Iran is deploying MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopters from ships, including USS Boxer, to support maritime surveillance and interception. The operation shows how distributed naval aviation and networked sensors are being used to enforce selective maritime denial across the Gulf while increasing pressure on commercial traffic and regional security. USS Boxer and the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit provide an aviation and command node for the blockade, with MH-60R helicopters using the AN/APS-153 multimode radar, AAS-44C electro-optical system, and Link 16 connectivity to detect, classify, and track vessels beyond the radar horizon of surface ships. The resulting architecture allows U.S. forces to move from identification and warning to boarding or precision engagement while maintaining wider control of maritime traffic approaching Iranian ports and the Strait of Hormuz.



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US Forces Redirect 99 Ships as MH-60R Sea Hawk Helicopters Enforce Iran Blockade in Strait of Hormuz