U.S. Central Command

U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers are currently operating in the Arabian Gulf after transiting the Strait of Hormuz in support of Project Freedom. American forces are actively assisting efforts to restore transit for commercial shipping. As a first step, 2 U.S.-flagged merchant vessels have successfully transited through the Strait of Hormuz and are safely headed on their journey.

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 aboard two U.S. Navy warships patrolling the Arabian Sea.

🚫 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.

Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, visited USS Milius (DDG 69), May 2, as the guided-missile destroyer patrolled regional waters in support of the U.S. blockade operations against Iran. While on board, he interacted with Sailors and addressed them on the 1MC while highlighting the importance of the ongoing mission. As of today, 49 commercial vessels have been redirected to comply with blockade. U.S. forces remain fully committed to total enforcement.

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.

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 ship, including the Combat Information Center.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) continues to conduct routine flight operations as it sails in the Red Sea.

For 2+weeks, U.S. forces have successfully enforced the blockade, cutting off economic trade going into and out of Iran.

Statement from Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander on the success of the U.S. blockade against Iran:

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 East.

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.

Prior to the U.S. blockade on Iran, 5 ships were moored or anchored in the Iranian port of Chah Bahar on an average day. Today, more than 20 vessels remain in Chah Bahar as U.S. forces cut off economic trade going into and coming out of Iran during the ongoing blockade.