Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla has retired after three years as head of U.S. Central Command, where he oversaw 15 major operations, including recent strikes on Yemen’s Houthis and Iran’s nuclear sites.
Kurilla, a West Point graduate, took command of CENTCOM in 2022. He also oversaw the recently executed Operation Midnight Hammer, which hit Iran’s nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan with B-2 bombers.
“General Kurilla is a bold, dynamic, and inspiring leader who strikes fear into the hearts of America’s enemies,” Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said in a June statement to Fox News Digital. “He’s a warrior through and through who always puts his country, mission, and troops first. It has been an honor to serve alongside him in defense of our great nation.”
From 2004 to 2014, Gen. Kurilla led conventional and special operations across CENTCOM, serving tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was wounded in a 2005 Mosul firefight, earning a Bronze Star with valor and his second Purple Heart.
Past CENTCOM leaders include former defense secretaries Jim Mattis and Lloyd Austin. As of August, Adm. Brad Cooper now commands CENTCOM, overseeing operations across 21 Middle Eastern nations. A veteran of the region, Cooper previously served as CENTCOM deputy and led U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, where he advanced the use of unmanned vessels.
Cooper assumed command of CENTCOM on Aug. 8 in Tampa, Florida, the same day Gen. Kurilla held his retirement ceremony, and released the following statement:
“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. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead America’s sons and daughters as we support the important mission of enhancing regional security and stability in the Central Command region.”
