Krackhauer
1.7K posts
@krackhauer
Tracking flashpoints in the Indo-Pacific and elsewhere.
Liftoff. The Artemis II mission launched from @NASAKennedy at 6:35pm ET (2235 UTC), propelling four astronauts on a journey around the Moon. Artemis II will pave the way for future Moon landings, as well as the next giant leap — astronauts on Mars.
Iran fired a pair of intermediate-range ballistic missiles at Diego Garcia, a joint U.S.-UK base in the Indian Ocean. One missile failed in flight, and another was engaged by a US Navy destroyer using an SM-3 missile.
At least two USAF F-15E Strike Eagles were shot down in what’s being called a friendly fire incident over Kuwait this morning. All crew involved successfully ejected and were picked up by locals on the ground; the Kuwaiti MOD says that all were recovered safely.
BREAKING: A U.S. submarine sank an Iranian military corvette off the coast of Sri Lanka, US secretary of War Hegseth confirms. "Yesterday in the Indian Ocean, an American submarine sank an Iranian warship that thought it was safe in international waters. Instead, it was sunk by a torpedo." Sri Lankan authorities reported that 32 people have been rescued so far and several bodies have been recovered from the water, Reuters reports.
Ecuadorian and U.S. military forces launched operations today against Designated Terrorist Organizations in Ecuador. In a statement, they underlined the importance of combating the scourge of narco-terrorism
A Kuwaiti F/A-18 Hornet was the cause of the accidental shootdown of 3 F-15E Strike Eagles in a “friendly fire” incident over the country on Sunday, not a Kuwaiti “Patriot” Surface-to-Air Missile Battery like had initially been believed, three people familiar with initial reports of the incident told the Wall Street Journal. One F/A-18 launched three missiles against the F-15s, according to a U.S. official, with all three aircraft being hit and going down, but their pilots ejecting safely. The incident occurred soon after multiple Iranian drones had penetrated Kuwaiti air defenses, one striking a commercial port and killing six American servicemembers, with Kuwaiti officials on edge when their radars detected the jets flying in and fired on them.
"We are sinking the entire Iranian navy." Admiral Brad Cooper, Commander of CENTCOM, released an update on Operation Epic Fury so far. He said the U.S. has already destroyed 17 Iranian naval vessels, including one submarine.
Letter reportedly sent by Adm. Brad Cooper, the Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), to American servicemembers across the Middle East on February 28, 2026, prior to the start of strikes against Iran as part of Operation Epic Fury: To America's extraordinary sons and daughters deployed around the Middle East, By order of the President of the United States, we are embarking on a mission of profound consequence. The time for preparation is over. The time for action has arrived. As we move from deterrence into active combat, I write to tell you how honored I am to serve with you - the most exceptional Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, Guardians and Coast Guardsmen on this earth. Some of you are stationed in the Middle East. Many of you have deployed overseas on short notice. Others have been extended on deployment for this critical mission. You represent the strongest, most lethal warfighting force the world has ever known. You all selflessly serve our great country and make us so very PROUD. Since 1979, the Iranian Regime has killed and wounded thousands of Americans, and they continue to threaten Americans and our friends. Today, by your courage and grit, you will change the course of human history. My guidance for you is simple: - Be Relentlessly Lethal. In the heat of conflict, remember who you are. Let your conduct be as professional as your aim is precise. - Take Care of Your Teammates. The men and women on your flanks, in front of you and those at your six are your Guardian Angels. Be theirs. - Steady Your Resolve. Combat is inherently chaotic. The hours, days and perhaps weeks ahead will challenge you. There will be noise and confusion. Fall back on your training. It is the best in the world. You are the shield of the free world, and today, you are its sharpest sword. As the eyes of the world fix upon us, stay safe, and GODSPEED.
BREAKING: News Nation reports that the USA is moving the aircraft carrier strike group Abraham Lincoln from the South China Sea to the Middle East. It will arrive there in around a week
.@SECWAR "In modern warfare, the fastest innovator will be the winner – and no one can out-innovate an American entrepreneur who has been liberated from the constraints of a stifling bureaucracy. The old era ends today: We’re done running a peacetime science fair while our adversaries are running a wartime arms race."
