U.S. Navy News Archives - Page 14 of 19 - Americans for a Stronger Navy

April 26, 2023April 26, 2023

USS Indiana (SSN-789): A Modern Virginia-Class Attack Submarine at Fleet Week

The USS Indiana (SSN-789) is a nuclear-powered Virginia-class attack submarine in the United States Navy named after the state of Indiana. It is the sixteenth submarine of its class and the sixth of the redesigned Block III, which features a revised bow and vertical launch system technology from the Ohio-class of guided missile submarines. Here’s everything you need to know about this impressive vessel.

Construction and Commissioning

The construction of the USS Indiana (SSN-789) began on December 22, 2008, and it was built by Huntington Ingalls Industries in partnership with the Electric Boat division of General Dynamics in Newport News, Virginia. The submarine’s keel was laid on May 16, 2015, and it was launched on June 9, 2017. The USS Indiana was christened on April 29, 2017, and sponsored by Diane Donald, wife of Admiral Kirkland H. Donald, USN (ret). The submarine was acquired on June 25, 2018, and commissioned on September 29, 2018, at Port Canaveral, Florida.

General Characteristics

The USS Indiana (SSN-789) has a displacement of 7800 tons when light and 7800 tons when fully loaded. The submarine is 114.9 meters (377 feet) long and 10.3 meters (34 feet) wide, making it a formidable vessel. Its propulsion system consists of a single S9G PWR nuclear reactor generating 280,000 shp (210 MW) and two steam turbines generating 40,000 shp (30 MW). It has a single shaft pump-jet propulsor and a secondary propulsion motor, enabling it to reach a speed of 25 knots (46 km/h). Its range is essentially unlimited, with a maximum lifespan of 33 years. The submarine has a test depth of greater than 800 feet (240 meters) and a complement of 134 officers and men.

Homeport and Motto

The USS Indiana (SSN-789) is currently stationed at its homeport in Groton, Connecticut. The submarine’s motto is “Silent Victors,” which speaks to its stealth capabilities and its ability to carry out missions without detection.

Conclusion

The USS Indiana (SSN-789) is an impressive submarine that showcases the technological advancements of the Virginia-class of submarines. Its nuclear-powered propulsion system, impressive speed, and range make it an essential asset to the United States Navy. With a dedicated crew and state-of-the-art technology, the USS Indiana (SSN-789) is ready to defend the United States against any threat.

April 26, 2023April 26, 2023

US Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs) reveal its security strategy amidst geopolitical tensions

South China Sea, – An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter takes off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) as the ship prepares to pull alongside the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Rappahannock (T-AO 204) for an underway replenishment. Credit: DVIDS.

The US Department of Defense has released its annual Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs) for the fiscal year 2022, protesting against 22 excessive maritime claims worldwide. FONOPs are protests made by the DoD against “unlawful maritime claims” that challenge the legal foundation of the rules-based order. The FONOP made against Malaysia in the South China Sea seeks to prevent the country from prohibiting military exercises or manoeuvres in its economic exclusive zone without consent. While this is an affront to Malaysia’s self-determination, it is seen as a potential military exercise to be conducted in the SCS in the near future. Similarly, Taiwan is included as a claimant in the SCS, and challenging its prerequisite for prior notification for foreign military or government vessels to enter its territorial sea will give the US more manoeuvrability to contain the PRC and potentially control wider activity in the region such as commerce.

US protests against excessive maritime claims

The US Department of Defense has released its annual Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs) protesting against 22 excessive maritime claims for 2022, revealing its security strategy amidst geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.

Geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific

Countries around the world are jostling to maintain their interests at sea more than ever before, largely due to the geopolitical tensions across the Indo-Pacific. Within this boiling pot of competing interests in the region, the US Department of Defense (DoD) has released its annual FONOPs in its report for the fiscal year 2022.

FONOPs challenge unlawful maritime claims

FONOPs are protests made by the DoD against “unlawful maritime claims” that challenge the legal foundation of the rules-based order.

FONOPs against Malaysia

The FONOP made against Malaysia in the South China Sea seeks to prevent the country from prohibiting military exercises or manoeuvres in its economic exclusive zone without consent. Politically, this is an affront to the country’s self-determination, and it is also hypocritical given the DoD’s claim that its FONOPs aim to “uphold the freedom of navigation as a principle”.

Potential military exercise in the SCS

However, in the broader context of their conflict with the PRC, which we see from the FONOPs made against them, is encroaching upon its neighbouring territories, from India to Taiwan. As tensions rise in the SCS, this FONOP signals a potential military exercise to be conducted in the SCS in the near future. This tactic would follow the large-scale military exercises the US have conducted this year on the Korean peninsula and in the Middle East that were designed to deter their adversaries.

Challenging Taiwan’s prerequisite for prior notification

Similarly, Taiwan is included as a claimant in the SCS as well, as the island country requires prior notification for foreign military or government vessels to enter its territorial sea. Challenging this prerequisite will give the US far more manoeuvrability as the DoD seek to contain the PRC, and potentially control the wider activity in the region such as commerce.

Conclusion

The US Department of Defense’s annual Freedom of Navigation Operations protests against excessive maritime claims and reveals its security strategy amidst geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. With tensions rising in the South China Sea, the FONOP made against Malaysia and Taiwan seeks to prevent restrictions on military exercises and manoeuvres, giving the US more manoeuvrability to contain the PRC and potentially control wider activity in the region

Key takeaways

The US Department of Defense’s annual Freedom of Navigation Operations protests against excessive maritime claims and reveals its security strategy amidst geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.
FONOPs challenge unlawful maritime claims that challenge the legal foundation of the rules-based order.
The FONOP made against Malaysia seeks to prevent restrictions on military exercises and manoeuvres, giving the US more manoeuvrability to contain the PRC and potentially control wider activity in the region such as commerce.
Challenging Taiwan’s prerequisite for prior notification will give the US more manoeuvrability to contain the PRC and potentially control wider activity in the region such as commerce.

April 25, 2023April 25, 2023

The USS New York: A Symbol of Strength and Sacrifice – At Fleet Week Florida

Fleet Week is an annual event that celebrates the strength and power of the United States Navy. This year, the USS New York is among the four ships that have arrived at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, offering visitors a chance to see the powerful symbol of strength and sacrifice up close. The USS New York is a San Antonio-class landing platform dock vessel, and its primary mission is to carry Marines and equipment anywhere in the world. The ship’s bow is made from 7.5 tons of steel from the World Trade Center, a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made on September 11, 2001. Don’t miss your chance to see this impressive vessel and learn more about the brave men and women who serve our country.

The USS New York, a San Antonio-class landing platform dock vessel, is a powerful symbol of strength and sacrifice for the United States Navy. Its bow is forged from 7.5 tons of World Trade Center steel, reminding sailors of the brave men and women who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. The ship’s primary mission is to carry Marines and equipment anywhere in the world, and its nearly 400 sailors and Marines are dedicated to maintaining its integrity and power. The USS New York serves as a reminder that freedom is not free, and that the sacrifices made by those who serve our country must never be forgotten.

A City on the Sea

The USS New York was commissioned in New York City on November 7, 2009, and its motto is “Strength forged through sacrifice. Never forget.” The ship is a testament to the resilience of the American people, and it carries the spirit of the Big Apple with it wherever it goes. The bow of the ship is made from 7.5 tons of steel from the World Trade Center, a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made on September 11, 2001

Intrepid Mission

The USS New York is a San Antonio-class landing platform dock vessel with the primary mission of carrying Marines and equipment anywhere in the world. The ship can remain undetected and quickly deploy Marines to build combat power ashore before the enemy is even aware. Its sleek design and powerful engines make it a formidable presence on the water.

Heavy Responsibility

The boatswain’s mates, or “bosuns,” are the core of the USS New York’s manpower. These hardworking sailors are responsible for the ship’s overall maintenance and upkeep, and they perform many of the crucial tasks required to put and keep the ship underway. The boatswain is the original “rate,” or job, from which all other naval jobs diverged as sailors’ duties became more specialized.

Never Forget

The USS New York serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made on September 11, 2001. A steel plate recovered from the World Trade Center rubble is displayed above one of the most-used passageways on the ship, and a firefighter’s helmet reminds sailors of the brave first responders who sprang into action that day. The ship’s daily prayer ritual honors someone who died in the attacks, ensuring that the memory of that day will never be forgotten.

Key Takeaways:

The USS New York is a San Antonio-class landing platform dock vessel with a powerful mission to carry Marines and equipment anywhere in the world.
The ship’s bow is forged from 7.5 tons of steel from the World Trade Center, a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made on September 11, 2001.
The boatswain’s mates are responsible for the ship’s overall maintenance and upkeep.
The USS New York serves as a powerful reminder to “Never Forget” the sacrifices made by those who serve our country.

Conclusion

The USS New York is more than just a ship; it is a symbol of the strength and sacrifice of the American people. Its mission to carry Marines and equipment anywhere in the world is a testament to the power and reach of the United States Navy. The ship’s motto, “Strength forged through sacrifice. Never forget,” is a powerful reminder that freedom is not free, and that the sacrifices made by those who serve our country must never be forgotten. We must honor the memory of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and support our brave sailors and Marines who continue to serve our country today.

April 25, 2023April 25, 2023

Exploring the USS Cole: A Look Inside One of the Ships Docked at Fleet Week Port Everglades

USS *Cole* (DDG-67) was laid down on 28 February 1994 at Pascagoula, MS, by Ingalls Shipbuilding Division, Litton Industries; launched on 10 January 1995; sponsored by Mrs. Lee Perry, wife of Secretary of Defense William J. Perry; and commissioned on 8 June 1996 at Port Everglades, FL, Commander M. Stewart O’Bryan in command.

If you’re in the Fort Lauderdale area this week, be sure to check out Fleet Week Port Everglades! This annual event brings four ships and hundreds of sailors, marines, and Coast Guardsmen to the area. The USS New York, USS Cole, USS Indiana (submarine), and USNS Newport are all docked at Port Everglades and open for tours. Don’t miss your chance to see these impressive vessels up close and learn more about the brave men and women who serve our country.

Remembering the USS Cole: A Story of Honor, Courage, and Commitment

On the morning of October 12, 2000, the USS Cole, a guided-missile destroyer, was refueling in the port of Aden, Yemen when two al-Qaeda terrorists approached the ship in a small boat carrying a bomb. The ensuing explosion killed 17 sailors and injured 37 others, and left a gaping hole in the ship’s hull. Despite the devastation, the crew of the USS Cole fought tirelessly to save their ship and their shipmates. The crew’s heroism, sacrifice, and bravery in the face of adversity exemplified the Navy’s core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment.i

Key Points:

On October 12, 2000, the USS Cole was attacked by two al-Qaeda terrorists while refueling in Aden, Yemen.
The attack killed 17 sailors and
The crew of the USS Cole fought tirelessly to save their ship and their shipmates.
The crew’s heroism, sacrifice, and bravery exemplified the Navy’s core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment.
The Navy subsequently enhanced global force protection training during crucial transits and implemented measures to defend against low-slow flying aircraft and small boats.
The USS Cole Awards Presented Following the Attack include Legion of Merit, Navy and Marine Corps Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medals, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and Navy Unit Commendation.
Selected USS Cole Artifacts include United States Navy Flag, United States Marine Corps Flag, Mess Management Specialist T-Shirt, and Mess Deck Tray.

Conclusion

The USS Cole attack was a tragic reminder of the dangers that our sailors face every day in defense of our country. The heroism and sacrifice of the crew of the USS Cole is an inspiration to all Americans and serves as a testament to the Navy’s core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. Let us honor their memory by continuing to support a strong Navy and ensuring that our sailors have the training and resources they need to defend our nation.

April 24, 2023April 24, 2023

USS George H.W. Bush Returns Home After Successful Deployment

Introduction

Greetings to our members and subscribers, and welcome to our latest blog post on behalf of Americans for a Stronger Navy. At StrongerNavy.org, we are committed to promoting Peace Through Strength as a valuable central theme. Our mission is to inform and inspire our readers to join our cause, and we aim to target average Americans who can help bolster our mission and engage with us to rally for a stronger Navy.

110129-N-3885H-158 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Jan. 29, 2011) – USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) is underway in the Atlantic Ocean, Jan. 29. George H.W. Bush is conducting Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX). (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Nicholas Hall)

The USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) left Norfolk in August 2022 and completed operations in Europe and Africa before returning home to Naval Station Norfolk on Sunday. The ship, along with other members of its Carrier Strike Group, participated in NATO-led vigilance activity Neptune Strike and Juniper Oak 23-2, the largest bi-lateral U.S.-Israeli exercise in history.

Homecoming Celebration for Carrier Air Wing 7

Eight squadrons of Carrier Air Wing 7 returned home first, with some squadrons having a flyover and homecoming event at Naval Station Norfolk and Naval Air Station Oceana on Friday. Family and friends of the sailors gathered to welcome them home after a long deployment.

Honoring the Service of the Sailors on USS George H.W. Bush

Capt. Dave Pollard, the commanding officer of the USS George H.W. Bush, expressed his pride in the service of his sailors. He stated that “Our Sailors serve our great nation honorably, exemplifying the service, grit, humility and resilience our namesake, President George Herbert Walker Bush, displayed throughout his life of service to family and country.”

Key Takeaways

The USS George H.W. Bush completed an eight-and-a-half month deployment in Europe and Africa.
The ship participated in NATO-led vigilance activity Neptune Strike and Juniper Oak 23-2, the largest bi-lateral U.S.-Israeli exercise in history.
Eight squadrons of Carrier Air Wing 7 returned home, with some squadrons having a homecoming event at Naval Station Norfolk and Naval Air Station Oceana.
The commanding officer of the USS George H.W. Bush expressed his pride in the service of his sailors.

Conclusion

We hope this story has inspired you to join us in supporting a stronger Navy. The dedication and service of the sailors on the USS George H.W. Bush is a testament to the importance of Peace Through Strength. As we continue to promote our mission, we encourage you to subscribe to our cause and help us engage with average Americans to rally for a stronger Navy. Thank you for your time and for supporting Americans for a Stronger Navy.

April 24, 2023April 24, 2023

USS Nimitz and Carrier Strike Group Arrive in Thailand After Journey Across South China Sea

This handout photo taken on April 4, 2023 and provided by the South Korean Defence Ministry in Seoul shows the US Navy’s aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (C), the South Korean Navy’s destroyer Yulgok Yi I (R) and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s destroyer Umigiri (front L) sailing in formation during a joint naval exercise in the international waters off South Korea’s southern island of Jeju. (Photo by Handout / South Korean Defence Ministry / AFP)

Greetings to our members and subscribers, and to all Americans who share our mission of promoting Peace Through Strength.

At Americans for a Stronger Navy, we believe that a strong and capable Navy is essential to ensuring global peace and security.

We are excited to bring you the latest news and updates from the U.S. Navy, and to inspire you to join us in supporting this vital mission.

USS Nimitz and Carrier Strike Group Arrive in Thailan

The U.S. Navy’s aircraft carrier USS Nimitz and its carrier strike group have arrived in Thailand for a week-long visit. The Nimitz crossed the South China Sea and made a U-turn in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone before arriving in Thailand’s territorial waters. The Nimitz’s automatic identification system (AIS) signal was turned on at around 21:30 p.m. UTC on Sunday, and it arrived and docked at Laem Chabang Port three hours later.

The Nimitz’s Journey Across the South China Sea.

The journey across the South China Sea is significant given the tensions in the region, and the ongoing disputes over territorial claims in the area. The Nimitz’s presence in the region is intended to promote peace and stability, and to demonstrate the U.S. Navy’s commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation in the region.

Trilateral Exercise with Japan and South Korea

Prior to arriving in Thailand, the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group conducted a trilateral maritime exercise with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and Republic of Korea Navy. The exercise was conducted on April 3-4 and aimed to enhance cooperation and interoperability among the three navies.

Key takeaways:

The USS Nimitz and Carrier Strike Group have arrived in Thailand for a week-long visit
The Nimitz crossed the South China Sea and made a U-turn in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone before arriving in Thailand
The Nimitz’s journey is significant given the tensions in the region and ongoing territorial disputes
The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group conducted a trilateral maritime exercise with Japan and South Korea on April 3-4 to enhance cooperation and interoperability

In conclusion, the USS Nimitz’s journey across the South China Sea and its visit to Thailand highlight the importance of a strong and capable U.S. Navy in promoting peace and stability in the region. The trilateral exercise with Japan and South Korea demonstrates the U.S. Navy’s commitment to enhancing cooperation and interoperability among allied navies. We encourage all Americans to support a Stronger Navy by subscribing to our mission at StrongerNavy.org. Thank you for your time and for your support.

April 23, 2023April 23, 2023

U.S. Navy Intercepts Fishing Vessel Smuggling $42 Million in Illegal Drugs

Greetings to all members and subscribers of Americans for a Stronger Navy!

As an organization dedicated to promoting Peace Through Strength, we are proud to share a recent success story of the U.S. Navy in supporting Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 in interdicting a fishing vessel smuggling illegal drugs in the Gulf of Oman.

Content Summary

USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60), operating under CTF 150, intercepted a fishing vessel smuggling 802 kilograms of methamphetamine and 1,000 kilograms of hashish worth $42 million. The crewmembers of the vessel were identified as Iranian nationals.

Before the Navy and Coast Guard members could seize the vessel, five smugglers attempted to discard 50 bags of methamphetamine by throwing them overboard.

However, some of the bags were recovered. Maritime forces supporting CTF 150 have seized illegal drugs worth an estimated U.S. street value of $150 million in 2023 alone, contributing to the total of $1 billion in value in drug interdictions by U.S. and international naval units in 2021 and 2022.

Key Takeaways:

The U.S. Navy intercepted a fishing vessel smuggling illegal drugs worth $42 million in the Gulf of Oman.
Maritime forces supporting CTF 150 have seized illegal drugs worth an estimated U.S. street value of $150 million in 2023 alone.
U.S. and international naval units have contributed to a total of $1 billion in value in drug interdictions in 2021 and 2022.
CTF 150 conducts maritime security and counter-terrorism operations in the Gulf of Oman and Indian Ocean to disrupt criminal and terrorist organizations and their related illicit activities.
Conclusion:
The successful interception by the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard members under CTF 150 highlights the importance of promoting Peace Through Strength. We commend the sailors for their outstanding work in removing illicit narcotics from the high seas and deterring destabilizing activity in regional waters. As supporters of a Stronger Navy, we encourage our readers to subscribe and continue to engage with us in promoting a stronger and more secure America.

April 21, 2023April 21, 2023

Iran alleges that it forced a U.S. submarine to surface in Gulf, U.S. Fifth fleet denies

Greetings to all our members and subscribers of Americans for a Stronger Navy.

As an organization, our mission is to promote Peace Through Strength, a valuable central theme that aligns with our goals.

In this blog post, we would like to bring to your attention to an incident that Iran alleged recently occurred in the Gulf involving the United States Navy Fifth Fleet and Iran’s navy. We hope that this story will inspire you to continue supporting our mission and to engage Americans to rally behind the cause of a stronger Navy.

On April 20, Iranian navy commander Shahram Irani claimed that Iran’s navy had forced a U.S. submarine to surface as it entered the Gulf. He said that the Iranian submarine Fateh detected the U.S. submarine approaching while submerged and carried out manoeuvres to force it to surface as it went through the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Irani, the U.S. submarine had also entered Iranian territorial waters but corrected its course after being warned. However, the United States Navy’s Fifth Fleet denied that such an incident had taken place, calling it Iranian disinformation.

Background on Iranian-U.S. confrontations

Iranian and U.S. forces have had a number of confrontations in the past. In early April, the Iranian navy said it had identified and warned off a U.S. reconnaissance plane outside the mouth of the Gulf. In 2019, Iran shot down a U.S. drone which it said was flying over southern Iran.

Key takeaways:

Iran’s navy claimed to have forced a U.S. submarine to surface as it entered the Gulf, but the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet denied that such an incident had occurred.
Iran has had confrontations with the U.S. Navy in the past, including identifying and warning off a U.S. reconnaissance plane in early April 2023 and shooting down a U.S. drone in 2019.

In conclusion, we hope that this story has shed light on the importance of a strong Navy in promoting peace through strength. We urge all our readers to support our mission and engage Americans to rally behind the cause of a stronger Navy. Let us work together to ensure that our Navy is well-equipped and prepared to face any challenge that may arise.

April 20, 2023April 20, 2023

Recruitment Shortfalls and Readiness Issues in the Army, Navy, and Air Force

Sailors man the rails aboard the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford in June 2021. (Navy)

Hello, and welcome to Americans for a Stronger Navy. At our organization, we are committed to promoting Peace Through Strength. In this blog post, we will be discussing the recent recruiting shortfalls and readiness issues faced by the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Our goal is to inform and inspire our readers, especially those in the Navy, to support our mission.

Summary:

Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, the vice chief of naval operations, told the committee that their services are doing better than they expected, but that they will still be short at the end of the fiscal year.

Franchetti said the Navy’s readiness is based on people. “We are committed to improving their quality of service and personal resilience, investing in initiatives such as quality housing and childcare, access to the full continuum of mental health care, improved education and an environment free of sexual harassment and sexual assault,” she said. “In this 50th anniversary of the all-volunteer force, we continue to focus on recruiting, retention and reducing gaps in our billets at sea.”

The admiral also spoke of gains in ship readiness and improvements in maintenance. She told the panel that the fiscal 2024 budget request fully funds public and private ship maintenance, aviation depot maintenance, increases parts and spares and continues to grow the highly skilled public shipyard workforce.

Army, Navy, and Air Force won’t reach enlistment goals this year.
Marines and Space Force expect to reach their goals.
Army expects to recruit 10,000 fewer soldiers than their goal of 55,000.
Navy expects to have about 6,000 enlistees short.
Air Force expects to have about 10,000 airmen short throughout the active and reserve components.
Recruitment issues faced by the Army apply to all services, with only 23% of young Americans qualified to serve, and fewer still showing interest.
The Army must focus on warfighting, training for battle, and supporting combatant commands with ready formations worldwide.
The Navy’s readiness is based on people, investing in initiatives such as quality housing, childcare, mental health care, education, and an environment free of harassment and assault.
The Marine Corps is modernizing and producing an even more lethal Marine.

Conclusion:

We hope this blog post has informed you about the current recruiting shortfalls and readiness issues faced by the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Personnel is the most critical aspect of readiness, and it’s essential to invest in initiatives to improve their quality of service and personal resilience.

As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the all-volunteer force, we must focus on recruiting, retention, and reducing gaps in our billets at sea.

We encourage you to support our mission by subscribing to our organization and becoming an active supporter of a Stronger Navy. Thank you for your time and for supporting our cause.

April 20, 2023April 20, 2023

U.S. Navy sails first drone through Mideast’s Strait of Hormuz

Introduction:

Greetings to our members and subscribers, and to all Americans who believe in promoting Peace through Strength.

At Americans for a Stronger Navy, our mission is to inspire and inform readers about the importance of a strong navy for the security and prosperity of our nation. Today, we bring you news of the U.S. Navy’s historic sailing of its first drone boat through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for global energy supplies where American sailors often face tense encounters with Iranian force

A U.S. Navy L3 Harris Arabian Fox MAST-13 drone boat and the U.S. Coast Guard cutter USCGC John Scheuerman transit the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, April 19, 2023. The U.S. Navy sailed its first drone boat through the strategic Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, a crucial waterway for global energy supplies where American sailors often faces tense encounters with Iranian forces. (Information Systems Technician 1st Class Vincent Aguirre/U.S. Coast Guard via AP)

On April 19, 2023, the U.S. Navy successfully sailed its first drone boat, the L3 Harris Arabian Fox MAST-13, through the Strait of Hormuz, a busy waterway between Iran and Oman. The drone, a 13-meter (41-foot) speedboat carrying sensors and cameras, passed safely through the strait, which is just 33 kilometers (21 miles) wide at its narrowest point. The U.S. Coast Guard cutters, the USCGC Charles Moulthrope and USCGC John Scheuerman, accompanied the drone during its journey

The strait is a crucial waterway through which a fifth of all oil traded passes, connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. American sailors often face tense encounters with Iranian forces in the area, but this sailing took place without incident, although it drew the attention of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.

Key takeaways:

The drone, the L3 Harris Arabian Fox MAST-13, passed safely through the strait with accompanying U.S. Coast Guard cutters.
The strait connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and is a busy waterway through which a fifth of all oil traded passes.
The sailing drew the attention of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard but took place without incident.
Subscribe to our organization to stay informed about these important developments.

Conclusion:

The successful sailing of the first U.S. Navy drone boat through the Strait of Hormuz is a significant milestone in the Navy’s efforts to bolster its presence in the region. This development will enable the Navy to better monitor the area, safeguard international trade, and protect American interests and allies. We encourage all Americans who believe in promoting peace through strength to support the Navy’s mission and subscribe to our organization to stay informed about these important developments.