Gen. Kurilla hands CENTCOM leadership to Adm. Cooper after Iran strikes
Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla, the military officer who led the execution of the Iran strikes in June, has officially retired from military service after three years of commanding U.S. troops in the Middle East. Kurilla, a West Point graduate, took over as commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) in 2022 and supervised the planning and execution of numerous major combined combat operations during his tenure.
One of Kurilla’s final operations was Operation Midnight Hammer, which targeted Iranian nuclear facilities Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. The operation involved over 125 U.S. aircraft, including B-2 stealth bombers, and a guided-missile submarine that launched Tomahawk cruise missiles at key Iranian targets. Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, praised Kurilla as a bold and inspiring leader who always prioritizes the country, mission, and troops.
Kurilla has a long history of focusing on operations in the Middle East, with tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan from 2004 to 2014. He is known for his bravery during a firefight in Mosul, Iraq, in 2005 where he sustained multiple gunshot wounds, earning him a Bronze Star with valor and two Purple Heart awards.
After Kurilla’s retirement, U.S. Navy Adm. Brad Cooper has taken over as the new leader of CENTCOM. Cooper, who previously served as deputy commander of CENTCOM and oversaw U.S. Naval Forces Central Command in the Middle East, is familiar with the region and has experience in employing unmanned service vessels into the fleet.
Cooper officially assumed command of CENTCOM on August 8th during a ceremony in Tampa, Florida. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead American troops in enhancing regional security and stability in the Central Command region. The transition of leadership marks a new chapter for CENTCOM as it continues to fulfill its mission of defending Americans and promoting peace in the Middle East.
