For the first time in nearly four decades, US Navy uses deck gun; USS Spruance fires at Iranian cargo ship

In a rare and significant enforcement action, the USS Spruance fired its deck gun at another vessel for the first time in almost 40 years on April 19, 2026, marking a notable escalation in naval operations amid rising tensions in the Middle East. The incident involved the US destroyer firing on the Iranian-flagged cargo ship Touska after the vessel attempted to breach a naval blockade and ignored repeated warnings from US forces.

According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the confrontation began when the Touska was detected transiting toward Iran at approximately 17 knots and failed to comply with multiple verbal warnings and alarms issued over roughly six hours. After the crew repeatedly disregarded orders, the Spruance discharged rounds from its 5-inch MK 45 main gun, targeting the ship’s engine room and effectively disabling its propulsion. US Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit later boarded and took control of the vessel.

Reports emphasize that force was used as a disabling measure with prior warnings intended to mitigate risk to life and give the crew the chance to comply. Video footage released by CENTCOM shows the engagement and the subsequent boarding operation. Iran acknowledged the incident and warned of possible retaliation, further escalating regional tensions.

Deck guns in modern naval warfare

The use of a naval deck gun against another ship is exceedingly rare in modern US naval history. According to official reporting, Spruance’s action was the first irrefutable instance of a US Navy deck gun being fired at another vessel since April 18, 1988, during Operation Praying Mantis, an engagement with Iranian forces in the Persian Gulf amid rising tensions.

For decades, US warships have generally relied on missiles, aircraft, or other long-range weapons to engage adversaries, with surface guns being used primarily for shore bombardment or gunfire support during operations ashore. The modern Aegis-equipped Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers, like the Spruance (DDG-111), still carry the 5-inch gun as part of their weapons suite, but direct use against another ship had not occurred since the late Cold War era until this incident.

The Spruance: Capabilities and background

Commissioned on October 1, 2011, the Spruance (DDG-111) is an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer in the US Navy, named after Admiral Raymond A. Spruance, a key World War II naval commander. It displaces about 9,200 tons, stretches over 510 feet in length, and is designed for multi-mission operations including air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and surface engagement.

Equipped with the Aegis Combat System, Tomahawk cruise missiles, anti-air and anti-submarine warfare capabilities, and its 5-inch (127 mm) MK 45 gun, destroyers like the Spruance play a central role in US naval strategy and enforcement actions. The 5-inch gun, while often used in exercises and shore bombardment, serves as a flexible weapon for precision engagements.