US Carrier Sails Through Strait of Hormuz
EmailAn American aircraft carrier has passed through the Strait of Hormuz into the Persian Gulf, in what the U.S. Navy is calling a routine maneuver.
With U.S. – Iranian tensions heightened, the USS Abraham Lincoln entered the Gulf on Sunday to conduct scheduled maritime security operations. The carrier had just arrived in the United States Central Command area on Thursday, replacing the USS Stennis, which is now headed home.
“USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) completed a regular and routine transit of the Strait of Hormuz, January 22, to conduct maritime security operations as scheduled and in support of requirements set by the combatant commander. The transit was completed as previously scheduled and without incident,” the U.S. Navy said in a statement.
In December Iranian officials had warned the U.S. not to return after the carrier USS John Stennis departed the Gulf. Iran also suggested the Strait may be closed in retaliation for fresh economic sanctions imposed against the country.
On Saturday Iran indicated that it viewed U.S. naval operations in the Gulf as normal, The AP reported.
The other U.S. carrier currently in the region is the USS Carl Vinson, which is in the Arabian Sea and is providing air cover for troops in Afghanistan.
ABC News’ Luis Martinez and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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No big surprise here. I was wondering….was one of the ways the Iranians threatened to cut of the straight by sinking a ship in it so other ships couldn’t pass until it was removed?
Posted by: mobredthree | January 23, 2012, 9:26 am 9:26 am
MOBREDTHREE: The narrowest point is about 50 km (30 miles). The minimum navigable width would be less than that but still enough that you’d need to sink a lot of ships to block it.
Posted by: ashadulailahaillallah | January 23, 2012, 9:55 am 9:55 am
My son is on that Carrier! My love to all the sailors! Come home safely!
Posted by: Momma Fix | January 23, 2012, 10:03 am 10:03 am
Iran said we had better not do that. Then again, they also don’t think the holocast happened. We should play some war games over there, with them playing the part of targets.
Posted by: mrmefco | January 23, 2012, 10:40 am 10:40 am
Iranian = all talk, no action.
Posted by: Ed | January 23, 2012, 11:12 am 11:12 am
I had the honor of spending a couple of days on CV-67 as part of a distinguished visitor tour in 1999. I developed a great deal of respect and admiration for Naval Aviation. What those people do is beyond compare. From Capt Weber to the sailor who served grits for breakfast, that whole crew impressed me with their dedication and professionalism.
I almost feel sorry for anyone dumb enough to think about attacking a US Aircraft Carrier. It would be what I call stupidcide. An act of stupidity which leads to death. Let’s hope Iran isn’t dumb enough to get their whole country sunk.
I enjoyed the whole cruise. Watching carrier qualifications was great! But a cat shot is the most fun you can have with your boots on. ;-). ‘Go Navy’.
Posted by: oonogil | January 23, 2012, 11:25 am 11:25 am
I love America but am not from America i hope one day i can visit without America they will be disorder in the world thank God for USA.
Posted by: Enock | January 23, 2012, 11:50 am 11:50 am
The Uss Abraham Lincoln has a great crew that includes my Fiance. Our troops have a purpose within their job, to do like any other human being in this world to help provide for their families. Most of the crew haven’t even started their lives yet, as they are so young. It would be a shame if they never got that chance. All they want to do is have a peaceful deployment as it’s already hard because of them being away from their love ones. Bring our Troops home!
Posted by: Bakerflaggirl | January 24, 2012, 9:13 pm 9:13 pm