UNDISCLOSED LOCATION, Southwest Asia -- U. S. Air Force F-15C Eagles, F-35A Lightning IIs and B-52H Stratofortress aircraft flew deterrence missions in the U.S. Air Forces Central Command area of responsibility, supporting U.S. and Coalition aircraft in various operations conducted in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan.
The missions were refueled by KC-135 Stratotankers from the 28th Expeditionary Aerial Refueling Squadron.
The 28th EARS supports the constant Combat Air Force presence in the AFCENT AOR.
F-35As, deployed from Hill Air Force Base, Utah to the Combined Forces Air Component team in AFCENT. This marks the F-35A’s third deployment and first to the CENTCOM AOR. In preparation for deployment, crews prepared and trained on the aircraft for the AFCENT mission.
The U.S. B-52H Stratofortress aircraft are assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia. The B-52H offers a diverse capability including the delivery of precision weapons in support of the U.S. Air Forces Central Command mission to provide security and stability in the region. This was the first mission of the Bomber Task Force deployed to U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to defend American forces and interests in the region.
An Airman piloting an F-35A Lightning II receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 28th Expeditionary Aerial Refueling Squadron, May 12, 2019, at an undisclosed location. The 28th EARS maintains constant presence in the U.S. Air Forces Central Command area of responsibility, supporting U.S. and Coalition aircraft in various operations conducted in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Keifer Bowes)