US destroyers clear mines in Strait of Hormuz as aircraft carrier assets poised to grow in region

USS Gerald R Ford, shown here operating in the Atlantic Ocean, participated in attacks on Iran. (Michael Fabey)

US Navy (USN) guided-missile destroyers (DDGs) began to clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz on 11 April, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement that day as the USN looks to build its aircraft carrier assets in the region.

“CENTCOM forces began setting conditions for clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz as … guided-missile destroyers USS Frank E Peterson (DDG 121) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) transited the Strait of Hormuz and operated in the Arabian Gulf as part of a broader mission to ensure the strait is fully clear of sea mines previously laid by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps,” the command said.

US President Donald Trump announced US forces would begin enforcing a naval blockade of the strait on 13 April, after initial peace talks between the US and Iran failed to reach an agreement.

“Additional US forces, including underwater drones, will join the [mine] clearance effort in the coming days,” CENTCOM added.

“We began the process of establishing a new passage and we will share this safe pathway with the maritime industry soon to encourage the free flow of commerce,” Admiral Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander said in the statement.

The mine-clearing efforts come as USN aircraft carrier forces appear ready to build in the region.

Carrier operations

Aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) arrived in the CENTCOM area of responsibility (AOR) in January 2026 and participated in Operation ‘Epic Fury' strikes against Iran.

Aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford (CVN 78), which was confirmed by CENTCOM to be operating in the Red Sea in early March 2026, also participated in the operation.

Ford