US navy, air force conduct joint live-fire drills

U.S. Navy sailors assigned to the USS Santa Barbara (LCS 32) took part last week in a live-fire maritime gunnery exercise led by U.S. Air Forces Central Command, according to U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and the U.S. Fifth Fleet.

The exercise, known as Killer Tomato, was conducted in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility and involved coordinated operations between naval surface forces and U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft, Caliber.Az reports. 

Last week, @USNavy Sailors from USS Santa Barbara (LCS 32) participated in the @USAFCENT-led exercise Killer Tomato, a live-fire maritime gunnery exercise conducted in the @CENTCOM area or responsibility and supported by @usairforce A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft. The exercise… pic.twitter.com/esO5BtCMKT

— U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet (@US5thFleet) February 8, 2026

Officials said the drills were designed to enhance surface gunnery skills, strengthen joint air-maritime coordination, and improve overall combat readiness.

U.S. military leaders said the exercise also aimed to reinforce regional deterrence and interoperability among joint forces operating in the region.

By Sabina Mammadli