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U.S. Central Command

An F-35C Lightning II, attached to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, prepares to make an arrested landing on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) on Jan. 24, 2026. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Cesar Zavala)

F-35C pilot downs Iranian drone to defend USS Abraham Lincoln, Centcom says

The jet, an F-35C Lightning II, launched from the USS Abraham Lincoln, which was transiting the Arabian Sea roughly 500 miles from Iran’s southern coast, U.S. Central…
Feb 3, 2026 By Drew F. Lawrence
A Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) successfully launches from the flight deck of the Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Santa Barbara (LCS 32) while operating in the Arabian Gulf on Dec. 16. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Kayla Mc Guire)

A first, the Navy launches one-way-attack drone from a ship at sea

“This first successful launch of LUCAS from a naval vessel marks a significant milestone in rapidly delivering affordable and effective unmanned capabilities to the warfighter,” said Vice…
Dec 19, 2025 By Drew F. Lawrence
Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drones are positioned on the tarmac at a base in the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) operating area, Nov. 23, 2025. The LUCAS platforms are part of a one-way attack drone squadron CENTCOM recently deployed to the Middle East to strengthen regional security and deterrence. (Courtesy Photo)

US military stands up first kamikaze drone squadron under Centcom’s new ‘Scorpion Strike’ task force

The Pentagon recently formed a unit that’s delivering Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System — or LUCAS — drones in the Middle East.
Dec 3, 2025 By Brandi Vincent
U.S. Central Command’s (USCENTCOM) incoming commander, U.S. Navy Adm. Brad Cooper, left, and outgoing USCENTCOM outgoing commander, U.S. Army Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, right, seated during a change of command ceremony, 8 August 2025. Multiple Department of Defense officials attended the event as well as distinguished defense leaders from partner nations around the world. (U.S. Central Command Public Affairs photo by Tom Gagnier)

Adm. Cooper takes the helm at Centcom

The U.S. combatant command that oversees operations in the Middle East, has a new commander.
Aug 11, 2025 By Jon Harper
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(June 26, 2025) An E/A-18G Growler, attached to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139, launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) during flight operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Navy photo)

US military gets new combatant commanders for Centcom, Eucom

Meanwhile, the Senate Armed Services Committee still hasn’t scheduled confirmation hearings for several other key positions at the Defense Department.
Jun 30, 2025 By Jon Harper
Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump arrives to speak during an election night event at the Palm Beach Convention Center on November 06, 2024 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Trump picks new combatant commanders

The commander-in-chief this week nominated officers to lead U.S. European Command, Central Command, Africa Command and Special Operations Command.
Jun 5, 2025 By Jon Harper
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