The United States Navy has begun demining operations in the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow but critical passage through which a large share of global energy shipments move.
According to a report by The Times of India, the first wave of the effort is being led by two Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, the USS Frank E. Peterson and the USS Michael Murphy. The ships are not built for mine hunting, but their sonar systems can be used to locate mines.
A new passage in Hormuz
"Today, we began the process of establishing a new passage, and we will share this safe pathway with the maritime industry soon to encourage the free flow of commerce," said Admiral Brad Cooper, the commander of US Central Command.
Also Read । Who is Mayushi Bhagat? Indian student missing for 6 years in US; FBI announces Rs 9.38 lakh reward
The report also said the Pentagon is sending two Avenger-class mine-clearing vessels, the USS Chief and the USS Pioneer, to the Persian Gulf. In addition, three independent-class Littoral Combat Ships that had been forward deployed in the region were moved out before the conflict began, according to The War Zone. Those ships carry stand-off mine countermeasures that allow crews to detect and destroy mines from a distance.
The US Navy will also use unmanned systems in the operation.
Nostalgia for the US Navy?
The current mission echoes the US Navy’s role in the final phase of the Iran-Iraq war, when American forces carried out Operation Earnest Will between July 1987 and September 1988.
Also Read । Swipe, chat, invest? Iran-linked scammers use Tinder and Bumble to lure Americans
During that period, the US escorted merchant shipping and hunted Iranian mines in the Persian Gulf. The report noted that the USS Samuel B. Roberts struck an Iranian mine, injuring 10 sailors, and that the incident helped trigger Operation Praying Mantis. It led to the destruction of numerous Iranian small watercraft that were harassing commercial ships as they moved through the Straits of Hormuz.
