The Swarm Attack: In a highly aggressive maneuver in the Strait of Hormuz, a mᴀssive swarm of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fast-attack craft—reportedly including high-speed “Heydar-110” missile boats—attempted to overwhelm the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group. The Iranian vessels broke formation and charged the U.S. fleet at speeds exceeding 100 knots, threatening to launch a coordinated volley of anti-ship cruise missiles and suicide drones.

The “Wall of Steel” Defense: The U.S. Navy’s response was instantaneous and utterly devastating. Before the Iranian boats could reach their effective firing range, the carrier strike group’s escort destroyers activated their Aegis combat systems. A relentless barrage of SM-2 missiles, 5-inch naval gunfire, and Phalanx CIWS (Close-In Weapon System) created an impenetrable “wall of steel” around the fleet.

Air Support: Simultaneously, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and MH-60R Seahawk helicopters launched from the deck of the Ford, raining precision-guided Hellfire missiles and laser-guided bombs directly onto the remaining Iranian fast boats.

The Aftermath: The entire engagement was over in minutes. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Admiral Brad Cooper later confirmed the sheer scale of the U.S. counterstrike, declaring that the U.S. has systematically dismantled Iran’s naval presence. Cooper stated bluntly: “Today, there is not a single Iranian ship underway in the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz or Gulf of Oman.”
The U.S. fleet sustained zero casualties and no damage.