US Navy

Behind enemy lines: How US Air Force's well-oiled rescue machine operates

Since Vietnam, the US has successfully rescued thousands of downed aircrew members in hostile territory, including in Iraq and Bosnia, thanks to special helicopter models and pilot survival kits.

US Air Force crew work on a Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Hercules before take-off from RAF Fairford on March 18, 2026 in Fairford, England.
The USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier sails in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Norfolk, Virginia, on October 4, 2025.

USS George H.W. Bush deploys to Middle East, third US aircraft carrier to join war

The USS Boxer departs from Naval Base San Diego, March 18, 2026.

At least three US vessels depart San Diego, en route to Middle East, source tells 'Post'

US Sailors signal the launch of an F/A-18E Super Hornet aircraft, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron 37, from the flight deck of the world’s largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), while operating in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea in support of Operation Epic Fury, March 2, 2026.

USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier to dock for repairs after 30-hour fire on board


Lockheed Martin successfully tests AI-powered combat target identification system on F-35

Lockheed Martin's revolution will use AI to summarize data for targeting purposes, used in F-35 jets, where, until now, advances in combat identification have merely brought more data to pilots.

Unveiling of the new F-35 during a rollout ceremony of F-35 fighter jets ordered by Finland at the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics facility in Fort Worth, Texas, US December 16, 2025.

USS Gerald R. Ford expected to dock in Haifa as US sends cargo, refueling aircraft to Israel

The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, is set to dock in Haifa as part of US reinforcements in the Middle East, amid rising tensions with Iran.

In this handout provided by the U.S. Navy, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), F/A-18E/F Super Hornets assigned to Strike Fighter Squadrons 31, 37, 87, and 213 from embarked Carrier Air Wing Eight, and a U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress operate as a joint, multi-domain force, November 13, 2025.

Trump considers limited strike on Iran, most air power since 2003 arrives in Middle East - WSJ

A smaller attack on Iran would target a few military or government sites, designed to be small enough not to provoke major retaliation and force Iran to agree to a deal favorable to the US. 

US President Donald Trump makes a fist at the end of an event during a visit to Coosa Steel Corporation, in Rome, Georgia, US, February 19, 2026.

Middle East nations cautious as US military presence grows near Iran - analysis

US moves Air Force and naval assets to the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran, while regional allies remain largely silent and take a cautious, wait-and-see approach.

The world's largest aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford seen in the North Sea during NATO Neptune Strike 2025 exercise on September 24, 2025 in the North Sea.

Khamenei's threat: Iran can hit US Navy so hard it 'cannot get up again'

Iran’s supreme leader threatened US military power, rejected limits on Iran’s missile program, and criticized Washington after US aircraft carriers were sent to the region.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei waves during a meeting in Tehran, Iran, February 17, 2026.

Trump advocates regime change in Iran, new peace talks planned for Tuesday

When asked for comment on sending another aircraft carrier in addition to the one currently in the region on Friday responded that "in case we don't make a deal, we'll need it."

FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 13: US President Donald Trump boards Air Force One at Pope Army Airfield after a visit to the Fort Bragg U.S. Army base on February 13, 2026 in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Trump visited the base to honor special forces.

US warship, Navy supply vessel collide during refueling in waters near South America - WSJ

The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Truxtun and the Supply-class fast combat support ship USNS Supply collided during a replenishment-at-sea, causing minor injuries to two people, the WSJ said.

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) sails alongside the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

US seeks to prevent further Iranian harrasment of ships in Gulf - analysis

Iranian harassment of US ships prompts military reaction, increasing already-strained tensions between the two countries.

An F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41, prepares to make an arrested landing on the flight deck of the US Navy Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Pacific Ocean August 10, 2024.

Israel Navy conducts joint exercise with US destroyer amid tensions with Iran

"The arrival of the destroyer at this port highlights the close cooperation between the two navies and the respective militaries," the IDF declared in its statement.

SOLDIERS WATCH as a US destroyer conducts an operation with the Israeli Navy.

US warns IRGC against 'escalatory behavior' in international waters

CENTCOM's statement, while acknowledging "Iran’s right to operate professionally in international airspace and waters," warned against any unsafe or threatening behaviors during the exercise.

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) sails alongside the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.