U.S. Central Command

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E helicopter is refueled by a KC-130J Super Hercules while flying over the Middle East. CH-53 helicopters refuel using a probe-and-drogue system, allowing the aircraft to fly further distances without landing.

USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) sails in the Arabian Sea. Two aircraft carriers continue to operate in the Middle East as U.S. forces remain present and vigilant.

Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, held a series of townhalls with headquarters staff in Tampa last week. He highlighted mission achievements against ISIS and Iran during the first half of 2026 and thanked the team for continued commitment and dedication during recent operations.

Two U.S. Air Force A-10 attack aircraft fly together over the Middle East during a routine patrol. U.S. forces continue to be present in the skies, on land, and at sea throughout the region.

A U.S. Sailor oversees flight operations from the tower aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) as the aircraft carrier continues to operate in the Arabian Sea.

A U.S. Air Force F-35 stealth fighter jet is refueled over the Middle East by a KC-135 Stratotanker. U.S. forces continue to routinely patrol the skies.

A U.S. Sailor signals to the pilot of an F/A-18 fighter jet during nighttime operations aboard USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77).

Statement from Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander:

U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter jets receive fuel while flying a patrol over the Middle East. U.S. forces in the region remain present and vigilant.

Today, U.S. forces lifted the blockade on all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas, in accordance with the President's direction. American forces are not impeding the transit of vessels to or from Iranian ports. All U.S. military blockade enforcement efforts have ceased. Our great Naval Ships will remain in the general area to make sure that all aspects of the agreement are adhered to, obeyed and in full force and effect.

Thousands of Sailors aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) ensure operations run smoothly by performing routine maintenance throughout the ship as it sails in the Middle East.

A U.S. Soldier performs maintenance on a helicopter engine at a base in the Middle East.

U.S. Sailors prepare a MH-60 Sea Hawk helicopter for take off aboard USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119) in the Arabian Sea.

U.S. Sailors conduct M4 rifle qualification training aboard USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) in the Red Sea. Training like this ensures Sailors are qualified to perform armed watch standing duties when needed.

USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119) completes a vertical replenishment-at-sea with USNS John Lewis (T-AO-205) while transiting the Arabian Sea, June 15. Replenishments-at-sea ensure Sailors receive supplies, mail, and other needed items without the ship having to pull into port.

U.S. Sailors support operations aboard USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) and USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) as the ships transit the Red Sea.

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53 helicopter prepares to land aboard expeditionary mobile base USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5). As a floating sea base, the ship is capable of refueling, rearming, and deploying a variety of military assets.