CENTCOM Gets Navy Admiral in Charge as Cooper Takes over Middle East Mission

Adm. Cooper takes the helm at Centcom

Adm. Brad Cooper is now the top officer at U.S. Central Command following Friday’s change-of-command ceremony in Tampa, Florida. Cooper is no stranger to Centcom — which is headquartered in Tampa and oversees U.S. military operations in the Middle East region — having most recently served as deputy commander. Prior to that, he commanded Naval Forces Central Command and 5th Fleet, which is headquartered in Bahrain. The Senate in late June confirm…

What new CENTCOM commander means for Middle East power balance

A Navy admiral known for his diplomatic approach has taken charge of US Central Command amid uncertainty about Washington’s ability to avoid further regional entanglements.

Kurilla Completes Tenure as CENTCOM Commander

Army Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla completed his term of service Friday as the commander of CENTCOM, the U.S. military’s command in the Middle East. Kurilla, who has served in the role since 2022, has been a consistent advocate of American intervention in the region, and commanded American operations against Yemen’s Houthis under both President Joe Biden and President Donald Trump.  Kurilla played a key role in the American bombing of Iranian nuclea…

CENTCOM gets Navy admiral in charge as Cooper takes over Middle East mission

Leadership of the U.S. military in the Middle East has shifted to Navy Adm. Brad Cooper.

U.S. Central Command Bids Farewell to Gen. Kurilla, Welcomes Adm. Cooper

U.S. Central Command’s (USCENTCOM) Senior Enlisted Leader, Fleet Master Chief Derrick Walters passes the USCENTCOM flag to the outgoing commander of USCENTCOM, U.S. Army Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, during a change of command ceremony, 8 August 2025. Multiple Department of Defense officials attended the event as well as distinguished defense leaders from partner nations around the world. (U.S. Central Command Public Affairs photo by Tom Gagnier) F…

US Navy Admiral Brad Cooper Assumes Command of CENTCOM

U.S. Navy Adm. Brad Cooper assumed command of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), succeeding U.S. Army Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla. Kurilla officially relinquished command to Adm. Cooper during a change of […]