April 28: Vince Capone, M.Sc., FN-89 – Closing the Strait of Hormuz: A Historical and Contemporary Tactical Perspective

Midcoast Senior College presents Summer Wisdom, a free speaker series sponsored by Thornton Oaks Retirement Community. This presentation will explore the unique geography and immense commercial importance of the Strait of Hormuz. It will trace the evolution of the regional mine threat, drawing on historical MCM operations from 1987 to 1991 to contextualize today’s challenges. We will analyze how the nature of these weapons has evolved, why they represent a severe escalation to both commercial and naval traffic, and ultimately, how the U.S. Navy has adapted its tactics and technology to counter the existing reality. Vince Capone’s experience in the Persian Gulf dates to the 1990s when he worked with the U.S. Navy conducting route surveys in the region and through the Strait of Hormuz. From 2006-2021 he served as a consultant to the U.S. Navy Expeditionary Combat Command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group. He has also worked with the Humanitarian Demining Training Center. https://midcoastseniorcollege.org/project/winter-wisdom-2026/