Update from CENTCOM Commander:

Update from CENTCOM Commander:

Statement from Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander:

Reports emerging of USS Boxer experiencing a shortage in hygiene products for women in uniform are FALSE. The ship has had four port visits since departing San Diego in March. The crew has been at sea for less than two months since the last port call, and they are stocked with feminine products, including at the ship store and in medical offices on board. Additionally, the ship has had two major mail deliveries so far during the month of August. The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group remains fully equipped and prepared to execute all assigned missions.

U.S. Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit conduct a verification boarding aboard M/T Wen Yao in the Gulf of Oman, July 16. As of today, American forces have redirected 3 commercial vessels trying to run the blockade, disabled 1 that didn’t comply, and boarded 1 to ensure full compliance with the ongoing U.S. naval blockade against Iran. The Strait of Hormuz and the surrounding waters remain free and open, except for vessels attempting to violate America’s steel wall blockade. 🇺🇸

Today, more than 20 U.S. Navy warships are patrolling waters across the Middle East as CENTCOM forces continue promoting regional security and stability. Last month, U.S. naval warships and aircraft transited the Arabian Sea in close formation, demonstrating unmatched American military strength and firepower.

The U.S. Navy suspended the active search for a Sailor assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5 embarked aboard aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), effective 3:00p.m. AST on July 5, 2026. The Sailor was reported missing July 1st, after an MH-60S helicopter went down in the Arabian Sea. The efforts concluded following an extensive search by the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. The Sailor’s name is being withheld until at least 24 hours after next-of-kin notification is complete in accordance with Navy policy. For more than 102 hours, an extensive and coordinated search and rescue effort spanning over 14,000 square miles was conducted. The efforts brought together the USS George H.W. Bush carrier’s HSC 5 and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46, the fixed wing aircraft of Carrier Air Wings (CVW) 7 and 9, aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln’s (CVN 72) helicopter squadrons HSC 14 and HSM 71, Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Ross (DDG 71), USS Donald Cook (DDG 75), USS Higgins (DDG 76), USS Mason (DDG 87), and USS John Finn (DDG 113) with HSM 51, two P-8 Poseidon squadrons, and multiple U.S. Air Force aircraft.

On July 1 at 3:30 a.m. ET, the aircrew of an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) conducted an emergency water landing in the Arabian Sea. There is no indication the emergency was caused by hostile action. Three of the helicopter’s four crew members have been recovered and are in stable condition aboard George H. W. Bush. U.S. Navy assets in the region are currently searching for other aircrewman still missing. The cause of incident is under investigation.

USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) sails in the Arabian Sea. Two aircraft carriers continue to operate in the Middle East as U.S. forces remain present and vigilant.

Today, U.S. forces lifted the blockade on all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas, in accordance with the President's direction. American forces are not impeding the transit of vessels to or from Iranian ports. All U.S. military blockade enforcement efforts have ceased. Our great Naval Ships will remain in the general area to make sure that all aspects of the agreement are adhered to, obeyed and in full force and effect.

U.S. forces across the Middle East remain vigilant and ready.

This Memorial Day weekend, CENTCOM remembers and honors the lives and legacies of service members who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Vice Adm. Curt Renshaw, NAVCENT/5th FLEET commander, visited USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), May 15, as the aircraft carrier 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.

The U.S. Naval blockade against Iran continues be to fully enforced. As of today, CENTCOM forces have redirected 58 commercial vessels and disabled 4 since April 13 to prevent the ships from entering or leaving Iranian ports.

RT @CENTCOM: Photos of USS Truxton (DDG 103), USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115), and USS Mason (DDG 87) operating in the Middle East. The three…

Earlier today in the Arabian Sea, U.S. Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit boarded M/V Blue Star III, a commercial ship suspected of attempting to transit to Iran in violation of the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports. U.S. forces released the vessel after conducting a search and confirming the ship’s voyage would not include an Iranian port call. American forces continue to operate and enforce the blockade across the Middle East. So far, 39 vessels have been redirected to ensure compliance.