July 12, 2021

One Team, One Fight: The Importance of Partnership

KUWAIT — Around 6 p.m., teams from Task Force Iron Valor arrived at the Udairi Range Complex in Kuwait. The Soldiers, originating from 1-181st Field Artillery Regiment’s Bravo Battery and Delta Company, 3-172nd Infantry (Mountain) respectively, spent several hours traveling through the heat to conduct dry fire exercises throughout the night and into the morning. As I stood watching these two units working together, my mind went back three months ago to Camp McGregor, TX, where the 1-181st FAR and 3-172nd Infantry (Mnt) first crossed paths.

July 2, 2021

Saudi, U.S. Forces Conclude Amphibious Training in Tabuk

TABUK, Saudi Arabia — U.S. Marines and Sailors assigned to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) completed bilateral theater amphibious combat rehearsal (TACR) training with the Royal Saudi Land Forces in Tabuk, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, June 26. TACR training began June 7 when U.S. naval forces conducted amphibious assault exercises. The three-week event included live-fire training, parachute jumps, explosive ordnance disposal ranges, medical drills, and convoys.

June 28, 2021

Kuwait and U.S. Naval Forces Complete Exercise Eager Defender 21

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN — The Kuwait Naval Force, Kuwait Coast Guard and U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) participated in bilateral maritime exercise Eager Defender 21 in Kuwait and the North Arabian Gulf, June 4-14. Eager Defender 21 is the capstone in a series of bilateral exercises between Kuwait and U.S. naval forces, focused on enhancing mutual capabilities and interoperability in maritime security operations.

June 25, 2021

Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group enters U.S. 5th Fleet

ARABIAN SEA — The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), flagship of the Ronald Reagan carrier strike group (CSG), along with guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67) and guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97), entered the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, June 25. The CSG’s arrival marks the first time the Ronald Reagan has entered the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO) since 2012.

June 23, 2021

Centcom Commander Describes Regional Threats to Stability

Sustainable states throughout the Middle East and Central Asia are important for regional peace, stability and prosperity, the commander of U.S. Central Command said.

June 23, 2021

NAVCENT Commander Meets with Egyptian Naval Leaders, Speaks of Bright Future with Egyptian Naval Midshipmen

MANAMA, Bahrain — Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) visited Egypt June 19-21, to meet with the Egyptian Chief of Navy and speak to Cadets at the Egyptian Naval Academy.

June 22, 2021

The UK’s Carrier Strike Group has joined the fight against Daesh with F-35 jets carrying out their very first combat missions from HMS Queen Elizabeth

UNITED KINGDOM — Stealth jets of the renowned 617 Squadron RAF (The Dambusters) carried out operational sorties for the first time in support of Operation Shader and US Operation Inherent Resolve. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “The ability to operate from the sea with the most advanced fighter jets ever created is a significant moment in our history, offering reassurance to our allies and demonstrating the UK’s formidable air power to our adversaries.

June 18, 2021

U.S. Naval Forces Rescue Mariners from Stranded Ship in Gulf of Aden

A U.S. Naval ship assigned to U.S. 5th Fleet provided emergency assistance to a motor vessel in distress in the international waters of the Gulf of Aden, June 16. The Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Patuxent (T-AO 201) identified a vessel flying the international distress flag and proceeded toward them to render assistance.

June 17, 2021

111th TEB strengthens partnerships with Jordanian Armed Forces

Dating back to 1949, when the United States established diplomatic relations with Jordan, the U.S. – Jordan partnership has been strongly valued by both nations. This is largely in part to the sharing of many strategic goals and security ideals. In an effort of continuing to maintain and strengthen this partnership with the JAF, troops and units deployed in support of CENTCOM’s Operation Spartan Shield routinely work with the JAF in both training and security strengthening capacities. This is no different for the 111th Theater Engineer Brigade (TEB), currently deployed to the CENTCOM Area of Operations.

June 14, 2021

From Eye Level to Sky Level

SAUDI ARABIA — “Swift, Silent, Deadly." While the mantra is typically used to describe a Reconnaissance Marine, the idea behind it is one that should be studied and emulated by all Marines. The idea that one should be in and out and undetected, all while maintaining lethality is a perfect description of an Operational Marine operating within the battlespace. In order to achieve this, however, Marines must need to be prepared to maneuver at a moment’s notice.