Defense Secretary to Visit MacDill as Iran War Rages

Hegseth to meet with CENTCOM commander for updates on Operation Epic Fury

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is scheduled to visit U.S. Central Command headquarters at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa on Thursday. The visit comes as the U.S. and Israel continue their military campaign, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, targeting Iran's military capabilities. Hegseth will meet with CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper for updates on the operation, which has involved over 2,000 airstrikes in the first four days.

Why it matters

MacDill Air Force Base is home to U.S. Central Command, the military command overseeing operations in the Middle East. Hegseth's visit highlights the central role Tampa is playing in directing the conflict with Iran, which could have significant implications for regional security dynamics.

The details

The Defense Department says U.S. and partner forces launched Operation Epic Fury on Feb. 28 to dismantle what it describes as the Iranian regime's security apparatus, focusing on sites that posed an imminent threat. In the first four days, more than 2,000 strikes were carried out using over 2,000 precision munitions launched from air, land and sea. The strikes have targeted Iran's ballistic missile capabilities and naval forces. On Wednesday, the Trump administration revealed that a U.S. submarine fired a torpedo that sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean.

  • Operation Epic Fury was launched on Feb. 28, 2026.
  • In the first four days of the operation, over 2,000 strikes were carried out.
  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is scheduled to visit MacDill Air Force Base on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

The players

Pete Hegseth

The U.S. Defense Secretary who is scheduled to visit MacDill Air Force Base.

Admiral Brad Cooper

The Commander of U.S. Central Command, which is headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who has warned that additional American casualties are possible and that the conflict with Iran could last months.

General Dan Caine

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff who said U.S. service members "remain in harm's way" and that the risk level remains high.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.