US Navy rescues 2 Iranians in Gulf of Oman
Given humanitarian assistance at sea
The US Navy rescued two Iranian civilian sailors in the Gulf of Oman on August 23, 2024. The Iranians were rescued by personnel from the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group 9 (CSG9), currently engaged in routine operations in the area.
According to US Central Command (USCENTCOM), on August 23, at approximately 7 a.m. local time (UTC+3), the CSG sprang into action while operating in international waters in the Gulf of Oman to assist the distressed seafarers.
To rescue the Iranian duo, a rigid inflatable boat was launched from the USS Daniel Inouye Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, and a search and rescue (SAR) helicopter was launched from the USS Theodore Roosevelt Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.
The unidentified Iranian sailors were recovered from the water by the SAR helicopter and subsequently transported to the USS Theodore Roosevelt for much-needed medical attention and provisions of food and water.
Professional response
US Navy Rear Adm. Christopher Alexander, commander of CSG9, commended his crew’s swift and professional response.
“Our [US Navy] sailors and aircrew responded swiftly and professionally, showcasing their world-class training. Aiding distressed mariners is a mission that our strike group will always stand ready to support.
“It is the right thing to do and demonstrates that the US Navy is a force ready when called upon,” Alexander added.
The rescue operation of the Iranian sailors comes at a time when CSG9 is stationed in the Middle East region to deter Iran and its allies from attacking Israel or targeting US forces in Iraq and Syria.
Earlier this month, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin directed two carrier strike groups to stay in the Middle East – USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Theodore Roosevelt – to deploy to the region due to heightened fears of a potential Iranian strike against Israel.
These concerns have been exacerbated since the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July, with Iran and Hamas accusing Israel of the act. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement.
Featured image: The US Navy deployed a rigid inflatable boat and a SAR helicopter to rescue the Iranian sailors who were in the water in the Gulf of Oman. Credit: USCENTCOM
