U.S. Navy Escorts Maersk Ship Through Strait of Hormuz

A U.S.-flagged commercial vessel operated by Maersk successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, accompanied by the U.S. Navy. The mission marked a rare safe passage through the critical waterway since the U.S. and Israeli-led conflict with Iran began on February 28. Maersk CEO Vincent Clerc confirmed the operation, calling it a "very well executed mission" that ensured the safety of the crew and freed the ship from being stranded in the region. The U.S. military had approached Maersk to participate in the operation, which was part of President Donald Trump's short-lived "Project Freedom" initiative aimed at freeing ships stranded by Iran's closure of the strait. The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, a key maritime route for global trade. Tensions in the region have escalated, with Iran reportedly firing on U.S. vessels and targeting the UAE with missiles and drones. Meanwhile, a separate opinion piece argued for a mandatory year of national service for young Americans, citing the need to strengthen national unity and character. The authors suggested that such service could bridge the gap between civilians and the military, fostering shared responsibility and discipline.