US Central Command Air Forces executed a close air support mission for coalition forces in contact with anti-Iraqi forces in the vicinity of Balad, Iraq. On Dec. 20, USAF F-16s strafed an enemy location and fired precision guided munitions, while US Navy F-14s strafed anti-Iraqi forces setting up an improvised explosive device.
The Air Force is requesting about $141 million for initial enlistment bonuses in its fiscal 2026 budget, while Space Force wants $13 million.