U.S. Central Command Launches Freedom of Navigation Mission in Strait of Hormuz

U.S. Central Command announced on May 4 the commencement of a "Freedom of Navigation" mission in the Strait of Hormuz, deploying 15,000 personnel. According to NS3.AI, the operation includes a missile destroyer, over 100 land- and sea-based aircraft, and multi-domain unmanned platforms to support merchant vessels navigating the strait. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical passageway for a quarter of the world's seaborne oil trade. This mission follows the State Department's Maritime Freedom Initiative in collaboration with the Department of Defense.