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First Infantry Division, 'Big Red One', assumes command in Iraq
BAGHDAD - The 1st Infantry Division assumed command of the Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command - Operation Inherent Resolve from the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) during a Transfer of Authority ceremony today at Forward Operating Base, Union III, Iraq. Maj. Gen. Joseph Martin, commanding general, 1st Inf. Div. and Fort Riley, relieved Maj. Gen. Gary J. Volesky, commanding general, 101st Abn. Div. (Air Assault) and Fort Campbell as the commander of the multinational land component command working by, with, and through, the government of Iraq to defeat ISIL in Iraq. Presiding over the ceremony was the Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve commanding general, Stephen J. Townsend. Townsend spoke of the extraordinary accomplishments of the 101st Abn. Div. during its tour in Iraq. "Most remarkable was CJFLCC's support to the Iraqi's with training, equipment, intelligence, advice, and fires that enabled them to prepare for and begin their counterattack to liberate Mosul," said Townsend. "A battle now fully joined. CJFLCC's support made it possible for Iraqi forces to begin liberating the second largest city in the country and deny ISIL its claim to a capital in Iraq." In partnering with the government of Iraq, CJFLCC-OIR is also partnered with the Iraqi security forces, which include the Iraqi army, the Iraqi air force, the Counter Terrorism Service, the federal police and the Kurdish Peshmerga. CJFLCC's mission extends beyond military operations. It also includes the full range of the Coalition's national power, including: diplomatic, informational, economic, law enforcement and other aspects of national power - all in an effort to eliminate ISIL and help provide security to the people of Iraq. This marks the second tour for the 'Big Red One' in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. The 'Fighting First' became the first division to lead CJFLCC-OIR in 2014. This deployment also coincides with the centennial celebration
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Photo Gallery
U.S., German Soldiers Enhance Readiness and Partnership During Schützenschnur Qualification at Beneswala Range
U.S. and German Soldiers pose for a group photo following completion of the Schützenschnur qualification at Beneswala Range on Oct. 31, 2025. The multinational event fostered camaraderie, interoperability, and shared standards between partner forces deployed to the region. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Doniel Kennedy.)
USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) sails in the Arabian Sea
ARABIAN SEA (Dec. 8, 2025) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) conducts a sea-and-anchor evolution in the Arabian Sea. Roosevelt is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime security and stability in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Indra Beaufort)
U.S., Qatar and allies enhance regional defense during Exercise Ferocious Falcon 6
A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress aircraft assigned to the 96th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron refuels during a Bomber Task Force mission in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Nov. 17, 2025. This BTF showcased the U.S. Air Force’s ability to rapidly deploy strategic assets from U.S. bases to Europe and beyond, demonstrating global reach. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nicholas A. Monteleone)
Marauder Shield 26.1
A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft soars through the air during exercise Marauder Shield 26.1 within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Nov. 11, 2025. Marauder Shield 26.1 was focused on enhancing counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems capabilities, fighter integration, improving command and control, and fostering closer cooperation between the U.S. and Kuwait, ensuring a more secure and stable region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Tylin Rust)
U.S. Forces Unleash Massive Strike Against ISIS in Syria
U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Dec. 18, 2025) U.S. Airmen prepare to load GBU-31 munition systems onto F-15E Strike Eagles at a base in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 18, 2025. (U.S. Air Force Photo)
74th EARS conducts an air refueling mission within CENTCOM
A U.S. Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft assigned to the 75th Fighter Squadron receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 74th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron over an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Nov. 29, 2025. The A-10 conducts operations across the AOR to provide close air support and combat airpower as necessary. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Travis Knauss)
U.S. Forces Unleash Massive Strike Against ISIS in Syria
U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Dec. 19, 2025) On Dec. 19, U.S. and Jordanian forces struck more than 70 targets at multiple locations across central Syria with more than 100 precision munitions targeting known ISIS infrastructure and weapons sites. The operation follows the attack on U.S. and partner forces on Dec. 13.
U.S. Navy in Middle East Employs Attack Drone at Sea for First Time
ARABIAN GULF (Dec. 16, 2025) The Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Santa Barbara (LCS32) successfully launches a Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) from the flight deck while transiting the Arabian Gulf, Dec. 16. Task Force 59 operated the LUCAS drone, which is part of Task Force Scorpion Strike, a one-way attack drone squadron recently deployed to the Middle East to strengthen regional security and deterrence.
AFCENT Battle Lab paves way for drone-on-drone defense
U.S. Air Force Braden Schwartz, 9th Air Force (Air Forces Central) Battle Lab software engineer, fires up drone operating equipment Nov. 7, 2025, at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. The AFCENT Battle Lab is building small, unmanned aircraft systems to be used in a variety of applications throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Aaron J. Jenne)
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)