Jan. 5, 2023

Reviving a 40 year old technique: AUAB tests first ground A2A refuel in decades

Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar — When thinking of refueling an aircraft, many imagine a KC-135 Stratotanker soaring through the clouds, and a fighter jet attached to a boom receiving thousands of gallons of fuel mid-flight. But what happens if a pilot has to make an emergency landing in an austere location?

Jan. 4, 2023

Multi-Capable Airmen lead the way for 443rd AES

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq — A team of Multi-Capable Airmen at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, have stepped out of their traditional responsibilities to become vital force multipliers for joint and coalition partners across the installation.

Jan. 3, 2023

French Warship Seizes Illegal Drugs in North Arabian Sea

MANAMA, Bahrain — A French warship seized illegal drugs worth a total estimated U.S. street value of $24 million from a fishing vessel transiting international waters in the North Arabian Sea, Dec. 27.

Dec. 28, 2022

Counter Small Unmanned Aerial System Training At Al Dhafra Air Base

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES — It’s a clear December morning at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. The base’s population is mostly still getting their breakfast and preparing for work. All is normal, except for the occasional buzzing sound heard overhead. It sounds like a fly. A very big fly. Those that have the wherewithal to look up may catch a glimpse of a small spot approximately 500 feet in the sky, but that is no ordinary spot. It’s a small Unmanned Aerial System (sUAS) that is patrolling the north side of the base.

Dec. 28, 2022

MQ-9 FARP in a Combat Area

UNDISCLOSED LOCATION — The Air Force is always developing ways to act faster and more effectively around the world. A Forward Arming and Refueling Point, or FARP, accomplishes this by allowing aircraft to prepare for their next mission without having to return to an established base. This capability is part of Agile Combat Employment, the doctrine that emphasizes mobility even in hostile areas where infrastructure is scarce.

Dec. 16, 2022

U.S., Regional Partners Form Multinational Boarding Team in Middle East

MANAMA, Bahrain — U.S. 5th Fleet completed a two-week multinational vessel boarding integration event, Dec. 15, with regional nations in the Middle East.

Dec. 15, 2022

Task Force 59 Completes Digital Horizon Event

MANAMA, Bahrain — U.S. 5th Fleet concluded Digital Horizon, Dec. 15, a three-week unmanned and artificial intelligence event in Bahrain that involved 17 industry partners.

Dec. 7, 2022

Task Force 59 Launches Aerial Drone from Coast Guard Ship in Middle East

MANAMA, Bahrain — A U.S. Navy unmanned task force in the Middle East launched an aerial drone from a U.S. Coast Guard vessel operating the Arabian Gulf, Dec. 7.

Nov. 29, 2022

Task Force 55 Welcomes New Commander at Pierside Ceremony in Bahrain

MANAMA, Bahrain — The task force responsible for U.S. 5th Fleet’s surface forces welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony in Bahrain, Nov. 29.

Nov. 23, 2022

U.S. Launches New Unmanned & AI Systems Integration Event

MANAMA, Bahrain — U.S. 5th Fleet began a three-week unmanned and artificial intelligence integration event in Bahrain, Nov. 23, that will involve employing new platforms in the region for the first time.