Tensions with Iran Rise, Saudi Arabia Gets 'Silver Eagles' Help from U.S.

The military power of the United States (US) has quite an influence on global events that have occurred recently. Late last year, the US sent its air forces in an effort to increase troops in Saudi Arabia.

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115, also known as the 'Silver Eagles', deployed F/A-18C/D Hornets to Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.

This came in late December to increase the presence of US Central Command (CENTCOM) in the region. Defense Visual Information Distribution Services (DVIDS) released deployment images on January 4, 2022.

According to Eurasian Times on January 6, 2022, Lieutenant Colonel Tim Miller, commander of VMFA-115 said, "strategically from this location, we are increasing the flexibility of the Combined Forces Air Component Commander and available assets to move smoothly around the theater".

He went on to say that the deployment would provide long and short range attack and air defense capabilities.

As well as strengthening the credible fighting force they hope to have in collaboration with US partners and allies to further stabilize the area.

The arrival of VMFA-115 will be critical to strengthening global security and regional operational capacity. The US had deployed F-18 fighter jets to the same air base in early 2021.

The latest deployment is assigned to the Air Force's 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, which was formed in November 2019 as part of a wider US military expansion in Saudi Arabia.

The commander of the 378th Expeditionary Operations Group, Colonel Jason Smith, said this sent a clear and unequivocal message to the region.

He also added that the US commitment to Middle East peace and stability is unwavering and they stand ready to protect it, if necessary. The 'Silver Eagles' have been completely involved in daily activities.

The VMFA-115 combat aircraft deployed to the Saudi airbase are a combination of single-seat and dual-seat F/A-18C and F/A-18D models.

Keep in mind, the purpose of the US stationing its troops in Saudi Arabia is to prevent future Iranian attacks.

Previously, Iran was believed to have carried out missile and drone attacks on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia in September 2019, which resulted in a halt in oil production and endangered world supplies.

The US and Saudi Arabia have blamed Iran for the incident, although Tehran has vehemently denied this.