No U.S. Injuries Following IRGC Navy Lazing Incident at Sea

GULF OF OMAN (Aug. 14, 2023) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Ezequiel Rodriguez signals to a U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper helicopter from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162, 26th Marine Expeditonary Unit (MEU), during flight operations aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) in the Gulf of Oman, Aug. 14, 2023. Components of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East Region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval)

Release from U.S. Naval Forces Central Command public affairs

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MANAMA, Bahrain – Statement from U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Spokesman Cmdr. Rick Chernitzer:

“Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) interacted in an unsafe and unprofessional manner with a U.S. AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter, assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), as the aircraft was conducting routine operations in the international airspace of the Arabian Gulf, Sept. 27. The interaction took place at approximately 7:30 p.m. local time. The aircraft is attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced), deployed aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), on a scheduled deployment to the Middle East Region.

“IRGCN vessels shone a laser multiple times at the aircraft while in flight. Fortunately, no injuries were reported and the aircraft was not damaged.

“These are not the actions of a professional maritime force. This unsafe, unprofessional, and irresponsible behavior by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy risks U.S. and partner nation lives and needs to cease immediately.

“U.S. naval forces remain vigilant and will continue to fly, sail and operate anywhere international law allows while promoting regional maritime security.”