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U.S. Army Central (ARCENT) and the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces conducted the fourth iteration of the Red Sands Integrated Experimentation Center at the Shamal 2 Range near the King Khalid Military Center in northern Saudi Arabia Sept. 7-18, 2025. This exercise represented the culmination of rapid prototyping and integrated defensive tactics developed since the inaugural U.S.-Saudi experimental demonstration in 2023.
Red Sands 25 in Saudi Arabia
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U.S. Army Central (ARCENT) and the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces conducted the fourth iteration of the Red Sands Integrated Experimentation Center at the Shamal 2 Range near the King Khalid Military Center in northern Saudi Arabia Sept. 7-18, 2025. This exercise represented the culmination of rapid prototyping and integrated defensive tactics developed since the inaugural U.S.-Saudi experimental demonstration in 2023.
Red Sands 25 in Saudi Arabia
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U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Sept. 17, 2025) U.S. Coast Guardsmen assigned to U.S. Naval Forces Central Command’s Maritime Engagement Team and members of the Jordanian Armed Forces participate in a simulated visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) operation aboard Royal Jordanian Naval Forces vessels in the Gulf of Aqaba, Sept. 17, 2025, during exercise INFINITE DEFENDER 25. INFINITE DEFENDER 25 is an annual, bilateral explosive ordnance disposal and maritime security exercise between U.S. 5th Fleet and the Royal Jordanian Navy to enhance mutual capabilities and interoperability. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Hans Williams)
Bilateral Maritime Exercise Infinite Defender 25
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U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Sept. 17, 2025) U.S. Coast Guardsmen assigned to U.S. Naval Forces Central Command’s Maritime Engagement Team and members of the Jordanian Armed Forces participate in a simulated visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) operation aboard a Royal Jordanian Naval Forces vessel in the Gulf of Aqaba, Sept. 17, 2025, during exercise INFINITE DEFENDER 25. INFINITE DEFENDER 25 is an annual, bilateral explosive ordnance disposal and maritime security exercise between U.S. 5th Fleet and the Royal Jordanian Navy to enhance mutual capabilities and interoperability. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Hans Williams)
Bilateral Maritime Exercise Infinite Defender 25
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B-roll package includes a combination of take off, aerial maneuvers, and landing cockpit footage, varying from natural speed to 1.5x and 4x natural speed, both in horizontal and vertical orientation, featuring U.S. Air Force Capt. Matthew ‘CZAR’ Szabo, 55th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron pilot, during BRIGHT STAR 25 at Cairo West Air Base, Egypt, Sept. 10, 2025. BRIGHT STAR 25 enhances joint readiness and reinforces partner nations’ ability to integrate seamlessly in complex operational environments. By aligning tactics, techniques and procedures, U.S. and partner forces increase their capacity to deter aggression, improving lethality, confidence and cohesion among multinational service members. (U.S. Air Force video by Staff Sgt. Kevin Dunkleberger)
BRIGHT STAR 25: USAF F-16 Fighting Falcon Sortie - ‘CZAR’
Video
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)
BRIGHT STAR 25: Task Force Reaper live fire training
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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)
BRIGHT STAR 25: Task Force Reaper live fire training
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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)
BRIGHT STAR 25 Pyramid Military Free Fall
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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)
Air Force Fighting Falcons refuel with Stratotanker over USCENTCOM AOR
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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)
Pararescuemen Jump From HC-130J Combat King II
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U.S. Army Central (ARCENT) and the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces conducted the fourth iteration of the Red Sands Integrated Experimentation Center at the Shamal 2 Range near the King Khalid Military Center in northern Saudi Arabia Sept. 7-18, 2025. This exercise represented the culmination of rapid prototyping and integrated defensive tactics developed since the inaugural U.S.-Saudi experimental demonstration in 2023.
U.S. Army Central (ARCENT) and the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces conducted the fourth iteration of the Red Sands Integrated Experimentation Center at the Shamal 2 Range near the King Khalid Military Center in northern Saudi Arabia Sept. 7-18, 2025. This exercise represented the culmination of rapid prototyping and integrated defensive tactics developed since the inaugural U.S.-Saudi experimental demonstration in 2023.
U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Sept. 17, 2025) U.S. Coast Guardsmen assigned to U.S. Naval Forces Central Command’s Maritime Engagement Team and members of the Jordanian Armed Forces participate in a simulated visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) operation aboard Royal Jordanian Naval Forces vessels in the Gulf of Aqaba, Sept. 17, 2025, during exercise INFINITE DEFENDER 25. INFINITE DEFENDER 25 is an annual, bilateral explosive ordnance disposal and maritime security exercise between U.S. 5th Fleet and the Royal Jordanian Navy to enhance mutual capabilities and interoperability. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Hans Williams)
U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Sept. 17, 2025) U.S. Coast Guardsmen assigned to U.S. Naval Forces Central Command’s Maritime Engagement Team and members of the Jordanian Armed Forces participate in a simulated visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) operation aboard a Royal Jordanian Naval Forces vessel in the Gulf of Aqaba, Sept. 17, 2025, during exercise INFINITE DEFENDER 25. INFINITE DEFENDER 25 is an annual, bilateral explosive ordnance disposal and maritime security exercise between U.S. 5th Fleet and the Royal Jordanian Navy to enhance mutual capabilities and interoperability. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Hans Williams)
B-roll package includes a combination of take off, aerial maneuvers, and landing cockpit footage, varying from natural speed to 1.5x and 4x natural speed, both in horizontal and vertical orientation, featuring U.S. Air Force Capt. Matthew ‘CZAR’ Szabo, 55th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron pilot, during BRIGHT STAR 25 at Cairo West Air Base, Egypt, Sept. 10, 2025. BRIGHT STAR 25 enhances joint readiness and reinforces partner nations’ ability to integrate seamlessly in complex operational environments. By aligning tactics, techniques and procedures, U.S. and partner forces increase their capacity to deter aggression, improving lethality, confidence and cohesion among multinational service members. (U.S. Air Force video by Staff Sgt. Kevin Dunkleberger)
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 Photo Gallery

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Bright Star 2018
Fire Controlman 2nd Class Nathan Medich, assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64), participates in visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) training aboard the Egyptian Naval Force guided-missile frigate Sharm El-Sheikh (FFG 901) during Exercise Bright Star 2018. Bright Star is a multilateral U.S. Central Command exercise held with the Arab Republic of Egypt focused on responding to modern-day security scenarios. U.S. Navy and coalition assets are participating in numerous exercises, such as Bright Star, as part of the greater Theater Counter Mine and Maritime Security Exercise to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Ryan U. Kledzik/Released)
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Tags: USS CARNEY, Mediterranean Sea, Centcom, BrightStar18, TCMMSE18
Photo by: Petty Officer 1st Class Ryan Kle |  VIRIN: 180910-N-UY653-172.JPG
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