A Military On The Move: US Hardware Spotted Amid Iran Tensions
- By RFE/RL
As US forces gather in the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran, photographers have captured images of naval and air units on the move -- from Crete to the Azores, from Britain to Bulgaria.
1
Aircraft on the deck of the USS Gerald R. Ford in a port on the Greek island of Crete on February 24.
Washington is currently assembling one of its largest military forces in the Middle East since the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
Washington is currently assembling one of its largest military forces in the Middle East since the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
2
The Gerald R. Ford transiting the Strait of Gibraltar before its arrival in Crete.
3
Cattle graze in front of a row of US Air Force tankers used for aerial refueling.
The photo was taken on February 23 at the Lajes Air Base on the Azores archipelago, governed by Portugal.
The photo was taken on February 23 at the Lajes Air Base on the Azores archipelago, governed by Portugal.
4
A US military plane on the tarmac of the Lajes Air Base, used by the US and Portuguese air forces.
Increased US activity at Lajes has led to some debate within Portugal, where the government has said that American aircraft movements at the base do not require its authorization.
Increased US activity at Lajes has led to some debate within Portugal, where the government has said that American aircraft movements at the base do not require its authorization.
5
A US military jet lands at Britain's RAF Mildenhall air base in Suffolk on February 20.
6
US military planes seen on the tarmac of Sofia's international airport in Bulgaria on February 19.
7
A US Navy tanker photographed from the bridge of a destroyer in the Arabian Sea on February 18.
8
Iran and Russia have released several images in recent days showing joint naval exercises. This February 17 image shows a missile being launched from an Iranian vessel off the coast of southern Iran.
