The confrontation occurred in the northern Arabian Sea as the USS Spruance (DDG-111), a guided-missile destroyer, tracked the Touska while it was reportedly attempting to bypass a US-led naval blockade to reach the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas.

Advanced Weapons and Combat Technology

The Spruance is a multi-mission platform, which means it can fight in the air, on the surface, and under the water all at once. Because the ship carries the Aegis Combat System, it can track over 100 targets at the same time. This system links the ship’s sensors to its weapons, allowing for lightning-fast reactions against incoming drones or missiles.

Additionally, the ship features a 96-cell vertical launching system (VLS). This system fires everything from Tomahawk cruise missiles for land attacks to Standard Missiles for shooting down aircraft. However, the most visible weapon is the 5-inch MK 45 naval gun located on the bow. During the recent encounter with the M/V Touska, the crew used this exact gun to disable the cargo ship’s engine room from a distance.

Design and Flight IIA Capabilities

The USS Spruance belongs to the “Flight IIA” category of destroyers. Designers improved this version by adding two large hangars to the back of the ship. Therefore, the vessel can now carry two MH-60R Seahawk helicopters. These helicopters extend the ship’s reach by searching for submarines or scouting over the horizon.

Furthermore, the ship’s four gas turbine engines provide massive power. These engines allow the 9,200-ton destroyer to reach speeds of over 30 knots. This speed is essential when the ship needs to intercept fast-moving commercial vessels or maneuver quickly during a drone attack.

Current Mission: Enforcing the Blockade

Right now, the Spruance operates as the lead ship for the US naval blockade. Its crew works alongside a specialized team from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. Together, they perform “Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure” (VBSS) operations. When a ship refuses to turn around, these Marines board the vessel to take full custody.

While the Spruance protects commercial shipping, it also faces constant threats from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). For example, the ship recently had to defend itself against multiple drone swarms. Despite these challenges, the destroyer continues to patrol the Sea of Oman to keep vital trade routes open.