U.S. Central Command (mirror)

U.S. Marines spar during a Martial Arts Course at a base in the Middle East. Training in hand-to-hand combat keeps warfighters' skills sharp while deployed.

U.S. Sailors refuel aircraft during flight operations aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73). Every military mission success begins and ends with people.

An F-35C Lightning II lands on the flight deck of USS George Washington (CVN 73) as the aircraft carrier continues operations in the Arabian Sea.

Two U.S. Air Force A-10 aircraft patrol the skies over the Middle East during scheduled daytime flight operations.

A U.S. Air Force Airman watches F-16 fighter jets approach a KC-135 Stratotanker to refuel while flying over the Middle East.

U.S. Marines launch F-35C stealth fighter jets from a base in the Middle East during routine flight operations.

An EA-18G Growler takes off from the flight deck of USS George Washington (CVN 73). The aircraft carrier is supporting assigned missions including enforcement of America's steel wall blockade against Iranian ports and coastal areas.

U.S. Marines train with small unmanned aerial systems on the flight deck of USS Portland (LPD 27) as the ship sails in the Arabian Sea. As an innovation battle lab, CENTCOM fields a variety of emerging technologies to rapidly equip deployed service members with cutting edge capabilities.

U.S. Air Force Airmen prepare and launch an F-16 fighter jet during routine night operations from a base in the Middle East.

A U.S. Sailor signals an F-35C Lightning II as it prepares to take off from the flight deck of USS George Washington (CVN 73).

A look back: In September 2025, CENTCOM announced the establishment of the Rapid Employment Joint Task Force - designed to accelerate the delivery of combat capabilities to warfighters.

USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) transits regional waters in support of the naval blockade against Iranian ports. As of Oct. 17, CENTCOM forces have redirected 138 commercial vessels to ensure strict compliance.

U.S. Air Force Airmen prepare a KC-46 aerial refueling aircraft for takeoff from a base in the Middle East.

Update from CENTCOM Commander:

U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter jets take off from a base in the Middle East during routine daytime operations.

USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) patrols the Arabian Sea following a recent visit to Thailand. The aircraft carrier's 5,000 crew members and embarked personnel currently continue to support CENTCOM operations in the Middle East during a scheduled deployment.

An MH-60R Sea Hawk lands on the flight deck of USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) as it transits regional waters.

Did you know? U.S. Air Force Central Command's Task Force 99 introduces new drone and communication capabilities to warfighters in the Middle East. As a forward-deployed laboratory, the task force tests innovative concepts for enhancing combat effectiveness in the field.

The USS George Washington (CVN 73) crew works as a team to receive, sort, and distribute more than 270 pallets of mail during a replenishment at sea, providing a vital connection to home for 5,000 service members on board.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker at night to refuel in the Middle East.

U.S. Sailors conduct maintenance on an F/A-18 Super Hornet aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73).

Cast members from the reality competition show 'Survivor' visited troops deployed at a base in the Middle East this week. The event, hosted by Armed Forces Entertainment, brought a touch of home and competitive spirit to Americans serving overseas.

A U.S. Navy MH-60S Sea Hawk takes off from the flight deck of USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) as the guided-missile destroyer supports enforcement of America's ironclad blockade against Iran. As of Oct. 9, U.S. forces have redirected 133 commercial vessels to ensure compliance.

USS George Washington’s (CVN 73) fitness instructor, known on the ship as the “Fit Boss”, leads crew members through a workout in the hangar bay. As a floating city, the aircraft carrier has multiple fitness facilities available around the clock.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter jet is refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker during a mission in the Middle East.

This week, the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps saw first-hand how CENTCOM is equipping warfighters deployed to the Middle East with cutting-edge drone capabilities. Marines briefed Sgt. Maj. Carlos A. Ruiz on CENTCOM's historic employment of low-cost one-way attack drone systems.

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II takes off from the flight deck of USS Boxer (LHD 4) as the ship sails in the Middle East.