CENTCOM Launches Mine Clearance Operation in Strait of Hormuz
On April 11, 2026, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) initiated a critical naval operation to clear sea mines from the Strait of Hormuz. Two Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers, USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. and USS Michael Murphy, transited the strait to establish a secure maritime corridor for commercial shipping. Admiral Brad Cooper confirmed that the mission aims to neutralize threats following weeks of conflict with Iran, utilizing advanced underwater drones to locate and destroy Iranian-deployed naval mines.