AFCENT conducts readiness exercise, generates combat airpower
A C-17 Globemaster III aircraft takes off during a readiness exercise within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Jan. 22, 2026. The exercise is designed to strengthen Ninth Air Force’s (Air Forces Central) ability to disperse combat airpower throughout the CENTCOM area of responsibility, adding strategic ambiguity to adversary decision making. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Justin Norton)