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“Triple Nickel” returns to the fight
U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Joseph Guastella, commander of U.S. Air Forces Central Command and former commander of the 555th Fighter Squadron from October 2003 to July 2005, prepares for his flight in an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar Nov. 4, 2019. For the first time in 15 years, the 555th FS has deployed to the AFCENT area of operations to provide war-winning air power and deterrence to the region. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Hope Geiger)
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Photo by: Senior Airman Hope Geiger |  VIRIN: 191104-F-TW681-1193.JPG
Photo Gallery
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)
USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) Sails in the Gulf of Oman
GULF OF OMAN (Dec. 11, 2025) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) sails in the Gulf of Oman while operating in the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility. Roosevelt is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime security and stability in the CENTCOM area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Indra Beaufort)
Marauder Shield Exercise
Marauder Shield 26.1, conducted in mid-November, highlighted the U.S. and Kuwait’s shared commitment to air superiority through integrated defensive counter-air operations, demonstrating a unified effort to safeguard regional airspace and enhance security for both nations.
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)