U.S. Central Command

The guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay cuts through the Strait of Hormuz, April 7, 2019.

Esper: Operation Sentinel Prevents Escalation of Middle East Waterways Conflict

By C. Todd Lopez | July 24, 2019

Just three hours into his new job, Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper met with reporters at the Pentagon to discuss Iran, China and the proposed defense budget.

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CENTCOM X Posts

Sailors aboard the USS Mitscher (DDG 57) conduct drills and perform routine maintenance to maintain peak operational readiness. The USS Mitscher is currently deployed to the Middle East to support maritime security and safeguard critical shipping lanes. https://t.co/VXnvpl2PyH

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U.S. Air Force Major Melanie "Mach" Kluesner, commander and demonstration pilot of the F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team prepares to fly at the 2025 Dubai Airshow. Performing in the United Arab Emirates allowed the United States to showcase the capabilities of the U.S. Air https://t.co/zhymYqrpl4

During Exercise Ferocious Falcon 6, forces from Qatar, the United States and other partners participated in a close-quarters combat training aboard the Qatari Barzan-class fast attack missile craft Al Deebel (Q07). Joint exercises like this are designed to enhance lethality and https://t.co/hEBhS6xe9B

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"I join the American people in expressing sincere gratitude for our men and women in uniform protecting the homeland. Thousands of America's warfighters are serving across the Middle East, Central Asia and around the world on land, in the skies, and at sea. We keep them and their https://t.co/hx7yGzmD9v

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Guardians deployed to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, under U.S. Space Forces Central, received a Thanksgiving call yesterday from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. The secretary expressed gratitude for their service as they stand watch over the holiday. https://t.co/qWjFJA0drs

The strength and firepower of the U.S. Military was on full display at the 2025 Dubai Airshow as spectators were able to witness both F-16 and F-35A Lightning II demonstrations. Around the grounds of the show, static displays featured the AH-64 Apache and C-130J Super Hercules. https://t.co/cYuHfcglw8

U.S. Navy Fleet Master Chief Lateef Compton, senior enlisted leader of U.S. Central Command, recently met with service members assigned to Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve in the Middle East. The trip allowed him to learn more about CJTF-OIR’s mission to https://t.co/2GmNTgyCCj

U.S. Air Forces Central and U.S. Naval Forces Central recently participated in exercise Ferocious Falcon 6, a multinational joint exercise hosted by Qatar. Read more: https://t.co/utgkmhzb5K https://t.co/tP6cyR2zWh

Sometimes the work that goes unseen has the greatest impact. Air Force weather personnel help to safeguard operations and support mission planning by providing uninterrupted forecasting data to operators throughout the U.S. Central Command operating area. @usafcent https://t.co/ycgUrP2JDu

U.S. Air Force aircraft maintainers and fuel distribution technicians work around the clock throughout the region to keep aircraft like the C-17 Globemaster III mission ready. The technical and tactical expertise of these Airmen ensures aircraft remain operational. @USAFCENT https://t.co/Ojw8J3BsO0

This week, a U.S. B-52 Stratofortress flew in formation with Qatari Rafale (right) and U.S. F-16 fighter jets (left) during a joint training exercise over the U.S. Central Command operating area. With a shared commitment to regional security and stability, training together makes https://t.co/mQfcT0hsk4

Guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) transits past the Friendship Bridge, a landmark of the Suez Canal, Nov. 13. The Roosevelt is currently deployed to the Middle East to support maritime security and stability in the region. @US5thFleet https://t.co/xeT6gv7oYx

Low, Slow, and Lethal. As a legacy platform, the A-10 was the first Air Force aircraft designed for close air support of ground forces. Equipped with a 30mm Gatling gun, the A-10 provides a rapid response to threats in close proximity to friendly forces, providing invaluable https://t.co/jHK4bdI6la

American air power takes to the skies over the United Arab Emirates! The Viper Demo Team, led by Air Force Maj. Taylor ‘FEMA’ Heister, is demonstrating the F-16 Fighting Falcon’s combat capabilities at the 2025 Dubai Air Show. @VIPERDEMOTEAM https://t.co/UGtS2wdoUq

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Guided-missile destroyer USS Mitscher (DDG 57) sails in between two Israeli Navy corvette ships during an exercise in the U.S. Central Command operating area, Nov. 13. The United States and Israel maintain strong maritime ties that promote regional security and stability. https://t.co/wp2mlcFY5P

We’re stronger when we work together in the skies! Last month, a U.S. KC-135 Stratotanker crew refueled Royal Bahrain Air Force F-16s over the Middle East, showcasing bilateral collaboration in maintaining regional security and stability. https://t.co/185FWY8SuJ

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