An official website of the United States government

Here's how you know

Official websites use .mil

A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.

Secure .mil websites use HTTPS

A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

U.S. Air Forces Central

Vipers patrol the sky, roar AFCENT deterrence

U.S Air Force Airman 1st Class Michael Tobat, a crew chief with the 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, looks on as a U.S. Air Force F-16 “Viper” Fighting Falcon pilot assigned to the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron prepares to takeoff at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Feb. 24, 2020. The F-16 is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft that delivers war-winning airpower to the USCENTCOM area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Pick)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Vipers patrol the sky, roar AFCENT deterrence

U.S Air Force Airman 1st Class Michael Tobat, a crew chief with the 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, looks on as Airmen marshal U.S. Air Force F-16 “Viper” Fighting Falcons assigned to the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Feb. 24, 2020. The F-16 is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft that delivers war-winning airpower to the USCENTCOM area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Pick)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Vipers patrol the sky, roar AFCENT deterrence

U.S Air Force Airman 1st Class Michael Tobat, a crew chief with the 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, marshals a U.S. Air Force F-16 “Viper” Fighting Falcon assigned to the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Feb. 24, 2020. The F-16 is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft that delivers war-winning airpower to the USCENTCOM area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Pick)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Vipers patrol the sky, roar AFCENT deterrence

U.S Air Force Airman 1st Class Michael Tobat, a crew chief with the 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, marshals a U.S. Air Force F-16 “Viper” Fighting Falcon assigned to the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Feb. 24, 2020. The F-16 is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft that delivers war-winning airpower to the USCENTCOM area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Pick)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Vipers patrol the sky, roar AFCENT deterrence

U.S Air Force Airman 1st Class Michael Tobat, left, and U.S Air Force Staff Sgt. David Williams, crew chiefs with the 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, prepare to marshal a U.S. Air Force F-16 “Viper” Fighting Falcon assigned to the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Feb. 24, 2020. The 380th EAMXS is responsible for maintaining and repairing the F-16 fleet, ensuring war-winning airpower is delivered at a moment’s notice throughout the USCENTCOM area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Pick)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Vipers patrol the sky, roar AFCENT deterrence

A U.S. Air Force F-16 “Viper” Fighting Falcon pilot assigned to the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron waits to takeoff at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Feb. 24, 2020. The F-16 is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft that delivers war-winning airpower to the USCENTCOM area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Pick)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Vipers patrol the sky, roar AFCENT deterrence

U.S Air Force Airman 1st Class Michael Tobat, a crew chief with the 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, waits to marshal a U.S. Air Force F-16 “Viper” Fighting Falcon assigned to the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Feb. 24, 2020. The F-16 is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft that delivers war-winning airpower to the USCENTCOM area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Pick)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Vipers patrol the sky, roar AFCENT deterrence

A U.S. Air Force Airman with the 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron removes chalks from under a U.S. Air Force F-16 “Viper” Fighting Falcons assigned to the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Feb. 24, 2020. The 380th EAMXS is responsible for maintaining and repairing the F-16 fleet, ensuring war-winning airpower is delivered at a moment’s notice throughout the USCENTCOM area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Pick)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Vipers patrol the sky, roar AFCENT deterrence

A U.S. Air Force F-16 “Viper” Fighting Falcon pilot assigned to the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron looks on as a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker takes off at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Feb. 24, 2020. The KC-135 delivers U.S. Air Forces Central Command a global reach aerial refueling capability to support our joint and coalition aircraft, providing war-winning airpower throughout the USCENTCOM area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Pick)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Vipers patrol the sky, roar AFCENT deterrence

A U.S. Air Force F-16 “Viper” Fighting Falcon assigned to the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron rests on the flightline at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Feb. 24, 2020. The F-16 is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft that delivers war-winning airpower to the USCENTCOM area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Pick)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Vipers patrol the sky, roar AFCENT deterrence

U.S Air Force Airman 1st Class Michael Tobat, a crew chief with the 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, conducts preflight inspections of a U.S. Air Force F-16 “Viper” Fighting Falcon assigned to the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Feb. 24, 2020. The F-16 is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft that delivers war-winning airpower to the USCENTCOM area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Pick)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Vipers patrol the sky, roar AFCENT deterrence

U.S Air Force Senior Airman Steven Kuethe, a crew chief with the 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, waits to marshal a U.S. Air Force F-16 “Viper” Fighting Falcon assigned to the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Feb. 24, 2020. The F-16 is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft that delivers war-winning airpower to the USCENTCOM area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Pick)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Vipers patrol the sky, roar AFCENT deterrence

A U.S. Air Force F-16 “Viper” Fighting Falcon pilot assigned to the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron waits to takeoff at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Feb. 24, 2020. The F-16 is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft that delivers war-winning airpower to the USCENTCOM area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Pick)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Vipers patrol the sky, roar AFCENT deterrence

U.S. Air Force Airmen with the 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron wait to marshal U.S. Air Force F-16 “Viper” Fighting Falcons assigned to the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Feb. 24, 2020. The 380th EAMXS is responsible for maintaining and repairing the F-16 fleet, ensuring war-winning airpower is delivered at a moment’s notice throughout the USCENTCOM area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Pick)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Vipers patrol the sky, roar AFCENT deterrence

A U.S. Air Force F-16 “Viper” Fighting Falcon pilot assigned to the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron waits to takeoff at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Feb. 24, 2020. The F-16 is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft that delivers war-winning airpower to the USCENTCOM area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Pick)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Vipers patrol the sky, roar AFCENT deterrence

A U.S. Air Force F-16 “Viper” Fighting Falcon pilot assigned to the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron waits to takeoff at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Feb. 24, 2020. The F-16 is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft that delivers war-winning airpower to the USCENTCOM area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Pick)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Vipers patrol the sky, roar AFCENT deterrence

U.S. Air Force F-16 “Viper” Fighting Falcon pilots assigned to the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron wait to takeoff at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Feb. 24, 2020. The F-16 is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft that delivers war-winning airpower to the USCENTCOM area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Pick)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Vipers patrol the sky, roar AFCENT deterrence

U.S Air Force Senior Airman Steven Kuethe, center, a crew chief with the 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, waits to marshal a U.S. Air Force F-16 “Viper” Fighting Falcon assigned to the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Feb. 24, 2020. The F-16 is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft that delivers war-winning airpower to the USCENTCOM area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Pick)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Vipers patrol the sky, roar AFCENT deterrence

U.S Air Force Staff Sgts. Nathan Stokes, left, and U.S Air Force Staff Sgt. David Williams, crew chiefs with the 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, wait to marshal a U.S. Air Force F-16 “Viper” Fighting Falcon assigned to the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Feb. 24, 2020. The F-16 is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft that delivers war-winning airpower to the USCENTCOM area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Pick)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Vipers patrol the sky, roar AFCENT deterrence

U.S. Air Force Airmen with the 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron regroup after launching a U.S. Air Force F-16 “Viper” Fighting Falcon at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Feb. 23, 2020. The 380th EAMXS is responsible for maintaining and repairing the F-16 fleet, ensuring war-winning airpower is delivered at a moment’s notice throughout the USCENTCOM area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Pick)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Vipers patrol the sky, roar AFCENT deterrence

U.S Air Force Staff Sgt. David Williams, a crew chief with the 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, guides a vehicle operator at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Feb. 23, 2020. The 380th EAMXS is responsible for maintaining and repairing the F-16 fleet, ensuring war-winning airpower is delivered at a moment’s notice throughout the USCENTCOM area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Pick)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Vipers patrol the sky, roar AFCENT deterrence

A U.S. Air Force crew chief with the 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron prepares to marshal U.S. Air Force Capt. Nomad D’Agostino, an F-16 “Viper” Fighting Falcon pilot with the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Feb. 23, 2020. The F-16 is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft that delivers war-winning airpower to the USCENTCOM area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Pick)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Vipers patrol the sky, roar AFCENT deterrence

U.S. Air Force Airmen with the 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron perform maintenance on a U.S. Air Force F-16 “Viper” Fighting Falcon at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Feb. 23, 2020. The 380th EAMXS is responsible for maintaining and repairing the F-16 fleet, ensuring war-winning airpower is delivered at a moment’s notice throughout the USCENTCOM area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Pick)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Vipers patrol the sky, roar AFCENT deterrence

A U.S. Air Force crew chief with the 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron marshals U.S. Air Force Capt. Nomad D’Agostino, an F-16 “Viper” Fighting Falcon pilot with the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Feb. 23, 2020. The F-16 is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft that delivers war-winning airpower to the USCENTCOM area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Pick)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Vipers patrol the sky, roar AFCENT deterrence

A U.S. Air Force Airman with the 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron performs maintenance on the head-up display of a U.S. Air Force F-16 “Viper” Fighting Falcon at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Feb. 23, 2020. The 380th EAMXS is responsible for maintaining and repairing the F-16 fleet, ensuring war-winning airpower is delivered at a moment’s notice throughout the USCENTCOM area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Pick)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

Vipers patrol the sky, roar AFCENT deterrence

Published Feb. 24, 2020
By Staff Sgt. Joseph Pick
U.S. Air Forces Central Command

UNDISCLOSED LOCATION -- U.S Air Force Airman 1st Class Michael Tobat, a crew chief with the 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, looks on as a U.S. Air Force F-16 “Viper” Fighting Falcon pilot assigned to the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron prepares to takeoff at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Feb. 24, 2020. The F-16 is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft that delivers war-winning airpower to the USCENTCOM area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Pick)