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Tampa, Fla. - Today General Michael “Erik” Kurilla, CENTCOM commander, congratulated Lieutenant General Aviv Kohavi, as he relinquished his position as 22nd Chief of General Staff of the Israeli Defense Force (IDF). Kurilla lauded Kohavi on an incredibly successful four-year command and a remarkable 40-year career of service to the IDF. “General Kohavi expanded, deepened, and advanced the relations between our militaries and fostered new partnerships in the region,” Kurilla said. “In these efforts Aviv bolstered security and stability across the region.” Under General Kohavi’s leadership, Israel realigned from U.S. European Command to U.S. Central Command in 2021. General Kurilla also welcomed Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, the new IDF Chief of General Staff, on his appointment. “I look forward to continuing to strengthen the partnership between our militaries and with forces throughout the region alongside General Halevi. He has a long and distinguished career as a warfighter leading the IDF’s most elite units. I am confident he will strengthen the relationship between our militaries and continue efforts on behalf of the region.”
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Photo by: Escudie, Michel C CTR (USA) |  VIRIN: 230116-D-D0477-002.JPG
Photo Gallery
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)
Exercise Marauder Shield 26.1: Integrated Flying Ops
Two U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles and two Kuwaiti Eurofighter Typhoons fly a four-ship formation during exercise Marauder Shield 26.1 within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Nov. 11, 2025. Marauder Shield 26.1 showcased the U.S. and Kuwait's commitment to air superiority through integrated Defensive Counter-Air operations. These operations demonstrated a unified front in protecting regional airspace and ensuring the safety and security of both nations.
F-16C Fighting Falcon Refueled
A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon flies during a mission providing defensive counter-air for U.S. Naval Forces Central Command operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Nov. 18, 2025. The F-16C enables the U.S. military to achieve air superiority, support joint sea power, and maintain supply lines with overwhelming combat power. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jared Brewer)
Combined Command Post Opening Ceremony
MANAMA, Bahrain (Dec. 1, 2025) His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and Prime Minister of Bahrain, cuts a ribbon with U.S. Navy Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, commemorating the opening of the Combined Command Post at Ras Al Bar Camp. The event marked the opening of a new Combined Command Post for air defense staffed by Bahrain and U.S. forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Lindsay Lair)
Triple Nickel prepares for takeoff during Ferocious Falcon 6
U.S. Air Force Maj. Jonathan “Snip” Lee, 555th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron fighter pilot, conducts pre-flight procedures in an F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft prior to takeoff during exercise Ferocious Falcon 6 in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Nov. 19, 2025. The exercise provides training opportunities for the U.S., Qatar, Italy, the United Kingdom and Turkey to test collaborative techniques in the CENTCOM AOR. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Kristen Pittman)
U.S., Qatar and allies enhance regional defense during Exercise Ferocious Falcon 6
Military personnel from the U.S., Qatar, Italy, the United Kingdom, Turkey and France participate in the exercise Ferocious Falcon 6 live-fire demonstration within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Nov. 20, 2025. Ferocious Falcon 6 is a biennial, Qatar-hosted multinational joint exercise designed to enhance lethality and combat efficiency among U.S. and allied forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. Richard P. Ebensberger)
U.S., Qatar and allies enhance regional defense during Exercise Ferocious Falcon 6
Military aircraft from the U.S. Qatar, Italy, the United Kingdom, Turkey and France flyover during exercise Ferocious Falcon 6 within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Nov. 20, 2025. Ferocious Falcon 6 is a biennial, Qatar-hosted multinational joint exercise designed to enhance lethality and combat efficiency among U.S. and allied forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. Richard P. Ebensberger)
U.S. Airpower on Display at the Dubai Airshow 2025
The Dubai Airshow 2025 showcases U.S. aircraft, aircrews, and capabilities alongside global partners at the Al Maktoum International Airport, Nov. 17–21, 2025. The annual exposition highlights AFCENT’s commitment to regional cooperation and demonstrates the integrated airpower that supports long-term security and stability throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force video by Staff Sgt. Alexis Orozco)
F-16 Viper Demo Team performs at Dubai Airshow 2025
U.S. Air Force Maj. Taylor “FEMA” Hiester, F-16 Viper Demonstration Team commander and pilot, performs aerial maneuvers in a U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base, Italy, during an airshow at Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 18, 2025. The F-16, a multi-role fighter aircraft capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat, demonstrates its versatility through dynamic aerial demonstrations across the U.S. and abroad. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Steven Cardo)
F-35A Lightning II performs over Dubai Airshow
A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft flown by the F-35 aerial demonstration team assigned to the 388th Fighter Wing at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, performs aerial maneuvers Nov. 15, 2025, over Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The fifth-generation stealth fighter rehearsed its performance prior to the Dubai Airshow 2025. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Justin Norton)