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.
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
