US sends amphibious assault ship USS Bataan to secure Strait of Hormuz.

According to information published by the US DoD on August 7, 2023, members of the Navy's Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit have been deployed to the Middle East. This move comes as a response to the growing concerns in the Strait of Hormuz and adjacent areas.
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The USS Bataan and USS Carter Hall navigate the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. (Picture source: US DoD)

The deployment witnessed the arrival of the USS Bataan, an amphibious assault ship, and the USS Carter Hall, a dock landing ship, to the region.

Recent incidents include the Iranian navy's efforts to detain two merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman. U.S. Central Command reported that on July 5, U.S. forces successfully deterred the Iranian military from seizing two commercial ships in international waters near Oman's coast.

One such instance was when the Marshall Islands-registered oil tanker TRF Moss was approached by an Iranian naval vessel. However, with the arrival of the U.S. Navy's USS McFaul, the Iranian ship withdrew.

A similar situation occurred with the Bahamian-registered oil tanker Richmond Voyager, which was also approached by an Iranian vessel. After a brief confrontation, the Iranian ship retreated upon the USS McFaul's arrival.

Reports from Centcom indicate that around 20 merchant vessels have faced challenges from Iran since 2021.

About the USS Bataan

The USS Bataan (LHD-5) is an amphibious assault ship of the Wasp-class in the United States Navy. With dimensions of 843 feet in length and a beam of 104 feet, its full-load displacement stands at 40,500 long tons or approximately 41,150 tonnes.

The ship's propulsion system comprises two boilers and two geared steam turbines, driving two shafts and producing 70,000 shp (52,000 kW). This allows for speeds of up to 22 knots and a cruising range of 9,500 nautical miles at a consistent 18 knots.

Its well deck measures 266-by-50-foot with a height of 28 feet. This deck can house various configurations of landing craft, such as three Landing Craft Air Cushion, two Landing Craft Utility, or 12 Landing Craft Mechanized. It has a capacity for 1,687 troops and an additional surge capability of 184, supported by a standard crew complement of 1,208 personnel.

The vessel is equipped with several sensor systems and radars, useful for navigation, air traffic control, and identification purposes. For defense, it carries missile launchers, CIWS systems, chain guns, and machine guns.

In terms of aviation, the USS Bataan can carry a mix of aircraft depending on its mission profile. This includes the AV-8B Harrier II, F-35B Lightning II, MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor, AH-1W/Z Super Cobra/Viper attack helicopters, CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters, and UH-1Y Venom utility helicopters. The ship can adjust its aircraft composition based on operational requirements, whether for assault or sea control tasks.