Despite the combat loss of an Apache helicopter on June 8, these formidable helicopter gunships are playing a major role in reopening the Strait of Hormuz.Oil tankers, container ships and bulkers are eager to get underway.President Donald Trump said on Monday, June 15, that "a lot of lanes" are open.
"Pathways are available to all vessels not violating the blockade," according to U.S.Central Command, adding that, "U.S.
forces are postured to defend against Iranian aggression."But even as the Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran is finalized, international shippers are still nervous."We still consider it very risky for ships to commence transits," Jakob Larsen, chief safety and security officer at BIMCO, the world’s largest shipping association, said June 15.
They worry about rogue drones, missiles and fast boats from Iran.You can bet Adm.Brad Cooper, commander, U.S.
Central Command, will have the Army’s AH-64E Apache helicopters fanned out to police the strait.US NAVY UNMANNED SURFACE DRONE FINDS, RESCUES APACHE HELICOPTER CREW IN MILITARY FIRSTThe U.S.military has been enforcing a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, even during the ceasefire.
(U.S.Central Command)That’s what the Apache helicopters were doing last week, when one was struck on June 8 by an Iranian drone that burrowed into the cockpit.
The two-man Army crew survived a nighttime ditching in the Strait of Hormuz – and a historic rescue by a 24-foot U.S.Navy sea drone."That bomb was lodged in the helicopter, it didn’t explode.
It was on fire, but it didn’t explode," Trump marveled."Those two guys, they knew how to fly, but they got very lucky."How do you ditch an Apache helicopter in the dark waters of the Strait of Hormuz with a smoldering Iranian drone stuck in the cockpit? "Gently." That’s according to former U.S.
Army helicopter pilot Capt.C.W.
Gosnell, who flew two combat tours in Bell UH-1 "Hueys" during the Vietnam War.‘GOD IS GOOD’: INSIDE ...