https://t.co/qY9Z53wcLp

Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis are cut-off from Iran's weapons supply and support. https://t.co/zDVjaIhP5X

Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, will provide testimony on CENTCOM's posture to the House Armed Services Committee this morning. 🔴 Watch Live: https://t.co/YkPiAT7qd7 https://t.co/mDwLPTkuwU

Thousands of brave Americans in uniform continue to serve across the Middle East. https://t.co/bII3q2H5lL

U.S. Sailors stand watch in the combat information center aboard USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119) as the ship transits the Arabian Sea supporting the U.S. maritime blockade against Iran. As of May 18, CENTCOM forces have redirected 84 commercial vessels and disabled 4. https://t.co/cLgRj5dL1a

An F-35 stealth fighter is refueled during a routine patrol over regional waters in the Middle East. https://t.co/i1SGuSegqj

U.S. Sailors support flight operations aboard aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) sailing in the Arabian Sea. Every operational success across CENTCOM begins and ends with America’s men and women in uniform. https://t.co/PjmByqI4jC

A U.S. Sailor stands watch on the bridge of USS Tripoli (LHA 7) while transiting the Arabian Sea. The Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group is enforcing the U.S. blockade against Iran. As of May 17, U.S. forces have redirected 81 commercial vessels and disabled 4 to ensure compliance. https://t.co/X2jDS0QFTA

U.S. Air Force maintainers work on a KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft. Refueling aircraft extend the operational reach of U.S. military assets employed across the Middle East. https://t.co/yVTyN9Blie

A U.S. Army helicopter observes commercial ships while flying over regional waters near the Strait of Hormuz during U.S. enforcement of the maritime blockade against Iran. As of May 16, 78 commercial ships have been redirected, and 4 have been disabled to ensure compliance. https://t.co/VYV8idzhuU

U.S. Marine Corps F-35B aircraft take off from USS Tripoli (LHA 7) as the ship transits the Arabian Sea. The F-35B variant has short takeoff and vertical landing capabilities that enable the stealth fighter to operate from the U.S. Navy’s largest amphibious ships. https://t.co/f51maPQ7m1

An MH-60R Sea Hawk takes off from the flight deck of USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) transiting the Arabian Sea as American forces enforce a maritime blockade against Iran. As of today, 75 commercial vessels have been redirected and 4 have been disabled to ensure compliance. https://t.co/7wKCJXLqsf

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