This gallery highlights U.S. Air Force assets and equipment operating under Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) that play a vital role in securing the United States Central Command 20-nation area of responsibility. A diverse fleet of advanced aircraft — including multi-role fighters, heavy airlifters, aerial refuelers, and sophisticated intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platforms — stay ready to deliver decisive airpower, rapid mobility, and constant vigilance. Supporting these aerial assets are extensive, strategically positioned equipment programs and war reserve materiel stockpiles maintained across regional sites, ensuring the immediate availability of parts, munitions, and ground support to sustain continuous rapid-response operations and deter aggression throughout Southwest Asia.
Official Air Force symbols are protected by trademark licensing laws. For more information, see our Air Force Intellectual Property Management website.
Iron in Action
A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft approaches the boom of a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility June 30, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt Tiffany A. Emery)
PHOTO BY:
Tech. Sgt. Tiffany Emery
VIRIN:
260630-F-UV276-1066.JPG
FULL SIZE:
5.18 MB
CAMERA
NIKON Z 8
LENS
NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S
APERTURE
13
SHUTTERSPEED
1/400
ISO
320
No camera details available.
IMAGE IS PUBLIC DOMAIN
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Further, any commercial or non-commercial use of this photograph or any other
DoD image must be made in compliance with guidance found at
https://www.dma.mil/Services/Visual-Information/References/Limitations/,
which pertains to intellectual property restrictions (e.g., copyright and
trademark, including the use of official emblems, insignia, names and slogans), warnings
regarding use of images of identifiable personnel, appearance of endorsement, and related matters.