July 20, 2021

Undaunted service: Elite fire fighters serve in austere environments

ALI AL SALEM AIR BASE, KUWAIT — A quick reaction force is an elite unit, comprised of Airmen from multiple squadrons trained in combat and evasion. These Airmen are not only highly skilled professionals, but they undergo special training to perform their duties in austere and potentially hostile environments.

July 20, 2021

“Capital Guardians” bring excellence to AFCENT skies

PRINCE SULTAN AIR BASE, KSA — Over the past week, aircraft and Airmen assigned to the District of Columbia Air National Guard’s 113th Wing arrived at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to join the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing as it provides combat power projection across the region in defense of U.S. forces.The wing sent a contingent of U.S. Air Force F-16

July 15, 2021

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) Underway Operations with UK Carrier Strike Group 21

GULF OF ADEN — The Queen Elizabeth (UK) and Ronald Reagan carrier strike groups (CSG), alongside the Iwo Jima amphibious ready group (ARG), conducted a large scale joint interoperability exercise in the Gulf of Aden, July 12. The combined, bilateral surface, air and sub-surface exercise was designed to enhance UK, Dutch and U.S. maritime interoperability and demonstrate naval integration through a series of training scenarios.

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.