U.S. Sailor Evacuated After Monkey Attack in Thailand

The U.S. Navy has reported that a sailor assigned to the USS Chief, a minesweeping ship en route to the Strait of Hormuz, was medically evacuated after being scratched by an Asian monkey during a stopover in Phuket, Thailand. The incident occurred while the vessel was preparing for its mission to clear Iranian-laid mines in the strategic waterway.

The sailor, identified as an electronics technician, received immediate medical attention and was subsequently flown to Sasebo, Japan, for further care. Navy officials emphasized that the attack did not hinder the ship's operations, but it serves as a reminder of the unpredictable challenges faced by military personnel. "Weird stuff happens," one official noted, calling the monkey encounter an "unknown unknown."

The USS Chief and its sister ship, the USS Pioneer, were dispatched in mid-April to address Iran's mine threat in the Strait of Hormuz, which handles about 20% of global oil supply during peacetime. The mission involves a multi-faceted approach, including helicopters, undersea drones, surveillance aircraft, and destroyers, with approximately 84 sailors aboard both vessels.

Meanwhile, President Trump has directed increased naval activity in the strait, instructing crews to "shoot and kill" any small boats attempting to plant mines. The incident highlights the unpredictable nature of military operations, even as the Navy works to ensure safety and readiness in one of the world's most critical waterways.