U.S. Central Command

A naval officer aboard USS Tripoli (LHA 7) oversees flight operations from the control tower as the amphibious assault ship sails in the Arabian Sea. U.S. warships and aircraft deployed to the Middle East are enforcing the naval blockade against Iran while executing Project Freedom to support the free flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz.

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.

U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets launch from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Lincoln is one of two aircraft carriers enforcing the blockade on Iranian ports while also supporting Project Freedom.

U.S. Navy MH-60 Sea Hawk helicopters are supporting Project Freedom in and near the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier today, Sea Hawk and U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopters were used to eliminate Iranian small boats threatening commercial shipping.

Remarks to media today from Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, on Project Freedom:

Guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney (DDG 91) observes a merchant vessel while on patrol enforcing the U.S. blockade against Iran. As of today, 50 commercial vessels have been redirected by U.S. forces to ensure compliance.

Remarks to media today from Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, on Project Freedom:

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.