U.S. Naval Capabilities

Despite years of warnings and large defense budgets, the U.S. Navy still lags in minesweeping capability, leaving a persistent gap in its mine‑warfare readiness. That shortfall looms over plans for operations in the Strait of Hormuz — where Iran has, by some reports, begun laying mines — and would make a contemplated seizure of Kharg Island and transits by USS Tripoli and its escorts acutely vulnerable to mines and other anti‑ship weapons.