U.S. Forces Step Up Patrols During Blockade Of Iranian Ports

U.S. sailors operating an MH-60R Sea Hawk assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 51 conducted an aerial patrol on June 7, 2026, during the U.S. blockade against ships entering or departing Iranian ports.

The helicopter crew was deployed from the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115).

USS Rafael Peralta is operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, where it is supporting maritime security and stability efforts across the Middle East.