U.S. Central Command announced on Thursday that American forces remain forward-deployed and ready across the Middle East, including Air Force assets operating in the region.
The command stated that U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons are conducting readiness flights in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.
US forces are forward and ready across the Middle East, including America’s Air Force. US Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons conduct a readiness flight in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility
U.S. Central Command
The announcement comes amid ongoing military operations in the region, with approximately 50,000 U.S. Troops having been involved in operations since the beginning of the conflict on February 28, 2026.
Additional deployments are underway, including about 6,000 troops aboard the USS George HW Bush and its escort ships, and approximately 4,200 other troops from the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit expected to arrive by the end of April 2026.
The United States is sending thousands of additional troops to the Middle East before the end of April as Washington tries to increase pressure on Iran
The Washington Post, via Al Jazeera
With the arrival of the USS George HW Bush, the number of U.S. Aircraft carriers in the region will reach three, joining the USS Abraham Lincoln and the USS Gerald Ford, which are already operating in the Middle East and have participated in fighting against Iran.
The USS Abraham Lincoln and the USS Gerald Ford are in the Middle East and participated in the fighting against Iran
Al Jazeera
U.S. Forces are maintaining a naval blockade that has cut off maritime trade with Iran, according to Pentagon reports cited in regional media.
No ships ‘make it past US blockade’ in Hormuz strait in first day: Pentagon
Al Jazeera
The buildup includes forces from multiple branches of the U.S. Military, such as Carrier Strike Groups 3, 10, and 12, Naval Special Warfare Development Group, Army divisions including the 82nd and 101st Airborne, 10th Mountain Division, and Marine Expeditionary Units.
U.S. Central Command emphasized that American forces remain in a high state of readiness and are adjusting tactics during the ongoing ceasefire with Iran.