U.S. Sailors conduct post-flight checks on an F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron 213, on the flight deck of the world's largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), while operating in support of Operation Epic Fury in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, March 2, 2026. (U.S. Navy photo)

U.S. Central Command strikes during Operation Epic Fury in Iran, March 2, 2026.

U.S. Central Command strikes during Operation Epic Fury in Iran, March 1, 2026.

U.S. Central Command strikes during Operation Epic Fury in Iran, March 1, 2026.

Soldiers assigned to U.S. Army Central guide in a UH-60 Blackhawk for landing using hand and arm signals during a Pathfinder School field training exercise in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Jan. 27, 2026. Pathfinder School trains Soldiers on aircraft orientation and helicopter landing zone operations, close combat assault, ground-to-air communication procedures, and sling-load operations. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Bernard Jenkins)

U.S. Marines assigned to Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Central Command provide security during exercise Indigo Defender 26, Feb. 2, 2026. Indigo Defender 26 is a capstone bilateral maritime exercise between Royal Saudi Naval Forces and U.S. Naval Forces Central Command to enhance interoperability and strengthen our capacity to maintain regional maritime security and stability. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Stevenson)

U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter pilots assigned to the 555th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, pose for a group photo during exercise Spears of Victory at a base in the Middle East, Feb. 5, 2026. The Royal Saudi Air Force–led multinational training event brought together 10 nations to refine joint air operations and enhance interoperability across the coalition. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tyler A. P. Moody)

An F-35C Lightning II, attached to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, prepares to launch from the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in the Arabian Sea, Feb. 15, 2026. Abraham Lincoln is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime security and stability in the Middle East. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Daniel Kimmelman)

Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) conducts routine flight operations in the Arabian Sea, Jan. 30. Abraham Lincoln is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime security and stability in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Cesar Zavala)