U. S. Navy Adm. Brad Cooper assumed leadership of U. S.
Central Command on August 8 in Tampa, Florida, following a CENTCOM change of command ceremony marking the retirement of Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla.
CENTCOM Change of Command in Tampa
Adm. Brad Cooper is the new commander of CENTCOM, which oversees U. S. military operations across 21 nations in the Middle East.
The official change of command and Gen Erik Kurilla retirement ceremony took place at CENTCOM headquarters. Cooper previously served as the command’s deputy commander.
Kurilla’s Tenure and Key Operations
Gen. Kurilla led CENTCOM since 2022, overseeing at least 15 major combined combat operations.
In his final months, he led operations targeting the Houthis in Yemen, known as Operation Rough Rider, and Iranian nuclear sites.
Details on Operation Midnight Hammer Iran
Operation Midnight Hammer struck Iran nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan in June. The mission involved over 125 U. S. aircraft, including B-2 stealth bombers.
A guided-missile submarine also launched more than two dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles at the Iranian targets.
Praise for Gen. Kurilla’s Service
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth called Kurilla “a bold, dynamic, and inspiring leader who strikes fear into the hearts of America’s enemies.” Hegseth added, “He’s a warrior through and through who always puts his country, mission, and troops first.“
During his career, Kurilla served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan between 2004 and 2014. He was wounded in a firefight in Mosul, Iraq, in 2005 and earned a Bronze Star with valor and two Purple Heart awards.
New US Military Middle East Leadership
The change in US military Middle East leadership puts Cooper in charge of a critical command. “U. S. Central Command and the entire joint force have performed exceptionally well under the leadership of Gen.
Kurilla, helping to bolster partnerships, increase lethality of U. S. forces, and defend Americans and civilians abroad,” Cooper stated.
In his new role, Cooper will lead the mission of enhancing regional security and stability. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead America’s sons and daughters as we support the important mission,” Cooper said.
