• Home
• /
• World
• /
• MENA

‘Robust’ US naval presence near Strait of Hormuz

Dubai – US Navy warships are now accompanying American-flagged ships through the Strait of Hormuz after the seizure of the Maersk Tigris by Iranian Revolutionary Guard Navy Corp last week, a Pentagon official from the office of the US Secretary of Defence Ash Carter confirmed to Khaleej Times on Saturday.
Warships and coastal patrol boats from the 5th Fleet are maintaining a “robust presence” in the region to deter destabilising activities, Pentagon official Commander Elissa Smith said.
Commander Smith said US Navy vessels have already accompanied three ships out, and one ship into the Arabian Gulf through the Strait. All were Military Sealift Command or US government contract vessels.
“There are sufficient forces already deployed and permanently stationed naval assets in the region to support this mission, she said when asked if the Navy is increasing its forces in the region.
Washington views Iran’s seizure of the Marshall-Islands flagged Maersk Tigris as a provocation, and the Pentagon said it would safeguard the region’s vital maritime links to the international community.
Commander Smith said the USS Farragut, a destroyer, is operating in the vicinity of the Strait of Hormuz, where 30 per cent of tanker oil passes.Three other patrol ships are near Hormuz and are keeping a close watch on the area. The United States Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) in Bahrain is monitoring maritime traffic passing through the Strait and is using surveillance aircraft in this mission.
“NAVCENT also continues the use of airborne assets to monitor Maersk Tigris,” she said.
The captured cargo ship is currently anchored off the Northeast coast of Larak Island, Iran, according to the US defence official.Iran said its naval crew boarded the Maersk Tigris because the shipping company owes it money awarded in a case dating back to 2005.
– allan@khaleejtimes.com 

• MENA