Assaulting Kharg Island
There are 2 ways to assault Kharg Island-sea and air.
To assault KI by sea would require traversing around 800 miles from open sea to the island. At 25 knots that's around 30 hours. All the while subjected to attack (regardless of what ever defensive measures are taken). A significant portion of that is along a very narrow strait that could be easily mined, requiring even more travel time.
I don't see that as feasible.
To assault KI by air would require helicopters and Osprey aircraft. A Blackhawk helicopter carries 11-12 soldiers or marines. The Osprey between 24 and 32 soldiers and marines
One Marine Expedition Unit (MEU) has around 1200 to 1400 ground combat marines. Supporting troops that might be expected to land would be around another battalion
So, let's say around 1,500 marines in first wave or around 125 Blackhawk helicopter trips or around 50 Osprey trips or combination thereof.
And that is just the initial assault phase
Kuwait is around 150 miles from Kharg Island (I don't believe we have any closer bases)
A Blackhawk can travel that distance in around an hour all out.
I would be literal madness to attempt an assault on KI.
Because ALL that time the marines would be assaulted by artillery, drones, rockets and missiles. I think it fairly safe to assume that Iran has KI surrounded and zeroed in for all of these weapons
While certainly without a doubt the US would attrit this force and would be very active during operations to respond to any attacks, it is insane to think that Iran won't be able to decimate our forces
FWIW Peleliu was attacked by 2 Marine DIVISIONS we are talking 2 marine BATTALIONS for this assault
We are NOT attacking Kharg Island, that is a simple fact
