Two Independence-class Littoral Combat Ships—USS Tulsa (LCS-16) and USS Santa Barbara (LCS-32)—configured for mine countermeasures have been spotted in Malaysia after previously being forward-deployed in Bahrain with the United States Navy Fifth Fleet.

Their appearance in the Pacific comes as tensions rise in the Strait of Hormuz amid concerns that Iran may deploy naval mines that could threaten shipping.

While the Navy says the ships are making routine logistics stops, their absence means a significant portion of US mine-clearing capability is currently away from the Middle East during a period of heightened maritime risk. The TWZ writes:

The U.S. Navy Independence class Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) USS Tulsa and USS Santa Barbara, which are configured for minesweeping duties, have appeared in port in Malaysia. Both of these ships were last known to be forward-deployed in the Middle East, having arrived in Bahrain in the past year or so to take the place of a group of now-decommissioned Avenger class mine hunters. […]

Moving U.S. warships out of port in Bahrain ahead of the current conflict was a prudent security measure. The Gulf state is well within range of Iranian missiles and long-range kamikaze drones, and U.S. military facilities in Manama did subsequently come under attack. The U.S. military’s own strikes on Iranian naval vessels in port have underscored the vulnerability of ships sitting pierside. […]

U.S. Navy Commander Joe Hontz, a spokesperson for NAVCENT, has provided TWZ with the following statement:

“Tulsa and Santa Barbara are conducting brief logistical stops in Malaysia. U.S. forces routinely make port calls in Malaysia as part of our operations, reflecting the close and enduring military cooperation between the United States and Malaysia.”

Read more here.