The U.S. Navy USS Mason (DDG 87) Guided Missile Destroyer successfully intercepted and destroyed a drone and an anti-ship ballistic missile launched by Houthi rebels in the Southern Red Sea. This significant military engagement occurred on December 28, 2023, between 5:45 and 6:10 p.m. Sanaa time, according to the U.S. Central Command.
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The guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87), front, is underway alongside the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Murasame-class destroyer JS Akebono (DD 108) in the Gulf of Aden, Nov. 25, 2023.(Picture source U.S. Navy )
Remarkably, there were no casualties or damage to any of the 18 ships that were in the vicinity during this latest encounter. This event marks the 22nd such attack by Houthi forces on international shipping since October 19, indicating a continued pattern of aggression in this critical maritime region.
The USS Mason's successful defense is part of a larger naval operation, named Operation Prosperity Guardian, launched by the Pentagon in December 2023 to respond to Houthi-led attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. This initiative aims to safeguard the Red Sea shipping lanes against Houthi threats, in light of numerous attacks on commercial vessels. This naval operation is under the control of the U.S. Combined Maritime Forces which currently includes the British destroyer HMS Diamond, a Hellenic Navy frigate, USS Laboon, and two other U.S. destroyers. The US contingent includes the USS Carney and USS Mason.
Despite the Houthis' declaration to block Israeli vessels from traversing the Red Sea in retaliation against Israel's actions in Gaza, their attacks have not been limited to Israeli ships. This has led to a redirection in shipping routes by various companies, highlighting the broader impact of these hostilities on global commerce. The Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden are of immense economic importance, with approximately 10% of global trade passing through this area.
In addition to these defensive actions, the United States has imposed sanctions targeting individuals and entities involved in the alleged Iranian financing of the Houthi rebels in Yemen. This step underscores the multifaceted approach adopted by the US in addressing the complexities of the conflict in Yemen and its implications for regional stability and global trade.
The USS Mason (DDG 87) is a U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class AEGIS Guided Missile Destroyer. The AEGIS Weapon System (AWS) is a centralized, automated, command-and-control (C2) and weapons control system that was designed as a total weapon system, from detection to kill.
In terms of design and capabilities, the USS Mason follows the standard set by the USS Arleigh Burke (DDG-51). It has a displacement of 9,200 tons and is powered by four General Electric LM2500-30 series gas turbines, developing a formidable 100,000 horsepower to two shafts. This power allows the Mason to achieve speeds just beyond 30 knots and an operating range of up to 4,400 nautical miles.
The ship's armament is comprehensive and versatile, suitable for various combat scenarios. It includes a 5" (127mm) /62 caliber Mk 45 Mod 4 naval gun in a fully-traversable turret, 2 x 25mm Mk 38 autocannons, 1 x 20mm Phalanx Close-In-Weapon System (CIWS), and 4 x 12.7mm Heavy Machine Guns for closer threats. The heart of its armament suite is the 96-cell Vertical Launching System (VLS), housing a range of missiles including the RIM-66 Standard Missile 2 (surface-to-air), BGM-109 "Tomahawk" (land-attack cruise), and RUM-139 VL-ASROC (Anti-Submarine ROCket).
Additionally, the USS Mason is equipped with advanced radar and sensor systems, including the AN/SPY-1D 3D radar, surface-search radar, and fire-control support, enhancing its capability to detect, track, and engage aerial, surface, and undersea threats.
The USS Mason also features a helipad and hangar arrangement, allowing it to launch and retrieve up to two Sikorsky SH-60 "Sea Hawk" helicopters. These helicopters extend the ship's capabilities for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), anti-ship sorties, Search and Rescue (SAR), replenishment, and general support
