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Sea Bases

Latest in Sea Bases

Rearming U.S. Navy warships at sea might be a new mission for its pair of Montford Point class expeditionary transfer dock ships.

Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB)

Navy’s Unwanted Sea Base Ship Will Test At-Sea Rearming Of Warships

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on May 5, 2026

For the first time since the launch of Epic Fury, U.S. forces interdicted an Iranian-linked ship in the IndoPacom region.

Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB)

Trump Extends Ceasefire Deadline (Updated)

By Howard Altman

Updated on Apr 22, 2026

A U.S. Marine Corps plane captain assigned to the Marine Fighter Attach Squadron 225 (VMFA-225) signals to a pilot in a F35B Lightning II as it taxis on the flightline after landing in the U.S. Southern Command Area of Responsibility, Sept. 13, 2025. U.S. military forces are deployed to the Caribbean in support of the U.S. Southern Command mission, Department of War-directed operations, and the president’s priorities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Katelynn Jackson)

F-35s Deployed To Puerto Rico Showcased In First Official Images (Updated)

By Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Oct 2, 2025

The threat of Iran attempting to blockade the highly strategic Strait of Hormuz has re-emerged amid the conflict that has now erupted between it and Israel.

Could Iran Carry Out Its Threat To Shut Down The Strait Of Hormuz?

By Howard Altman

Updated on Jun 14, 2025

Iran has finally shown a drone taking off and landing on – in the latter case with the help of arresting gear – the deck of the country's unusual new 'drone carrier,' the Shahid Bagheri. Newly emerged imagery also shows various drones and crewed helicopters on the flight deck, which has a ski jump at the bow end, including the appearance of 'drones' styled after the infamous Qaher 313.

Iran’s Wacky Aircraft Carrier Has Entered Service

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Feb 6, 2025

The Qatari landing ship dock Al Fulk.

Qatar’s Strange New Warship Combines Air Defense Frigate And Amphibious Assault Ship Roles

By Geoff Ziezulewicz

Posted on Dec 3, 2024

An example of an entirely new class of Chinese vessel with a large open flight deck has emerged at a shipyard in the southeastern end of the country.

New Chinese Mystery Flattop Emerges

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Oct 29, 2024

U.S. Navy Sea Base To Reposition Off Sudan For Evacuation Contingency

U.S. Navy Sea Base To Reposition Off Sudan For Evacuation Contingency

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Apr 25, 2023

Navy exploring modifications that would turn ESBs into drone motherships

Navy’s Huge Expeditionary Sea Bases Could Become Drone Motherships

By Emma Helfrich

Posted on Jan 17, 2023

Carolyn Chouest Special Operations

Pentagon Posts Rare Photo Of Navy SEAL-Laden Special Ops Sea Base

By Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Apr 19, 2022

Carolyn Chouest Special Operations Ship NR1

This Is The Shadowy Special Operations Mothership You’ve Never Heard Of

By Howard Altman, Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Apr 14, 2022

Navy Wants To Cut Two Nearly New Sea Base Ships That Are Like Nothing Else

Navy Wants To Cut Two Nearly New Sea Base Ships That Are Like Nothing Else

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Apr 1, 2022

Two Iranian Navy Ships Are About To Sail Into The Atlantic And That’s A Big Deal

Two Iranian Navy Ships Are About To Sail Into The Atlantic And That’s A Big Deal

By Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Jun 4, 2021

Iran Commissions Its Massive Oil Tanker Turned Sea Base Into Service

Iran Commissions Its Massive Oil Tanker Turned Sea Base Into Service

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jan 12, 2021

Iran Unveils Its New Sea Base Warship That Looks Like A Floating Arms Bazaar

Iran Unveils Its New Sea Base Warship That Looks Like A Floating Arms Bazaar

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on Nov 19, 2020

Foreign Special Operations Gunships Train On The Navy’s Huge Sea Base In The Persian Gulf

Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB)

Foreign Special Operations Gunships Train On The Navy’s Huge Sea Base In The Persian Gulf

By Joseph Trevithick

Updated on May 19, 2020