Category: US Central Command

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

April 15, 2024
Release Number 20240415-02
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – At approximately 7:00 p.m. (Sanaa time) April 13, Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists launched one anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) toward the Gulf of Aden from a Houthi controlled area in Yemen. There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition, or commercial ships.

Then between 4:00 a.m. and 9:15 p.m. (Sanaa time) April 14, CENTCOM forces successfully destroyed four uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen in self-defense.

It was determined the UAVs presented an imminent threat to U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels in the region.

These actions are taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S, coalition, and merchant vessels.

 

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Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

April 14, 2024

Release Number 20240414 – 01

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – On April 13 and the morning of April 14, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces, supported by U.S. European Command destroyers, successfully engaged and destroyed more than 80 one-way attack uncrewed aerial vehicles (OWA UAV) and at least six ballistic missiles intended to strike Israel from Iran and Yemen.

This includes a ballistic missile on its launcher vehicle and seven UAVs destroyed on the ground in Iranian-backed Houthi controlled areas of Yemen prior to their launch.

Iran’s continued unprecedented, malign, and reckless behavior endangers regional stability and the safety of U.S. and coalition forces.

CENTCOM remains postured to support Israel’s defense against these dangerous actions by Iran. We will continue to work with all our regional partners to increase regional security.

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

April 11, 2024

Release Number 20240411 – 02 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – At approximately 1:00 p.m. (Sanaa time) on April 11, United States Central Command (CENTCOM) forces successfully engaged and destroyed one anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) launched over the Red Sea from Iranian-backed Houthi terrorist-controlled areas in Yemen.

There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition, or commercial ships.

It was determined the ASBM presented an imminent threat to U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels in the region. These actions are taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels.

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

April 11, 2024

Release Number 20240411 – 01 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – U.S. Central Command conducted an air drop of humanitarian assistance into Northern Gaza on April 11, 2024, at 12:26 p.m. (Gaza time) to provide essential relief to civilians affected by the ongoing conflict.

The joint operation included one C-130 U.S. Air Force aircraft, and U.S. Army Soldiers specialized in aerial delivery of U.S humanitarian assistance supplies.

The U.S. C-130 dropped approximately 6,000 pounds of food into Northern Gaza, an area of great need, allowing for civilian access to the critical aid.

To date the U.S. has dropped approximately 855 tons of humanitarian assistance supplies. The DoD humanitarian airdrops contribute to ongoing U.S. and partner-nation government efforts to alleviate human suffering. These airdrops are part of a sustained effort, and we continue to plan follow-on aerial deliveries.

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

April 10, 2024

Release Number 20240410 – 02 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – Between approximately 4:15 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. (Sanaa time) on April 10, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully engaged three unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. Two UAVs were launched over the Gulf of Aden and one UAV was launched over the Red Sea. There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition, or commercial ships.

Then between approximately 7:50 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. (Sanaa time), USCENTCOM forces successfully engaged and destroyed eight UAVs in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen in self-defense.

It was determined the UAVs presented an imminent threat to U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels in the region. These actions are taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels.

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

April 10, 2024

Release Number 20240410 – 01 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – U.S. Central Command conducted an air drop of humanitarian assistance into Northern Gaza on April 10, 2024, at 1:08 p.m. (Gaza time) to provide essential relief to civilians affected by the ongoing conflict.

The joint operation included four C-130 U.S. Air Force aircraft, and U.S. Army Soldiers specialized in aerial delivery of U.S humanitarian assistance supplies.

The U.S. C-130s dropped over 50,680 U.S. meal equivalents into Northern Gaza, an area of great need, allowing for civilian access to the critical aid. To date the U.S. has dropped approximately 852 tons of humanitarian assistance supplies.

During today’s mission, one of the bundles landed in the shallow water near shore. USCENTCOM does not assess civilian harm or damage to infrastructure at this time but continues to monitor the situation.

The DoD humanitarian airdrops contribute to ongoing U.S. and partner-nation government efforts to alleviate human suffering. These airdrops are part of a sustained effort, and we continue to plan follow-on aerial deliveries.

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

UNDISCLOSED LOCATION  –  

U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility – The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing held an activation ceremony for the 379th Expeditionary Air Base Group, Apr. 2, 2024.

The ceremony marked the merger of the 379th AEW’s medical, maintenance, operations and mission support groups into one cohesive support team.

“Today we activated our EABG to be led initially by Col. David Mays – until a few weeks from now when we receive another exceptional leader from the new AFFORGEN model,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Douglas Jackson, 379th AEW commander. “The faces will change, but the values we have championed and the culture we have cultivated will endure.”

Mays, the former EMSG commander, worked alongside each of the four group commanders to develop a system that would maintain wing operations while simultaneously preparing to relinquish command.

“Just under a year ago, these leaders came together to create an unbreakable bond,” said Jackson. “Their challenge was a herculean one: lead Airmen in a combat zone in the Air Force’s most indispensable wing while simultaneously charting the path that will eventually conclude with your positions and your organizations being off ramped.”

The change came as a result of the new Air Force Force Generation Model (AFFORGEN), a revamped deployment system designed to provide predictability for Airmen, and enhance capability for the units deploying.

“As the new era of AFFORGEN takes effect,” said Mays. “I look forward to the challenges and successes of the new EABG and the continued success of the 379th AEW as we continue to generate combat airpower.”

The merger was the first in a series of modernizing procedures brought on by AFFORGEN directed towards regaining readiness for the high-end fight. The 379th AEW’s eagerness to embrace change serves as a symbol for the future of Air Force deployed operations.

“Like the intrepid Airmen who 80 years ago first painted that triangle ‘K’ on the tail of aircraft, used to defeat Nazism, members of the Grand Slam wing will continue to win, develop, campaign and build,” said Jackson.

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

New leadership took command of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing during a change of command and change of responsibility ceremony April 1, 2024, at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Col. Ronald L. Selvidge Jr. assumed command of the wing from Brig. Gen. Terence G. Taylor, outgoing 380th AEW commander. Chief Master Sgt. J. Stacy Cutshaw also took responsibility as the wing’s new command chief, replacing Command Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Murphy.

“I have been waiting for this day; I have been anticipating it. I am excited about the new challenge,” said Selvidge.

Prior to taking command, Selvidge served as the deputy commander of the 134th Air Refueling Wing, McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Tennessee. Cutshaw was the command chief master sergeant of the 134th ARW.

As Selvidge addressed the 380th AEW, he expressed a desire to speak from the heart.

“I like to speak about the things that I think are foundational to our success overall,” he said. “We have big priorities; we have big missions, but those are all done by people here. We don’t succeed because of the shield or our patch that says 380th Air Expeditionary Wing. We succeed because the people behind that patch and behind that shield are doing exceptional jobs at every level.”

“Attitude and effort, for me, are the foundation of solid, incredible service,” he continued. “I think we are fully in control of those each and every day, and I hope you will join me in that.”

A change of command ceremony not only gives a new commander the opportunity to set their vision for their team, but it also allows departing commanders to bid farewell to those they have led.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better team here over the past year,” Taylor said. “The pride I feel of having had the opportunity to lead here is unparalleled. And, as we change command here today, my advice to you is simple: continue to lean in, push forward, and as the C-Staff [Chief of Staff of the Air Force] has said, follow through.”

The change of command and change of responsibility ceremony is deeply rooted in military tradition. The change of command allows subordinates to witness the formal transfer of total authority from one officer to another. While the change of responsibility displays the passing of the Command’s Colors to the new custodian – the command chief, who is the senior enlisted leader of the wing.

Although a change of command and change of responsibility ceremony are not normally combined, the shared event is indicative of how the U.S. Air Force has modified its rotational deployment model to deploy as teams.

The senior enlisted leaders joined their commanders in words of appreciation and praise.

“You are the pulse and strength of this wing,” said Murphy, out-going command chief. “You should be proud and appreciate the work you and your teammates have done to deliver airpower, to defend this region and to develop those critical partnerships with our allies and partners in the region.”

The new command chief echoed the same feelings.

“To the outgoing Airmen, I want to say job well done,” said Cutshaw. “Through adversities and challenges, you all have improved the wing. You have made relationships, and above all, you have continued the mission. I want you to take that home. Have pride in your time here.”

“To the incoming team, what an opportunity that we’ve been left with,” he continued. “The outgoing team has set us up for success. I know we will have challenges moving forward; there will be struggles, but I’m confident in our skill-set, our teamwork and innovation that we will be successful.”

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

April 9, 2024

Release Number 20240409 – 02 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – U.S. Central Command conducted an air drop of humanitarian assistance into Northern Gaza on April 9, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. (Gaza time) to provide essential relief to civilians affected by the ongoing conflict.

The joint operation included four C-130 U.S. Air Force aircraft, and U.S. Army Soldiers specialized in aerial delivery of U.S. humanitarian assistance supplies.

The U.S. C-130s dropped over 50,600 U.S. meal equivalents into Northern Gaza, an area of great need, allowing for civilian access to the critical aid. To date the U.S. has dropped approximately 797 tons of humanitarian assistance supplies.

The DoD humanitarian airdrops contribute to ongoing U.S. and partner-nation government efforts to alleviate human suffering. These airdrops are part of a sustained effort, and we continue to plan follow-on aerial deliveries.

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

April 9, 2024

Release Number 20240409 – 01 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – At approximately 3:00 a.m. (Sanaa time) on April 9, USS Mason (DDG 87) and United States Central Command (CENTCOM) forces successfully engaged and destroyed one inbound anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) launched by Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists from Yemen over the Gulf of Aden.

The ASBM was likely targeting the MV Yorktown, a U.S.-flagged, U.S.-owned vessel being escorted by a U.S. warship USS Laboon (DDG 58) and USS Mason (DDG 87). There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition, or commercial ships.

It was determined the ABSM presented an imminent threat to U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels in the region. These actions are taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S, coalition, and merchant vessels.