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Vigilant Shield 17
U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, receive fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker flown by the 92nd Aerial Refueling Squadron from Fairchild Air Force Base, Wa., while both units participate in the Vigilant Shield 2017 Field Training Exercise 17 Oct., 2016, in the high arctic. VS17 is an annual exercise sponsored by The North American Aerospace Defense Command and led by Alaskan NORAD Region, in conjunction with Canadian NORAD Region and Continental NORAD Region, who undertake field training exercises aimed at improving operational capability in a bi-national environment. This year’s exercise sees NORAD building on previous years’ training successes when deploying air assets and personnel to the far north to exercise sovereignty operations in North America’s northern aerospace and in the high Arctic. This exercise provides crucial training opportunities for numerous military personnel with a variety of aircraft and assets from Canada and the United States to improve interoperability and to demonstrate NORAD’s ability to defend North America. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Gregory Brook)
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Tags: NORAD, 1st CTCS, Vigilant Shield, VS17, USNorthCom
Photo by: Tech. Sgt. Gregory Brook |  VIRIN: 161018-F-OH871-691E.JPG
Photo Gallery
KC-135T refuels F-15E Strike Eagles over the CENTCOM AOR
A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft assigned to the 391st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, approaches the boom of a KC-135T Stratotanker aircraft during an aerial refueling mission in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Oct. 11, 2025. The Strike Eagle plays a key role in sustaining regional stability by supporting deterrence, defensive operations, and coalition airpower integration. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kristen Heller)
U.S. Launches One-Way-Attack Drone Force in the Middle East
U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Nov. 23, 2025) Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drones are positioned on the tarmac at a base in the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) operating area, Nov. 23. The LUCAS platforms are part of a one-way attack drone squadron CENTCOM recently deployed to the Middle East to strengthen regional security and deterrence. (Courtesy Photo)
Exercise Marauder Shield 26.1: Integrated Flying Ops
Two U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles and two Kuwaiti Eurofighter Typhoons fly a four-ship formation during exercise Marauder Shield 26.1 within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Nov. 11, 2025. Marauder Shield 26.1 showcased the U.S. and Kuwait's commitment to air superiority through integrated Defensive Counter-Air operations. These operations demonstrated a unified front in protecting regional airspace and ensuring the safety and security of both nations.
F-16C Fighting Falcon Refueled
A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon flies during a mission providing defensive counter-air for U.S. Naval Forces Central Command operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Nov. 18, 2025. The F-16C enables the U.S. military to achieve air superiority, support joint sea power, and maintain supply lines with overwhelming combat power. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jared Brewer)
Combined Command Post Opening Ceremony
MANAMA, Bahrain (Dec. 1, 2025) His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and Prime Minister of Bahrain, cuts a ribbon with U.S. Navy Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, commemorating the opening of the Combined Command Post at Ras Al Bar Camp. The event marked the opening of a new Combined Command Post for air defense staffed by Bahrain and U.S. forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Lindsay Lair)
Triple Nickel prepares for takeoff during Ferocious Falcon 6
U.S. Air Force Maj. Jonathan “Snip” Lee, 555th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron fighter pilot, conducts pre-flight procedures in an F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft prior to takeoff during exercise Ferocious Falcon 6 in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Nov. 19, 2025. The exercise provides training opportunities for the U.S., Qatar, Italy, the United Kingdom and Turkey to test collaborative techniques in the CENTCOM AOR. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Kristen Pittman)
U.S., Qatar and allies enhance regional defense during Exercise Ferocious Falcon 6
Military personnel from the U.S., Qatar, Italy, the United Kingdom, Turkey and France participate in the exercise Ferocious Falcon 6 live-fire demonstration within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Nov. 20, 2025. Ferocious Falcon 6 is a biennial, Qatar-hosted multinational joint exercise designed to enhance lethality and combat efficiency among U.S. and allied forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. Richard P. Ebensberger)
U.S., Qatar and allies enhance regional defense during Exercise Ferocious Falcon 6
Military aircraft from the U.S. Qatar, Italy, the United Kingdom, Turkey and France flyover during exercise Ferocious Falcon 6 within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Nov. 20, 2025. Ferocious Falcon 6 is a biennial, Qatar-hosted multinational joint exercise designed to enhance lethality and combat efficiency among U.S. and allied forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. Richard P. Ebensberger)
U.S. Airpower on Display at the Dubai Airshow 2025
The Dubai Airshow 2025 showcases U.S. aircraft, aircrews, and capabilities alongside global partners at the Al Maktoum International Airport, Nov. 17–21, 2025. The annual exposition highlights AFCENT’s commitment to regional cooperation and demonstrates the integrated airpower that supports long-term security and stability throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force video by Staff Sgt. Alexis Orozco)
F-16 Viper Demo Team performs at Dubai Airshow 2025
U.S. Air Force Maj. Taylor “FEMA” Hiester, F-16 Viper Demonstration Team commander and pilot, performs aerial maneuvers in a U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base, Italy, during an airshow at Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 18, 2025. The F-16, a multi-role fighter aircraft capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat, demonstrates its versatility through dynamic aerial demonstrations across the U.S. and abroad. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Steven Cardo)
F-35A Lightning II performs over Dubai Airshow
A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft flown by the F-35 aerial demonstration team assigned to the 388th Fighter Wing at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, performs aerial maneuvers Nov. 15, 2025, over Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The fifth-generation stealth fighter rehearsed its performance prior to the Dubai Airshow 2025. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Justin Norton)