Operation Epic Fury: America’s Largest Military Campaign in Two Decades

In early 2026, the United States launched Operation Epic Fury, a joint strike campaign with Israel targeting Iran’s missile and naval infrastructure — marking the largest American military buildup in the Middle East since 2003.

Across six active theaters — Somalia, Yemen, Iraq, Syria, the Caribbean, and Iran — U.S. forces are operating at a tempo unseen since the post‑9/11 era. Two carrier strike groups, led by the USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln, now patrol the Arabian Sea. Over 300 U.S. aircraft, including 12 F‑22 Raptors deployed to Israeli soil for the first time in history, support the campaign.

Iran retaliated with ballistic missile strikes on U.S. bases across seven countries, escalating tensions and drawing global attention to the precision and scale of American response.

⚔️ The Mission

According to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, the goal is clear:

“Destroy Iranian offensive missiles, destroy their navy, and ensure they never possess nuclear weapons.”

The operation follows Operation Midnight Hammer (June 2025), when seven B‑2 Spirit stealth bombers flew from Whiteman AFB, Missouri, dropping 14 GBU‑57 bunker‑buster bombs on Iran’s nuclear facilities — the largest B‑2 strike in U.S. history.

🇺🇸 The Human Side

Behind the headlines are thousands of American service members sustaining the mission.

• Sailors aboard the USS Mitscher returned to Norfolk after an 11‑month deployment.

• The Maine Air National Guard moved 747,000 pounds of cargo and 312 personnel to support Epic Fury.

• Special Operations Forces continue precision missions across the region, adapting to evolving threats.

🏁 What It Means for America

Operation Epic Fury underscores the enduring reach of U.S. military power — and the resilience of those who serve. It’s a reminder that while politics shift, the American warrior remains constant: disciplined, decisive, and ready.