U.S. Marines assigned to 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion maneuver an Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV) during a live fire training exercise for BRIGHT STAR 25 at Mohamed Naguib Military Base (MNMB), Egypt, Sep. 2, 2025. BRIGHT STAR 25 showcases our unified resolve and ability to respond to evolving challenges together. Strong defense partnerships like BRIGHT STAR build lasting capacity, improve interoperability, and send a clear message of deterrence to those who threaten (our partners) and regional peace and stability. (U.S. Army Photo by Joseph Kumzak)
U.S. Army soldiers assigned to 3-278 Armored Cavalry Regiment, Task Force Reaper, fire the 120mm cannon on an M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tank during live fire training for exercise BRIGHT STAR 25 at Mohamed Naguib Military Base (MNMB), Egypt, Sep. 2, 2025. BRIGHT STAR 25 showcases our unified resolve and ability to respond to evolving challenges together. Strong defense partnerships like BRIGHT STAR build lasting capacity, improve interoperability, and send a clear message of deterrence to those who threaten (our partners) and regional peace and stability. (U.S. Army Photo by Joseph Kumzak)
Egyptian service members practice Military Free Fall (MFF) over The Great Pyramids of Giza before the kick off of BRIGHT STAR 2025 in Giza, Egypt on Aug. 27, 2025. BRIGHT STAR represents a vital opportunity to strengthen cooperation with Egypt and participating countries and enhance our collective ability to address shared threats to regional security across all levels of command. (Courtesy Photo)
A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon departs after refueling with a KC-135 Stratotanker over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, July 29, 2025. As a highly maneuverable and agile platform with a proven record in air-to-air combat and air-to-ground attack, the Fighting Falcon is well-equipped to engage with threats to regional security and deter further aggression in the AOR. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Keegan Putman)
A U.S. Air Force pararescueman, 52nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron jump master, performs a military free fall in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Aug. 5, 2025. The ongoing training efforts of the 52 ERQS reflect the Air Force's commitment to excellence in rescue operations and regional stability across the CENTCOM region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Natalie Jones)
U.S. Central Command's (USCENTCOM) incoming commander, U.S. Navy Adm. Brad Cooper, left, and outgoing USCENTCOM outgoing commander, U.S. Army Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, right, seated during a change of command ceremony, 8 August 2025. Multiple Department of Defense officials attended the event as well as distinguished defense leaders from partner nations around the world. (U.S. Central Command Public Affairs photo by Tom Gagnier)
U.S. and Qatari Special Operations Forces conduct partner training during Invincible Sentry 25. For the third time in seven years, Qatar hosted U.S. forces for the combined military exercise designed to improve interoperability and strengthen the enduring partnership between the two countries.
U.S. Marines with 2nd Marine Logistics Group and Jordanian Marines with 77th Marine Battalion, conduct table five of the combat marksmanship program as part of exercise Native Fury in Jordan, July 17, 2025. Native Fury 25 is a biannual exercise focused on the demonstration of the rapid offload and integration of a Maritime Prepositioned Force in the U.S. Central Command area of operations in support of regional security, crisis response, and contingency operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Isabella Ramos)
Two Qatar Emiri Air Force F-15QA Ababil fly in formation with a U.S. Air Force KC-46 Pegasus during Exercise Eagle Resolve 25 over Qatar, Jan. 21, 2025. This exercise demonstrates the U.S. commitment to deterrence and collective defense with Gulf Cooperation Council partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gerald R. Willis)
A U.S. Army M1A2 Abrams tank assigned to Troop G, 2nd Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Task Force Reaper fires its main cannon during the Friendship 25 exercise in the U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility, Feb. 12, 2025. Exercises like Friendship 25 develop U.S. and Royal Saudi Land Forces service members and enable increased military capacity to address threats to regional security. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Edwards)
U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress� fly in formation over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Feb. 20, 2025. Bomber task force missions are routine deployments of long-range, strategic bombers to assure regional partners of U.S. commitments and to deter adversaries. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. William Rio Rosado)
U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to B Company, 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, Task Force Courage, conduct mortar live-fire training during the Jade Chameleon 25.1 exercise in the U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility on Jan. 27, 2025. Exercises like Jade Chameleon 25.1 develop U.S. and Jordanian service members and enable increased military capacity to address threats to regional security.  (U.S. Army photo by Master Sgt. Alexa Brumfield)
On March 4, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) conducted a Bomber Task Force Mission in the Middle East, strengthening partner interoperability and demonstrating force projection capabilities in the region. It was the third BTF mission in two weeks.

A B-52H Stratofortress from RAF Fairford, UK, flew across Europe and into the CENTCOM area of responsibility during their mission, which included aerial refueling and training opportunities with partner nations.
U.S. Army Soldiers with the 10th Mountain Division fire an M119 Howitzer during a live fire exercise in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.
U.S. Soldiers assigned to Task Force Wolverine, Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) operate in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.
Two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growlers fly in formation during an Operation Inherent Resolve mission over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.
A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon refuels and returns to patrol over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.
A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle and Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4s fly over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility during exercise Yellow Sands. The Yellow Sands series of exercises include a Combined Integrated Air and Missile Defense program focused on the combined defense of the Arabian Peninsula.

U.S. Central Command Photo Gallery

Medal of Honor
In a July 31, 2017, White House ceremony, President Donald J. Trump awarded the Medal of Honor to former Army Spc. 5 James McCloughan for heroism during the Vietnam War in 1969. Army graphic

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Photo by: Steve McLeod |  VIRIN: 170731-A-ZZ999-0732.JPG