Centcom mobilises aircraft, troops for Hormuz maritime mission

US Central Command (Centcom) said it will begin supporting “Project Freedom” from Monday to restore freedom of navigation for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

The command said its forces will operate under the direction of the United States president to assist vessels seeking to transit the waterway, adding that the Department of State, along with the Department of War, has launched a “Maritime Freedom Structure” initiative to coordinate efforts.

Centcom said supporting this “defensive mission” is essential for regional security and the global economy, noting that the operation will include guided-missile destroyers, more than 100 aircraft and about 15,000 personnel.