U.S. Central Command

A U.S. Sailor conducts preflight checks on an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter aboard USS John Finn (DDG 113). Multiple ships and helicopters are currently enforcing the U.S. blockade against Iranian ports. @U_S_CENTCOM

Sailors aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) conduct routine maintenance on dozens of aircraft, ensuring U.S. forces remain mission ready. @U_S_CENTCOM

Yesterday, M/V Sevan was among 19 “shadow fleet” vessels sanctioned by the U.S. Department of Treasury for activities related to transporting billions of dollars worth of Iranian energy, oil and gas products, including propane and butane, to foreign markets. Earlier today, Sevan was intercepted in the Arabian Sea by a U.S. Navy helicopter from guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney (DDG 91), and the merchant vessel is currently complying with U.S. military direction to turn back to Iran under escort. U.S. forces continue to enforce U.S. sanctions and fully implement the blockade against ships entering or departing Iranian ports. 37 vessels have been redirected since the start of the blockade. @U_S_CENTCOM

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II takes off from USS Tripoli (LHA 7) during routine flight operations in the Arabian Sea. @U_S_CENTCOM

Guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) enforces the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports against an Iranian-flagged ship attempting to sail to a port in Iran, April 24. @U_S_CENTCOM

Ships with the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group sail in the Indian Ocean, April 23. @U_S_CENTCOM

A CH-53 heavy-lift helicopter lifts off from USS Tripoli (LHA 7). The CH-53 has a 36,000 lb aerial lift capacity, capable of transporting vehicles and supplies. @U_S_CENTCOM

The blockade against ships entering or exiting Iranian ports continues. To date, U.S. forces have redirected 34 vessels. @U_S_CENTCOM

For the first time in decades, three aircraft carriers are operating in the Middle East at the same time. Accompanied by their carrier air wings, the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) include over 200 aircraft and 15,000 Sailors and Marines. @U_S_CENTCOM

Sailors aboard aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) serve meals to crew members. A typical aircraft carrier strike group serves around 4,000 eggs daily. Three aircraft carrier strike groups are currently operating in the Middle East. Combined, the Sailors and Marines from these units consume over 12,000 eggs each day. @U_S_CENTCOM

Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) sails in the Indian Ocean in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, April 23. @U_S_CENTCOM

U.S. forces have now redirected 33 vessels since the start of the blockade against Iran. @U_S_CENTCOM