F-35A Lightning II arrive in the USCENTCOM area of responsibility

Credit: Staff Sgt. Christopher Sommers | Date Taken: 07/25/2023
U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron arrive in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility July 25, 2023. The Secretary of Defense approved forces comprising F-35s, F-16s, and the guided missile destroyer the U.S.S. Thomas Hudner (DDG-116) to enter into the region. The F-35’s arrival demonstrates the U.S. commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation and deterring Iranian destabilization activities in the region, and is in response to recent attempts by Iran to threaten the free flow of commerce in the Strait of Hormuz. (U.S. Air Force video by Staff Sgt. Christopher Sommers)