Sailors from the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group render assistance to distressed mariners at sea in the Red Sea, June 15. The Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime security and stability in the Middle East region. 

Sailors from the aircraft carrier, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower,  stepped up to help mariners caught in the crossfire of Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. A bulk cargo carrier, M/V Tutor, was struck by an uncrewed surface vessel, causing severe flooding and damage. One crew member is still missing.

In response, US helicopters airlifted 24 mariners from the damaged ship to safety. But the crisis didn’t end there. Just a day later, the Houthis struck another vessel, the M/V Verbena, with two anti-ship cruise missiles, setting it ablaze and severely injuring a mariner.

Despite the tense situation, the US continued its efforts to protect innocent mariners. Sailors from the carrier strike group rescued the injured mariner from the Verbena and flew them to safety. While the Houthis continue their attacks on commercial vessels, the US remains committed to preserving life at sea.

As one commander put it, “We are always prepared to help; it is the right thing to do.”