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US Navy Deploys Advanced Technology to Clear Mines in the Strait of Hormuz

US Navy Deploys Advanced Technology to Clear Mines in the Strait of Hormuz

The U.S. Navy has launched a mine-clearing operation in the Strait of Hormuz, utilizing modern technology to address the threat posed by Iranian maritime mines. The operation involves the use of unmanned surface and underwater vehicles equipped with sensors to detect and neutralize mines. The Navy's current capabilities include sonar-mounted drones and helicopters for spotting mines near the surface. The operation is part of a broader effort to secure the strait and ensure the safe passage of commercial ships, following disruptions caused by Iran's deployment of mines. The U.S. military has already sent warships through the strait and plans to deploy additional forces, including underwater drones, in the coming days.
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U.S. Navy Begins Blockade of Strait of Hormuz to Pressure Iran's Oil Exports

U.S. Navy Begins Blockade of Strait of Hormuz to Pressure Iran's Oil Exports

The U.S. Navy has initiated a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to cut off Iran's oil exports and increase economic pressure on the country. This action follows weeks of U.S. military strikes that have not succeeded in bringing Iran to the negotiating table. The blockade is intended to disrupt Iran's main source of revenue by preventing maritime trade. The U.S. Middle East command, CENTCOM, has stated that it will intercept vessels heading to and from Iranian ports while ensuring freedom of navigation for other Persian Gulf ports. This strategy is part of a broader effort to weaken Iran's economy by targeting its oil exports.
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Over 10,000 US troops are enforcing the Iran blockade, but no ships boarded so far, military says

Over 10,000 US troops are enforcing the Iran blockade, but no ships boarded so far, military says

More than 10,000 American troops are helping enforce the blockade on Iranian ports and 13 ships have turned around rather than confront the military action
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USS Kidd Continues Tradition of Flying Jolly Roger Flag in U.S. Navy

USS Kidd Continues Tradition of Flying Jolly Roger Flag in U.S. Navy

The USS Kidd, a member of the Arleigh Burke class of destroyers in the U.S. Navy, continues to uphold a unique tradition by flying the Jolly Roger flag. This tradition dates back to the ship's namesake, Rear Admiral Isaac Campbell Kidd, Sr., who was killed during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. The current USS Kidd, commissioned in 2007, is a powerful vessel capable of traveling at over 30 knots, powered by gas turbines of approximately 100,000 horsepower. The ship's pirate theme is further emphasized by an iconic drawing of the Jolly Roger on its 5-inch gun, created by Fire Controlman 1st Class Juan Morales. This tradition of flying the Jolly Roger was embraced by the crew and the widow of Rear Admiral Kidd, Mrs. Inez Kidd, and remains a distinctive feature of the USS Kidd today.
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US Navy Blocks Iranian Vessel Amid Heightened Tensions Over Maritime Blockade

US Navy Blocks Iranian Vessel Amid Heightened Tensions Over Maritime Blockade

The U.S. Navy, under the directive of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), intercepted an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel attempting to evade a newly implemented maritime blockade. The USS Spruance, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, redirected the vessel back to Iran after it attempted to leave Bandar Abbas and navigate the Strait of Hormuz. This action is part of a broader U.S. strategy to enforce a blockade on Iranian ports, which was announced by President Trump following unsuccessful peace talks between the U.S. and Iran. The blockade involves a significant military presence, including 10,000 troops, over a dozen warships, and more than 100 fighter and surveillance aircraft. The blockade aims to prevent any vessels from transiting to and from Iranian ports, although ships not visiting these ports can still navigate the Strait of Hormuz.
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Pentagon Budget Boost Excludes Army Aviation, Impacting Future Procurement

Pentagon Budget Boost Excludes Army Aviation, Impacting Future Procurement

The Trump administration's fiscal 2027 budget request for the Pentagon, totaling $1.5 trillion, significantly increases spending across various military priorities. However, U.S. Army Aviation is notably excluded from this boost, with its procurement budget set to decrease by more than half, from $4.065 billion in 2026 to $1.93 billion in 2027. This marks the third consecutive year of budget cuts for Army Aviation, following previous cancellations and reductions in modernization programs. The Navy, in contrast, sees a substantial increase in its aircraft procurement budget, rising to $34.4 billion. The Army's focus remains on the Bell MV-75 'Cheyenne II,' which is prioritized in the aviation research and development budget, receiving $2.14 billion for fiscal 2026.
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U.S. Naval Blockade Enforces Pressure on Iran Amid Ceasefire Standoff

U.S. Naval Blockade Enforces Pressure on Iran Amid Ceasefire Standoff

The U.S. military has initiated a naval blockade against Iran, compelling ships to turn away from Iranian ports. This action follows unsuccessful ceasefire talks between U.S. and Iranian officials, leading to heightened tensions. The blockade is part of a broader strategy to pressure Iran by targeting its oil exports without direct military strikes. Over 10,000 U.S. personnel, along with numerous ships and aircraft, are involved in enforcing the blockade, which extends into both territorial seas and international waters. The operation aims to disrupt Iran's economic lifeline while maintaining military readiness to escalate if necessary. Pentagon leaders have emphasized the U.S. military's capability to transition quickly from containment to combat operations if the situation deteriorates.
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Fincantieri Secures Contract for U.S. Navy's Landing Ship Medium Program

Fincantieri Secures Contract for U.S. Navy's Landing Ship Medium Program

Fincantieri Secures Contract for U.S. Navy's Landing Ship Medium Program
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US aircraft carrier breaks record for longest deployment since the Vietnam War

US aircraft carrier breaks record for longest deployment since the Vietnam War

The world’s largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R
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US military will target Iran-linked ships worldwide, broadening scope beyond blockade

US military will target Iran-linked ships worldwide, broadening scope beyond blockade

The U.S. military has widened its efforts beyond the blockade of Iran’s ports
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How a US blockade on Iran has sanctioned ships turning around

How a US blockade on Iran has sanctioned ships turning around

The U.S. Navy is imposing a sea blockade against Iran — the latest escalation in the war that has seen the flow of key energy supplies choked off at the Strait of Hormuz
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Factbox-Oil tankers transiting Strait of Hormuz since start of Iran war

Factbox-Oil tankers transiting Strait of Hormuz since start of Iran war

By Ruth Chai and Florence Tan April 15 (Reuters) - The U.S. blockade on vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports adds to uncertainty over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been all-but-shut since the start of the Iran war.