Two U.S. Navy ships in the Ormuz Strait. The Americans are beginning to operate to remove mines.

The U.S. Navy began preparing for an operation to remove mines in the Ormuz Strait. CENTCOM reported that two missile destroyers had passed through the Strait, starting the first stage of operations to restore the safety of navigation.

Start of operations at a sensitive global shipping point

According to the CENTCOM communication, quoted by foreign media, American naval forces have begun preparations for antimine action in the Ormuz Strait. This narrow throat between the Oman Gulf and Persian Gulf remains one of the world's most important shipping routes.

Admiral Brad Cooper, Commander of CENTCOM, reported that the Americans have begun marking a safe passage for shipping. Only after recognizing the situation for watering and checking the route will you go to removing mines. For this moment, the stage of recognition and security of activities on water is ongoing.

What ships are involved in this operation?

Two U.S. Navy missile destroyers were officially confirmed at this stage: USS Frank E. Peterson (DDG 121) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112). As stated in the CENTCOM Communication, on 11 April, ships passed through the Ormuz Strait and then operated in Gulf waters as part of a wider mission to clear the Strait from sea mines.

Both units belong to the Arleigh Burke type, which forms the basis of American water forces. However, the CENTCOM Communication does not specify the specific tasks assigned to individual ships in the subsequent phases of the operation.

Not just U.S. Navy destroyers. Unmanned systems appear in the background

CENTCOM reported that further U.S. forces are expected to join in the coming days, including underwater unmanned systems. For the time being, it has not been specified exactly what measures will be used and what tasks will be assigned to them in the operation to remove mines in the Strait of Ormuz.

However, the announcement of their use may suggest that the Americans want to strengthen the underwater recognition of the situation and support activities carried out on water without unduly endangering crews. However, such a proposal should be considered as an interpretation, as the CENTCOM Communication does not develop this thread and does not specify how unmanned systems will become included in the operation.

Possible further ships in operation

According to USNI News, two US Navy Avenger-USS antimine ships were directed towards the CENTCOM area. Pioneer and USS Chief. However, they were not listed by CENTCOM among the forces involved in the initiated operation removing mines in the Strait of Ormuz. Moreover, spokesman 5th Fleet refused to comment on their target task. At this stage, it is worth separating units already confirmed from those whose share remains only likely.

Why this operation matters beyond the Middle East

The importance of this operation goes far beyond the question of maritime safety. The Ormuz Strait remains one of the most important shipping routes for oil and gas transport, so any disruption of traffic on this water quickly affects maritime trade and the energy market. From this point of view, U.S. action is an attempt to restore safe passage through the strait and reduce further disruptions in navigation.

For this moment, the involvement of two U.S. Navy destroyers was officially confirmed – USS Frank E. Peterson and USS Michael Murphy – and the announcement of sending further U.S. forces to operations, including underwater unmanned systems. The rest, including possible entry into the activities of subsequent units, remains outside the scope of the information officially provided by CENTCOM.