Latest News

Press Releases

CJTF-OIR News

News Archives

Press Release Archive

U.S. Marines assigned to Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command (SPMAFTF-CR-CC) 19.2, deploy to Iraq to bolster security at the U.S. Embassy and ensure the safety of American citizens, Dec. 31, 2019. The SPMAGTF-CR-CC is designed to move with speed and precision to support operations throughout the Middle East. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Robert G. Gavaldon)
Marines bolster security at the U.S. Embassy in Iraq
U.S. Marines assigned to Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, deploy to Iraq to bolster security at the U.S. Embassy, Dec. 31, 2019.
Hi-Res | Photo Gallery
A Griffin missile is launched from the patrol coastal ship USS Whirlwind (PC 11) during a test of the MK-60 Griffin guided-missile system. The exercise demonstrated a proven capability for the ships to defend against small boat threats and ensure maritime security through key chokepoints in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.
Griffin Missile Exercise 2019
191211-A-ZG558-1438 ARABIAN GULF (Dec. 11, 2019) A Griffin missile is launched from the patrol coastal ship USS Whirlwind (PC 11) during a test of the MK-60 Griffin guided-missile system. The exercise demonstrated a proven capability for the ships to defend against small boat threats and ensure maritime security... ...More
Hi-Res | Photo Gallery
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., center, the commander of U.S. Central Command, Gus Malzahn, left, the head coach of the Auburn Tigers football team, and Philip John Fleck Jr., the head coach of the Minnesota Golden Gophers, pose for a photo at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, Dec. 12, 2019. (U.S. Army photo by CPT Jennifer Cruz)
2020 Outback Bowl Contract Signing Ceremony
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., center, the commander of U.S. Central Command, Gus Malzahn, left, the head coach of the Auburn Tigers football team, and Philip John Fleck Jr., the head coach of the Minnesota Golden Gophers, pose for a photo at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, Dec. 12, 2019.... ...More
Hi-Res | Photo Gallery
Female Peshmerga soldiers earned their Advanced Instructor title at Coalition Joint Task Force training centers in Sulaymaniyah and Erbil, Iraq, Nov. 27-28, 2019. They can now teach their fellow soldiers various skills and classes, including weapons, basic first aid, the law of armed conflict and preventing gender-based violence. The Coalition remains united and determined in its mission to degrade and defeat Daesh and continues to work with allies and partners to implement stabilization efforts. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Gary A. Witte)
Female Peshmurga instructors graduate
Female Peshmerga soldiers earned their Advanced Instructor title at Coalition Joint Task Force training centers in Sulaymaniyah and Erbil, Iraq, Nov. 27-28, 2019. They can now teach their fellow soldiers various skills and classes, including weapons, basic first aid, the law of armed conflict and preventing... ...More
Hi-Res | Photo Gallery
A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor is refueled by a 28th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker during a mission in the U.S. Central Command area of operations, Oct. 25, 2019. The Raptor plays a key role in U.S. Air Forces Central Command operations by maintaining constant readiness in support of air operations, providing deterrence and stability, and bolstering the mission efforts of coalition partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Russ Scalf)
An F-22 Raptor is refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker
A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor is refueled by a 28th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker during a mission in the U.S. Central Command area of operations, Oct. 25, 2019. The Raptor plays a key role in U.S. Air Forces Central Command operations by maintaining constant readiness in support of air... ...More
Hi-Res | Photo Gallery
An F/A-18F Super Hornet attached to the "Jolly Rogers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103 launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. With Abraham Lincoln as the flagship, deployed strike group assets include staffs, ships and aircraft of Carrier Strike Group 12 (CSG 12), Destroyer Squadron 2 (DESRON 2), USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) and Carrier Air Wing 7 (CVW 7). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jeremiah Bartelt/Released)
Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group supports OIR
An F/A-18F Super Hornet attached to the "Jolly Rogers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103 launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime... ...More
Hi-Res | Photo Gallery
STRAIT OF HORMUZ (Nov. 19, 2019) The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), left, the air-defense destroyer HMS Defender (D 36) and the guided-missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99) transit the Strait of Hormuz with the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55). Leyte Gulf is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations 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 3rd Class Zachary Pearson/Released)
USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Transits the Strait of Hormuz
STRAIT OF HORMUZ (Nov. 19, 2019) The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), left, the air-defense destroyer HMS Defender (D 36) and the guided-missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99) transit the Strait of Hormuz with the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55). Leyte Gulf is deployed to the U.S. 5th... ...More
Hi-Res | Photo Gallery
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Paul Lopez, F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team commander arrives at the Dubai Air Show, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 14, 2019. United States military participation in the DAS provides opportunity to strengthen our military-to-military relationships with regional partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Sam Eckholm).
F-22 Raptors arrive at the Dubai Air Show
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Paul Lopez, F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team commander arrives at the Dubai Air Show, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 14, 2019. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Sam Eckholm).
Hi-Res | Photo Gallery
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., the commander of U.S. Central Command, left, meets with Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Crown Prince of Kuwait, right, during his visit at the Bayan Palace in Kuwait, Nov. 13, 2019. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Roderick Jacquote)
USCENTCOM commander visits Kuwait
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., the commander of U.S. Central Command, left, meets with Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Crown Prince of Kuwait, right, during his visit at the Bayan Palace in Kuwait, Nov. 13, 2019. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Roderick Jacquote)
Hi-Res | Photo Gallery
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., the commander of U.S. Central Command, right, meets with Lt. Gen. Mohammad Khaled Al-Khadher, the Chief of General Staff of Kuwait Armed Forces, left, during his visit at the Bayan Palace in Kuwait, Nov. 13, 2019. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Roderick Jacquote)
USCENTCOM commander visits Kuwait
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., the commander of U.S. Central Command, right, meets with Lt. Gen. Mohammad Khaled Al-Khadher, the Chief of General Staff of Kuwait Armed Forces, left, during his visit at the Bayan Palace in Kuwait, Nov. 13, 2019. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Roderick Jacquote)
Hi-Res | Photo Gallery
A UH-60 Blackhawk takes off from a nearby outpost following a key leader engagement near Manbij, Syria, June 21, 2018. Several high-ranking Coalition and U.S. Government officials spent the day discussing current military operations and touring the city of Manbij to witness how safe and prosperous it has become since being liberated from ISIS by the Syrian Democratic Forces. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Timothy R. Koster)
Syrian Democratic Forces Reap Benefit From Oil Money
A UH-60 Blackhawk takes off from a nearby outpost following a key leader engagement near Manbij, Syria, June 21, 2018. Several high-ranking Coalition and U.S. Government officials spent the day discussing current military operations and touring the city of Manbij to witness how safe and prosperous it has become since... ...More
Hi-Res | Photo Gallery
Soldiers of the Jordan Armed Forces (JAF), 81st Quick Reaction Force (QRF) and Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Task Force Spartan stand together with one of the M-ATV’s they trained on in celebration of completing their partnership training. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. David L. Zuzak)
Ready, set, move out!
Soldiers of the Jordan Armed Forces (JAF), 81st Quick Reaction Force (QRF) and Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Task Force Spartan stand together with one of the M-ATV’s they trained on in celebration of completing their partnership training.... ...More
Hi-Res | Photo Gallery
GULF OF OMAN (Nov. 6, 2019) Pakistan Navy sailors and members of the visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) team assigned to the guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) execute tactical movements as part of a VBSS drill during International Maritime Exercise 2019 (IMX 19). The exercise is a multinational engagement involving partners and allies from around the world designed to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and experiences across the full spectrum of defensive maritime operations. IMX 19 serves to demonstrate the global resolve in maintaining regional security and stability, freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce from the Suez Canal south to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait through the Strait of Hormuz to the Northern Arabian Gulf. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael H. Lehman)
USS Normandy Participates In IMX 19
GULF OF OMAN (Nov. 6, 2019) Pakistan Navy sailors and members of the visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) team assigned to the guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) execute tactical movements as part of a VBSS drill during International Maritime Exercise 2019 (IMX 19). The exercise is a multinational... ...More
Hi-Res | Photo Gallery
ARABIAN GULF (Nov. 4, 2019) U.S. Navy ships and partner force ships conduct a formation as a part of the International Maritime Exercise 2019. IMX19 is a multinational engagement involving partners and allies from around the world in sharing knowledge and experiences across the full spectrum of defensive maritime operations. The exercise serves to demonstrate the global resolve in maintaining regional security and stability, freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce from the Suez Canal south to the Bab-el-Mandeb through the Strait of Hormuz to the Northern Arabian Gulf. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Dawson Roth/Released)
International Maritime Exercise (IMX) 2019
ARABIAN GULF (Nov. 4, 2019) U.S. Navy ships and partner force ships conduct a formation as a part of the International Maritime Exercise 2019. IMX19 is a multinational engagement involving partners and allies from around the world in sharing knowledge and experiences across the full spectrum of defensive maritime... ...More
Hi-Res | Photo Gallery
U.S. Soldiers with the 4-118th Infantry Regiment, 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team, North Carolina Army National Guard (attached to the 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, South Carolina Army National Guard) conduct gunnery training with the M2A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle at Fort Bliss, Texas in September 2019. The 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team is mobilized for Operation Spartan Shield in the Middle East and comprised of units from the North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio and West Virginia Army National Guard. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. David House)
30th ABCT provides armored vehicles in fight against ISIS
U.S. Soldiers with the 4-118th Infantry Regiment, 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team, North Carolina Army National Guard (attached to the 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, South Carolina Army National Guard) conduct gunnery training with the M2A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle at Fort Bliss, Texas in September 2019. The... ...More
Hi-Res | Photo Gallery
U.S. Marines assigned to Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command (SPMAFTF-CR-CC) 19.2, deploy to Iraq to bolster security at the U.S. Embassy and ensure the safety of American citizens, Dec. 31, 2019. The SPMAGTF-CR-CC is designed to move with speed and precision to support operations throughout the Middle East. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Robert G. Gavaldon)
A Griffin missile is launched from the patrol coastal ship USS Whirlwind (PC 11) during a test of the MK-60 Griffin guided-missile system. The exercise demonstrated a proven capability for the ships to defend against small boat threats and ensure maritime security through key chokepoints in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., center, the commander of U.S. Central Command, Gus Malzahn, left, the head coach of the Auburn Tigers football team, and Philip John Fleck Jr., the head coach of the Minnesota Golden Gophers, pose for a photo at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, Dec. 12, 2019. (U.S. Army photo by CPT Jennifer Cruz)
Female Peshmerga soldiers earned their Advanced Instructor title at Coalition Joint Task Force training centers in Sulaymaniyah and Erbil, Iraq, Nov. 27-28, 2019. They can now teach their fellow soldiers various skills and classes, including weapons, basic first aid, the law of armed conflict and preventing gender-based violence. The Coalition remains united and determined in its mission to degrade and defeat Daesh and continues to work with allies and partners to implement stabilization efforts. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Gary A. Witte)
A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor is refueled by a 28th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker during a mission in the U.S. Central Command area of operations, Oct. 25, 2019. The Raptor plays a key role in U.S. Air Forces Central Command operations by maintaining constant readiness in support of air operations, providing deterrence and stability, and bolstering the mission efforts of coalition partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Russ Scalf)
An F/A-18F Super Hornet attached to the "Jolly Rogers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103 launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. With Abraham Lincoln as the flagship, deployed strike group assets include staffs, ships and aircraft of Carrier Strike Group 12 (CSG 12), Destroyer Squadron 2 (DESRON 2), USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) and Carrier Air Wing 7 (CVW 7). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jeremiah Bartelt/Released)
STRAIT OF HORMUZ (Nov. 19, 2019) The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), left, the air-defense destroyer HMS Defender (D 36) and the guided-missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99) transit the Strait of Hormuz with the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55). Leyte Gulf is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations 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 3rd Class Zachary Pearson/Released)
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Paul Lopez, F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team commander arrives at the Dubai Air Show, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 14, 2019. United States military participation in the DAS provides opportunity to strengthen our military-to-military relationships with regional partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Sam Eckholm).
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., the commander of U.S. Central Command, left, meets with Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Crown Prince of Kuwait, right, during his visit at the Bayan Palace in Kuwait, Nov. 13, 2019. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Roderick Jacquote)
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., the commander of U.S. Central Command, right, meets with Lt. Gen. Mohammad Khaled Al-Khadher, the Chief of General Staff of Kuwait Armed Forces, left, during his visit at the Bayan Palace in Kuwait, Nov. 13, 2019. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Roderick Jacquote)
A UH-60 Blackhawk takes off from a nearby outpost following a key leader engagement near Manbij, Syria, June 21, 2018. Several high-ranking Coalition and U.S. Government officials spent the day discussing current military operations and touring the city of Manbij to witness how safe and prosperous it has become since being liberated from ISIS by the Syrian Democratic Forces. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Timothy R. Koster)
Soldiers of the Jordan Armed Forces (JAF), 81st Quick Reaction Force (QRF) and Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Task Force Spartan stand together with one of the M-ATV’s they trained on in celebration of completing their partnership training. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. David L. Zuzak)
GULF OF OMAN (Nov. 6, 2019) Pakistan Navy sailors and members of the visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) team assigned to the guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) execute tactical movements as part of a VBSS drill during International Maritime Exercise 2019 (IMX 19). The exercise is a multinational engagement involving partners and allies from around the world designed to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and experiences across the full spectrum of defensive maritime operations. IMX 19 serves to demonstrate the global resolve in maintaining regional security and stability, freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce from the Suez Canal south to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait through the Strait of Hormuz to the Northern Arabian Gulf. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael H. Lehman)
ARABIAN GULF (Nov. 4, 2019) U.S. Navy ships and partner force ships conduct a formation as a part of the International Maritime Exercise 2019. IMX19 is a multinational engagement involving partners and allies from around the world in sharing knowledge and experiences across the full spectrum of defensive maritime operations. The exercise serves to demonstrate the global resolve in maintaining regional security and stability, freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce from the Suez Canal south to the Bab-el-Mandeb through the Strait of Hormuz to the Northern Arabian Gulf. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Dawson Roth/Released)
U.S. Soldiers with the 4-118th Infantry Regiment, 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team, North Carolina Army National Guard (attached to the 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, South Carolina Army National Guard) conduct gunnery training with the M2A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle at Fort Bliss, Texas in September 2019. The 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team is mobilized for Operation Spartan Shield in the Middle East and comprised of units from the North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio and West Virginia Army National Guard. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. David House)

U.S. Central Command Photo Gallery

Snipers aim to sharpen shooting, teaching skills
A U.S. Army Soldier, with Military Engagement Team-Jordan, 158th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Arizona Army National Guard, discusses a mathematical equation with Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF) Soldiers during a Sniper Subject Matter Expert Exchange at a base outside of Amman, Jordan in October 2019. The United States is committed to the security of Jordan and to partnering closely with the JAF to meet common security challenges. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Shaiyla B. Hakeem)