The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans transits the Strait of Hormuz in formation with Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex during a deployment of Essex Amphibious Ready Group and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit on Oct. 10, 2018.MC3 Jenna Dobson / U.S. Nacy
NBC News: Iranian boats approach Navy ship in Persian Gulf while U.S. general aboard
A U.S. officer said an Iranian sailor issued a threat by radio, warning that if the Essex kept flying a chopper the Iranians would shoot at it.
PERSIAN GULF — Two Iranian Navy fast boats came close to the USS Essex, a U.S. Navy assault ship, and at least one of the other ships in the Essex Amphibious Ready Group in the Persian Gulf Friday while a top U.S. general was aboard.
The armed Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy FIACs (fast inshore attack craft) approached both the USS Rushmore and the Essex, coming within about 300 yards of the Essex at one point.
NBC News was on the ship's bridge during part of the incident.
Gen. Joseph Votel, commanding general of U.S. Central Command, was visiting and watching from the bridge as the Iranian FIACs moved closer to the Essex and as one cut straight in front of the ship's path.
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