A military exercise in the Persian Gulf brought together U.S. naval and air assets in a live-fire operation that highlighted integration across different forces.
The littoral combat ship USS Santa Barbara, an Independence-class vessel, conducted surface artillery firing with support from A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft of the U.S. Air Force in an activity led by the U.S. Central Command.
Named “Exercise Killer Tomato,” the training focused on improving naval artillery accuracy and enhancing coordination between air and maritime platforms in a realistic operational scenario. Images released by the Navy show an A-10 providing close air support to the ship during the activity, demonstrating the joint operational capability in combat missions.
The USS Santa Barbara is currently assigned to the U.S. 5th Fleet, responsible for maritime security operations in the Gulf and strategic areas of the Middle East. During its deployment, the ship also participated in technology demonstrations, including the experimental sea launch of a low-cost unmanned attack drone — a regional milestone achieved in December 2025.
Designed to operate in contested coastal environments, the ship combines high speed, long range, and modular architecture. Equipped with a Sea Giraffe 3D radar, electro-optical systems, and armaments such as a 57 mm gun and the SeaRAM missile system, the Santa Barbara exemplifies the versatility of the Independence class in extended patrols, rapid response, and short-range defense in complex scenarios.
Source: UK Defence Journal | Photo: X @US5thFleet | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
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
