U.S. Central Command

🚫 CLAIM: Iran claims it fired warning shots at U.S. warships in the Gulf of Oman, forcing American vessels to “retreat” toward the Indian Ocean. FALSE. ✅TRUTH: Iranian forces did NOT attack or fire at U.S. Navy warships. Doing so would be a gross violation of the ceasefire. U.S. forces continue to operate freely in regional waters while fully enforcing the ongoing blockade against Iran. @U_S_CENTCOM

Maj. Christian Carter from the Massachusetts National Guard highlights land navigation training held this week at Regional Cooperation 26 in Montana. Military personnel from central and south Asian countries as well as National Guardsmen from 10 states are participating in the ongoing exercise to strengthen trust, interoperability and relationships. @U_S_CENTCOM

U.S. Army Central & Third Army Conducts Change of Command SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. — U.S. Army Central (ARCENT) and Third Army conducted a change of command ceremony June 4 in the Middle East, marking the transfer of leadership from Lt. Gen. Patrick Frank to Lt. Gen. Kevin Leahy. The change of command was symbolized through the traditional passing of the colors, representing the transfer of responsibility and trust between commanders. Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), presided over the ceremony and praised the accomplishments of ARCENT under Frank’s leadership. Cooper highlighted the organization’s role in theater defense, humanitarian assistance, logistics, communications, and joint force warfighting excellence in recent years. “Over the last 47 months in command, Lt. Gen. Frank has been an extraordinary Soldier, diplomat, warfighter, and transformational leader,” Cooper said. “The accomplishments of U.S. Army Central during this period will be remembered for years to come.” Frank took command of ARCENT in July 2022, making him the longest-serving commander in ARCENT history. He departs to assume the deputy commander role at CENTCOM. Cooper welcomed Lt. Gen. Leahy, citing his extensive operational experience, deep understanding of the region, and decades of leadership across the Army. Leahy arrives at ARCENT after temporarily serving as CENTCOM’s acting deputy commander. Cooper praised Leahy’s leadership and service to the CENTCOM mission and expressed confidence in his continued contributions as he assumes command of ARCENT. During his outgoing remarks, Frank thanked Soldiers, leaders, and families across the command for their commitment and sacrifice. He emphasized the importance of conducting the ceremony among deployed Soldiers actively supporting operations in the region. “There is no more fitting place to conduct a change of command than here in theater . . . surrounded by the Soldiers who are executing the mission every day,” Frank said. “I could not be more proud of what this team has accomplished.” ARCENT is the Army Service Component Command for CENTCOM and is responsible for all land-based operations, partnerships, and readiness in the Middle East and Central Asia. @U_S_CENTCOM

U.S. Space Forces Central, CENTCOM's space component, holds the ultimate high ground across the Middle East as America's warfighters execute missions in support of regional security and stability. Space Force has offensive and defensive capabilities ready to be employed 24/7. Lean more: 🔗 @U_S_CENTCOM

CENTCOM Disables Non-Compliant Vessel in Arabian Gulf TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. forces disabled an unladen oil tanker that was attempting to sail toward an Iranian port on the Arabian Gulf, June 2. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) enforced blockade measures against Botswana-flagged M/T Lexie as it transited international waters toward Kharg Island. The ship’s crew ignored repeated warnings, failing to comply with directions from U.S. forces multiple times over a 24-hour period. A U.S. aircraft ultimately disabled the vessel by firing a Hellfire missile into the ship’s engine room, preventing the tanker from reaching Iran. CENTCOM began implementing the blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports on April 13. U.S. forces have disabled six commercial vessels and redirected 122 as the ceasefire with Iran continues. @U_S_CENTCOM

Exercise Regional Cooperation 26 began at Fort Harrison, Montana, yesterday, with opening ceremonies and an obstacle course. Regional Cooperation is the largest CENTCOM training exercise with central and south Asian nations. @U_S_CENTCOM

U.S. Marines assigned to Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct fast rope training aboard USS Tripoli (LHA 7) in the Arabian Sea. @U_S_CENTCOM

U.S. Marines assigned to Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct fast rope training aboard USS Tripoli (LHA 7) in the Arabian Sea. 🔗 U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) 📲 @twittervid_bot

CENTCOM Hosts 30th Regional Cooperation Exercise TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) launched the 30th iteration of Exercise Regional Cooperation at Fort Harrison, Montana on June 1. Regional Cooperation, the largest CENTCOM training exercise with central and south Asian nations, originated in 1996 and is designed to enhance regional security, stability, and interoperability. "Training together for three decades represents a significant milestone and demonstrates longstanding trust and cooperation between the United States and our regional partners," said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander. "We share a common interest in training and preparing our forces for a wide range of contingencies. Over the next two weeks, more than 350 military personnel from 10 countries and 10 U.S. National Guard units will participate in integrated exercises designed improve tactical responses to conventional and unconventional security threats. The 11-day exercise will include command post, field training and cyber security scenarios that provide participants an opportunity to coordinate and train in a learning environment. "When we train and work together, we build relationships and make each other better," said Cooper. @U_S_CENTCOM

Thousands of U.S. service members at sea, in the skies, and from land are supporting the ongoing U.S. blockade against Iran. As of June 1, CENTCOM forces have redirected 121 commercial vessels and disabled 5 to ensure compliance. @U_S_CENTCOM

Last night at 11 p.m. ET, U.S. forces successfully intercepted two Iranian ballistic missiles targeting American forces based in Kuwait. These missiles were immediately defeated and no American personnel were harmed. U.S. Central Command remains vigilant and will continue to protect our forces from Iranian aggression while supporting the ongoing ceasefire. @U_S_CENTCOM

U.S. Defends, Disables Threats in Response to Iranian Aggression TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) conducted self-defense strikes on Iranian radar and command and control sites for drones in Goruk, Iran and Qeshm Island this weekend. The measured and deliberate strikes occurred on Saturday and Sunday in response to aggressive Iranian actions that included the shootdown of a U.S. MQ-1 drone that was operating over international waters. U.S. fighter aircraft swiftly responded by eliminating Iranian air defenses, a ground control station, and two one-way attack drones that posed clear threats to ships transiting regional waters. No American service members were harmed. CENTCOM will continue to protect U.S. assets and interests in response to unwarranted Iranian aggression during the ongoing ceasefire. @U_S_CENTCOM

Airmen deployed with U.S. Air Forces Central perform maintenance on an F-16 fighter jet at a base in the Middle East. @U_S_CENTCOM

U.S. Sailors guide an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter as it lands on the flight deck of USS Milius (DDG 69) during flight operations, May 29. Milius is supporting the U.S. blockade against Iran, which has redirected 118 commercial vessels and disabled 5 as of May 31. @U_S_CENTCOM

A U.S. Navy aircraft carrier is essentially a self-contained city at sea. Roughly three football fields long, with over 5,000 Sailors on board, it takes the whole team — both above and below deck — to keep operations running smoothly. @U_S_CENTCOM

Sustained flight operations aboard U.S. aircraft carriers and warships is no easy task. Skilled maintainers work around the clock to ensure aircraft are at peak readiness to support any mission. @U_S_CENTCOM

U.S. Forces Disable Non-Compliant Vessel in Gulf of Oman to Prevent Blockade Violation TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. forces operating in the Gulf of Oman enforced blockade measures by disabling a Gambia-flagged maritime vessel attempting to sail toward an Iranian port, May 29. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces observed M/V Lian Star transiting international waters toward an Iranian port on the Gulf of Oman and issued more than 20 warnings while informing the vessel it was in violation of the U.S. blockade. A U.S. aircraft disabled the vessel by firing a Hellfire missile into the ship’s engine room after Lian Star’s crew failed to comply. The ship is no longer transiting to Iran. U.S. forces have disabled five commercial vessels and redirected 116 to fully enforce the blockade as a ceasefire with Iran remains in effect. @U_S_CENTCOM

U.S. Sailors conduct night flight operations aboard USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). At night, highly skilled pilots are able to land on a small deck that is both pitching and rolling in near-total darkness. @U_S_CENTCOM

U.S. forces continue to enforce the blockade against Iran. As of May 29, 115 commercial vessels have been redirected to ensure no commerce enters or leaves Iranian ports. @U_S_CENTCOM