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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

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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. 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

https://t.co/6kFYBTZn8d

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

U.S. forces continue to patrol international waters and enforce the ongoing naval blockade against Iran. As of now, 45 commercial vessels have been directed to turn around or return to port to ensure compliance. https://t.co/K682VHSXAq

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion heavy-lift helicopter prepares to land aboard USS Tripoli (LHA-7). The Super Stallion is one of the largest and heaviest lift helicopters in the U.S. Marine Corps. https://t.co/rGqDAArG1Y

USNS Wally Schirra (T-AKE 8) replenishes guided-missile destroyer USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119) while at sea. Replenishments underway allow U.S. Navy ships to receive fuel, food, munitions, and essential supplies. https://t.co/EB2ubBWN4U

A U.S. Air Force crew chief prepares an F-16 Fighting Falcon for flight at a base in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. F-16 fighter jets conduct routine presence patrols throughout the region supporting regional security and stability. https://t.co/DFCy6qqy5f

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

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