U.S. Air Force Capt. Josiah Bierle, 75th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron pilot, awaits takeoff in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 30, 2025. Stationing A-10s in the CENTCOM AOR reinforces U.S. commitment to regional stability and strengthens deterrence against potential threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jonah Bliss)
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jansy Pedrosa-Cruz, 16th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron load master, ­­­­­­­directs the loading of a Humvee onto a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft during a mission in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 20, 2025. Loadmasters assigned to the 16th EAS are responsible for supervising the loading, securing and unloading of cargo, vehicles and personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Travis Knauss)
U.S. Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft dispense flares over an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Jan. 5, 2026. 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)
A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft assigned to the 391st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron refuels from a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Oct. 11, 2025. The KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft played a key role in integrating Air Mobility Command and Air Combat Command capabilities, ensuring U.S. aircraft can execute airpower missions across the CENTCOM AOR. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Monteleone)
U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft fly during a mission in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Jan. 7, 2026. The Fighting Falcon demonstrates U.S. commitment to regional security by providing responsive airpower and deterring potential threats within the USCENTCOM AOR. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Travis Knauss)
A U.S. Air Force 555th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft takes off during Blue Sands 26.1 within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 11, 2025. This routine, multinational exercise focuses on refining shared command and control and joint targeting procedures, ultimately enabling faster and more precise defensive responses to missile and unmanned aerial system threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman De’Quan Simmons)
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 (Jan. 10, 2026) U.S. Airmen prepare F-15E Strike Eagles for flight from a base in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Hawkeye Strike, Jan. 10, 2026. (U.S. Air Force video)
U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Jan. 10, 2026) U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II prepare to taxi at base in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Hawkeye Strike, Jan. 10, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo)
ARABIAN GULF (Jan. 11, 2026) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) transits the Arabian Gulf 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)

U.S. Central Command Photo Gallery

Native Fury 24: Long-Range Convoy Throughout Saudi Arabia
U.S. Marines and Sailors with 2nd Distribution Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, 4th Law Enforcement Battalion, Force Headquarters Group, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve, Army Soldiers with 541st Division Sustainment Support Battalion, Sustainment Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, and members of the Royal Saudi Armed Forces, conduct a long-range convoy during exercise Native Fury 24 throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, May 8, 2024. Exercise Native Fury 24 is a key multi-lateral exercise sponsored by U.S. Central Command and executed by U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command in collaboration with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. This iteration emphasizes the strategic use of logistics and leverage the extensive network of roads and infrastructure across the Arabian Peninsula. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mary Kohlmann)

Photo by: Cpl. Mary Kohlmann |  VIRIN: 240508-M-HP122-1606B.JPG