An F-35B Lightning II launches from the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS Essex for the F-35B's first combat strike on Sept. 27, 2018. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Freeman
The USS Essex was in the Persian Gulf with the leader of U.S. Central Command on Oct. 26, when two of Iran’s Navy fast boats approached and came within 300 yards of the warship.
General Joseph Votel was on the bridge as one of the armed Iranian boats cut right in front of the ship’s path, and the other followed closely to the side.
