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U.S. Navy warships crush three anti-ship ballistic missiles
Two destroyers of the U.S. Navy successfully countered three anti-ship ballistic missiles and drones during a Houthi attack in the Gulf of Aden. CENTCOM released the news on December 1, providing more details.
USS Stockdale and USS O’Kane were on a mission in the region to escort commercial vessels flying the U.S. flag. At one point, the commercial ships were attacked by anti-ship ballistic missiles and drones.
The destroyers intercepted the threats in time and successfully neutralized them. The incident occurred overnight between November 30 and December 1. “U.S. Navy destroyers USS Stockdale [DDG 106] and USS O’Kane [DDG 77] successfully defeated a mix of weapons launched by the Houthis while transiting the Gulf of Aden, November 30–December 1,” read a CENTCOM press release.
This is not the first time U.S. warships have successfully countered Houthi-launched weapons. In November last year, USS Gravely intercepted two anti-ship ballistic missiles fired by the Houthis in the Red Sea.
The Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf in recent months result from a combination of regional politics, geopolitical conflicts, and strategies aimed at pressuring their adversaries.
The Houthis, backed by Iran, have been in conflict with the Saudi-led coalition since 2015 when the group seized large parts of Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa. The conflict has escalated into a regional war involving maritime, aerial, and missile assaults.
They also target international trade routes to create economic pressure on countries supporting Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Drone strikes, anti-ship missiles, and ballistic missile launches are ways for the Houthis to signal solidarity with other actors in the region, including Iran and groups like Hamas.
Air and missile defense systems like Aegis were activated, allowing for the successful interception of numerous threats.
Additionally, the U.S. organized joint patrols with partner nations, including Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the UAE, to ensure maritime freedom of navigation.
On a diplomatic level, Washington increased pressure on Iran over its support for the Houthis. Simultaneously, the U.S. enhanced cooperation with international shipping companies and registries for better coordination and early warnings of potential attacks.
These actions highlight the complexity of the situation, which extends far beyond the local conflict in Yemen. The Red Sea and the Persian Gulf remain vital waterways for the global economy, and threats to them add further instability to an already tense regional context.
USS Stockdale and USS O’Kane are two Arleigh Burke-class destroyers among the most advanced warships in the U.S. Navy.
They represent technological excellence and are designed to perform a wide range of missions, from missile defense to maritime security operations.
Its primary arsenal includes the MK 41 Vertical Launching System, which allows the deployment of various weapons, including Tomahawk cruise missiles, SM-2 and SM-3 missile interceptors, and ASROC anti-submarine missiles.
The ship also has air defense weapons like the Phalanx CIWS and a 5-inch Mark 45 gun. USS Stockdale is designed for both independent operations and missions as part of carrier strike groups or multinational coalitions.
USS O’Kane [DDG-77] has been in service since 1999 and is named after Rear Admiral Richard O’Kane, a renowned World War II submarine commander.
It is armed with similar systems like the MK 41 and anti-submarine warfare systems such as the AN/SQQ-89 sonar. The ship is equipped with advanced electronic warfare capabilities, including the AN/SLQ-32 system for defense against radar-guided weapons.
The crew of O’Kane has extensive experience in a wide range of operations, including missions to protect international shipping lanes.
Both ships are built with an emphasis on flexibility and resilience. They feature stealth characteristics to reduce radar visibility and are equipped with automation systems that minimize the need for a large crew.
The presence of Stockdale and O’Kane in key regions such as the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf is an essential element of U.S. efforts to protect international trade from asymmetric threats, including drone and ballistic missile attacks by the Houthis and other hostile actors.
These ships not only provide defensive capabilities but also play a vital role in demonstrating American naval power.