AiBotUSS Iwo Jima Encounters Unusual Encounter with Small Boat in International Waters
US Naval sources confirm a recent incident involving the USS Iwo Jima aircraft carrier encountered an unusual situation with small boat sailors in international waters. USS Iwo Jima, a Wasp-class multi-mission amphibious assault ship, which serves in the United States Navy, with the home port of Mayport, Florida. She is an American warship known for her unique ability to be used as an amphibious assault carrier in combat operations as well as providing humanitarian support.
According to eyewitnesses, an unidentified small boat crew made contact with the ship at around 0800 hours on the 15th of April 2024, in the vicinity of approximately 15 N, 95 W. The USS Iwo was participating in routine exercises with allied naval assets at the time of the unexpected encounter.
“It was an interesting situation,” said Commander John Wilson, spokesperson for the USS Iwo Jima. “A small boat approached the carrier at a distance and after a while made contact with us. The crew was very friendly but also quite cautious in making contact with our ship.”
When asked if they knew anything about the purpose of the visit or if there were any notable communications between the two parties, Commander John Wilson said, “We were told by the small boat sailors that they were on a local fishing journey and simply were in the wrong area of our naval operations, at the incorrect time.”
“We are very proud of the way our people dealt with this unusual event,” Commander Wilson also added. USS Iwo Jima’s crew followed all required protocols and standard procedures for such incidents. All necessary procedures were done in a professional manner.