16 April 2026
A force of three aircraft carrier battle groups, 10 guided-missile destroyers and two US Marine amphibious assault ships will be used to enforce America’s blockade of Iranian shipping.
An immense range of intelligence and surveillance assets – from space to submarines – will also be needed to catch any “blockade runners”, naval experts have told The National.
US President Donald Trump hopes that, where his air strikes have failed, his economic throttling of the Strait of Hormuz will force Iran to reopen it. However, to do so he will need the full might of the US Fifth Fleet.
The task will also possibly require American warships to approach Iran’s coastline, making them vulnerable to Chinese-made shore-based anti-ship missile attacks, if they want to intercept ships in the Gulf of Oman.
Navy officers who have conducted boardings have outlined challenges, including the possibility that IRGC troops might be aboard ships.
The commander of the Fifth Fleet, who will oversee the blockade, is probably aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. The aircraft carrier will form the operations base alongside fellow carriers the George HW Bush and Gerald R Ford, which is returning from repairs in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The carriers’ E-2D Hawkeye surveillance planes will be operating around the clock to search beyond the horizon for rogue ships.
Its F-35 or FA-18 Super Hornet fighters can also be used for rapid “show of force” flyovers of shipping to ensure they comply with orders to return to port.
On each of the two amphibious assault ships are a force of 2,200 US marines. Among them will be teams available to go ashore from helicopters for boarding operations, along with Viper attack helicopters for extra support.
It is a potent force backed up by the well-armed Arleigh Burke destroyers and their host of Harpoon anti-ship missiles, air defence systems and the ability to power ahead at 30 knots.
Source: thenationalnews
