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GULF OF ADEN (Dec. 14, 2021) Amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27) conducts a high-energy laser weapon system demonstration on a static surface training target, Dec. 14, while sailing in the Gulf of Aden. During the demonstration, the Solid State Laser – Technology Maturation Laser Weapons System Demonstrator Mark 2 MOD 0 aboard Portland successfully engaged the training target. The photograph was captured utilizing a short wave infrared lens and optical filter. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Donald Holbert)
Laser Weapon System Demonstration
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Sailors and Boeing team members prepare to move a Boeing unmanned MQ-25 aircraft into the hangar bay aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). The MQ-25 will be the worlds first operational, carrier-based unmanned aircraft and is integral to the future carrier air wing (CVW). It will provide an aerial refueling capability that extends the range, operational capability and lethality of the CVW and carrier strike group (CSG). GHWB provides the national command authority flexible, tailorable war fighting capability through the carrier strike group that maintains maritime stability and security in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied and partner interests. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Noah J. Eidson)
MQ-25 Onload: The future is here
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ARABIAN GULF (Nov. 13, 2021) Amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) transits the Arabian Gulf during flight operations, Nov. 13. Essex and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit are 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Joseph Rolfe)
USS Essex Underway Operations
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Royal Saudi Air Force F-15 Strike Eagles break away from a formation with a U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer over the Red Sea as part of a presence patrol above the U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility Oct. 30, 2021. This mission is the fifth of its kind in 2021 and successfully demonstrates the strength of U.S. security relationships and capabilities in the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jerreht Harris)
U.S. B-1 Conducts Presence Patrol in the Middle East with Regional Partners
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UDARI RANGE COMPLEX, Kuwait (Oct. 7, 2021) Reconnaissance Marine assigned to the All Domain Reconnaissance Detachment, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), fires an M136E1 AT4-CS confined space light anti-armor weapon during a live-fire range at the Udari Range Complex, Kuwait, Oct. 7. The 11th MEU and Essex Amphibious Ready Group are 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. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Israel Chincio/Released)
11th MEU ADRD conducts live-fire rocket range in Kuwait
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ARABIAN SEA (Oct. 7, 2021) Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David Wells, a rifleman assigned to Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), posts security on the flight deck during an interior and exterior clearing exercise aboard amphibious transport dock USS Portland (LPD 27), Oct. 7. Portland and the 11th MEU are 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. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Patrick Katz/Released)
Alpha Co, BLT 1/1 exterior clearing aboard USS Portland
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ARABIAN GULF (Sept. 21, 2021) Marine Corps Lance Cpl. River Specher, a fire team leader assigned to Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), yells commands during machine gun employment drills aboard the amphibious transport dock USS Portland (LPD 27). Portland and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit are 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. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Alexis Flores/Released)
U.S. Marines machine gun training aboard the USS Portland
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GULF OF AQABA (August 31, 2021) – Israeli Navy corvette INS Eilat (501), left, guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61), center, and an Israeli Navy fast patrol boat transit in formation during a combined maritime security patrol in the Gulf of Aqaba, Aug. 31. Monterey 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 Naval Air Crewman 2nd Class Jesse Johnston)
Israeli and U.S. Warships Conduct Milestone Maritime Patrol
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ARABIAN GULF (September 19, 2021) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 1st Class Martre Gober signals to an AV-8B Harrier attached to Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 214 lands on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Essex, Sept. 19. Essex and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit are 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Isaak Martinez)
USS Essex enters the U.S. 5th Fleet
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ARABIAN SEA (September 13, 2021) Amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) transits the Arabian Sea, Sept. 13. The Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brett McMinoway)
Essex Amphibious Ready Group Enters 5th Fleet
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General Kenneth F. McKenzie, Jr., Commander, United States Central Command, visits U.S., and Coalition forces participating in Bright Star 21 (BS21) at Mohamed Naguib Military Base (MNMB), Egypt, Sept. 11. BS21 is a multilateral exercise hosted by the Arab Republic of Egypt with support from the U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM). The purpose of BS21 is to promote and enhance regional security and cooperation, promote interoperability in irregular warfare against 21st Century hybrid threat scenarios, and to enhance interoperability throughout the full range of military operations. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Miller)
USCENTCOM Commander visits servicemembers participating in Bright Star 21 exercise
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Major General Chris Donahue, commander of the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division, XVIII Airborne Corps, boards a C-17 cargo plane at the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan. Maj. Gen. Donahue is the final American service member to depart Afghanistan; his departure closes the U.S. mission to evacuate American citizens, Afghan Special Immigrant Visa applicants, and vulnerable Afghans. (U.S. Army photo by Master Sgt. Alex Burnett)
Last American Soldier leaves Afghanistan
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A Marine assigned to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) processes an evacuee at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan, August 15. U.S. Soldiers and Marines are assisting the Department of State with an orderly drawdown of designated personnel in Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Isaiah Campbell)
A Marine assigned to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) processes an evacuee at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan.
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U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Frank McKenzie, the commander of U.S. Central Command, directs operations with U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Farrell J. Sullivan, the commander of the Naval Amphibious Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Afghanistan on August 17, 2021. (U.S. Navy photo by Capt. William Urban)
Evacuation of U.S. and partner civilians from Afghanistan
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U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Frank McKenzie, the commander of U.S. Central Command, arrives at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Afghanistan on August 17, 2021. (U.S. Navy photo by Capt. William Urban)
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Frank McKenzie arrives at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Afghanistan on August 17, 2021.
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ARABIAN SEA (Aug. 9, 2021) – Lt. Derrick Petett and Lt. Melissa Deardorff, pilots assigned to the “Shadowhawks” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141, fly an EA-18G Growler above USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) over the Arabian Sea, Aug. 9. VAQ-141 is attached to Carrier Air Wing 5, the air wing of Commander, Task Force 50, 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 Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141)
Shadowhawks Fly Over Arabian Sea
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U.S. Army Central outgoing Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Terry Ferrell, shakes the U.S. Central Command's Commander, Marine Corps Gen. Kenneth McKenzie's hand after his remarks during USARCENT's Change of Command ceremony at Patton Hall's Lucky Park on Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Aug. 4, 2021. Mckenzie officiated the ceremony for CENTCOM's Army Service Component Command. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Leo Jenkins)
USARCENT Welcomes New Commanding General
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A U.S. Marine, with 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, assigned to Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command (SPMAGTF-CR-CC), fires an M4 service rifle at a target during a Combat Marksmanship Program (CMP) range in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, June 11, 2021. The CMP range allows Marines to maintain rifle proficiency by engaging targets at various distances. The SPMAGTF-CR-CC is a crisis response force, prepared to deploy a variety of capabilities across the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Willow Marshall)
SPMAGTF-CR-CC: CMP Range
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GULF OF ADEN (Dec. 14, 2021) Amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27) conducts a high-energy laser weapon system demonstration on a static surface training target, Dec. 14, while sailing in the Gulf of Aden. During the demonstration, the Solid State Laser – Technology Maturation Laser Weapons System Demonstrator Mark 2 MOD 0 aboard Portland successfully engaged the training target. The photograph was captured utilizing a short wave infrared lens and optical filter. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Donald Holbert)
Sailors and Boeing team members prepare to move a Boeing unmanned MQ-25 aircraft into the hangar bay aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). The MQ-25 will be the worlds first operational, carrier-based unmanned aircraft and is integral to the future carrier air wing (CVW). It will provide an aerial refueling capability that extends the range, operational capability and lethality of the CVW and carrier strike group (CSG). GHWB provides the national command authority flexible, tailorable war fighting capability through the carrier strike group that maintains maritime stability and security in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied and partner interests. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Noah J. Eidson)
ARABIAN GULF (Nov. 13, 2021) Amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) transits the Arabian Gulf during flight operations, Nov. 13. Essex and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit are 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Joseph Rolfe)
Royal Saudi Air Force F-15 Strike Eagles break away from a formation with a U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer over the Red Sea as part of a presence patrol above the U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility Oct. 30, 2021. This mission is the fifth of its kind in 2021 and successfully demonstrates the strength of U.S. security relationships and capabilities in the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jerreht Harris)
UDARI RANGE COMPLEX, Kuwait (Oct. 7, 2021) Reconnaissance Marine assigned to the All Domain Reconnaissance Detachment, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), fires an M136E1 AT4-CS confined space light anti-armor weapon during a live-fire range at the Udari Range Complex, Kuwait, Oct. 7. The 11th MEU and Essex Amphibious Ready Group are 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. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Israel Chincio/Released)
ARABIAN SEA (Oct. 7, 2021) Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David Wells, a rifleman assigned to Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), posts security on the flight deck during an interior and exterior clearing exercise aboard amphibious transport dock USS Portland (LPD 27), Oct. 7. Portland and the 11th MEU are 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. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Patrick Katz/Released)
ARABIAN GULF (Sept. 21, 2021) Marine Corps Lance Cpl. River Specher, a fire team leader assigned to Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), yells commands during machine gun employment drills aboard the amphibious transport dock USS Portland (LPD 27). Portland and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit are 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. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Alexis Flores/Released)
GULF OF AQABA (August 31, 2021) – Israeli Navy corvette INS Eilat (501), left, guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61), center, and an Israeli Navy fast patrol boat transit in formation during a combined maritime security patrol in the Gulf of Aqaba, Aug. 31. Monterey 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 Naval Air Crewman 2nd Class Jesse Johnston)
ARABIAN GULF (September 19, 2021) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 1st Class Martre Gober signals to an AV-8B Harrier attached to Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 214 lands on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Essex, Sept. 19. Essex and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit are 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Isaak Martinez)
ARABIAN SEA (September 13, 2021) Amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) transits the Arabian Sea, Sept. 13. The Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brett McMinoway)
General Kenneth F. McKenzie, Jr., Commander, United States Central Command, visits U.S., and Coalition forces participating in Bright Star 21 (BS21) at Mohamed Naguib Military Base (MNMB), Egypt, Sept. 11. BS21 is a multilateral exercise hosted by the Arab Republic of Egypt with support from the U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM). The purpose of BS21 is to promote and enhance regional security and cooperation, promote interoperability in irregular warfare against 21st Century hybrid threat scenarios, and to enhance interoperability throughout the full range of military operations. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Miller)
Major General Chris Donahue, commander of the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division, XVIII Airborne Corps, boards a C-17 cargo plane at the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan. Maj. Gen. Donahue is the final American service member to depart Afghanistan; his departure closes the U.S. mission to evacuate American citizens, Afghan Special Immigrant Visa applicants, and vulnerable Afghans. (U.S. Army photo by Master Sgt. Alex Burnett)
A Marine assigned to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) processes an evacuee at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan, August 15. U.S. Soldiers and Marines are assisting the Department of State with an orderly drawdown of designated personnel in Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Isaiah Campbell)
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Frank McKenzie, the commander of U.S. Central Command, directs operations with U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Farrell J. Sullivan, the commander of the Naval Amphibious Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Afghanistan on August 17, 2021. (U.S. Navy photo by Capt. William Urban)
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Frank McKenzie, the commander of U.S. Central Command, arrives at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Afghanistan on August 17, 2021. (U.S. Navy photo by Capt. William Urban)
ARABIAN SEA (Aug. 9, 2021) – Lt. Derrick Petett and Lt. Melissa Deardorff, pilots assigned to the “Shadowhawks” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141, fly an EA-18G Growler above USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) over the Arabian Sea, Aug. 9. VAQ-141 is attached to Carrier Air Wing 5, the air wing of Commander, Task Force 50, 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 Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141)
U.S. Army Central outgoing Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Terry Ferrell, shakes the U.S. Central Command's Commander, Marine Corps Gen. Kenneth McKenzie's hand after his remarks during USARCENT's Change of Command ceremony at Patton Hall's Lucky Park on Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Aug. 4, 2021. Mckenzie officiated the ceremony for CENTCOM's Army Service Component Command. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Leo Jenkins)
A U.S. Marine, with 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, assigned to Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command (SPMAGTF-CR-CC), fires an M4 service rifle at a target during a Combat Marksmanship Program (CMP) range in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, June 11, 2021. The CMP range allows Marines to maintain rifle proficiency by engaging targets at various distances. The SPMAGTF-CR-CC is a crisis response force, prepared to deploy a variety of capabilities across the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Willow Marshall)

U.S. Central Command Photo Gallery

F-16s practice ACE capabilities during Sky Shield III
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt Cody Benedict, 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron wheel and tire non-commissioned officer-in-charge, and U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Scott Fure, 379th EMXS C-130 crew chief, prepare a U.S. Air Force F-16CJ Fighting Falcon for a hot-pit refueling during Exercise Sky Shield III at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Aug. 3, 2021. Sky Shield is a bilateral defensive counter air and combat search and rescue exercise designed to validate U.S. Air Forces Central and Qatar Emiri Air Force’s combined capability to defend regional airspace. The event allowed the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing to demonstrate its agile combat employment capabilities of repositioning forces in various locations and rapidly generating combat airpower. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Samuel Earick)
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Photo by: Senior Airman Samuel Earick |  VIRIN: 210802-F-EZ422-0006.JPG
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