NEWS ALERT: Four-star general who oversaw Iran strikes leaves post leading US troops

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From Fox News: Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla, the military officer who oversaw the execution of the Iran strikes in June, has retired from military service and has handed over the reins following three years leading U.S. troops in the Middle East.

Kurilla, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, became commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) in 2022, and oversaw planning and execution of at least 15 major combined combat operations, according to the command.

Among those, two occurred during his final months leading the command: Operation Rough Rider targeting the Houthis in Yemen in March and April, and Operation Midnight Hammer striking Iran nuclear sites in June.

Operation Midnight Hammer targeted Iranian nuclear facilities Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, and involved more than 125 U.S. aircraft, including B-2 stealth bombers, according to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine. Likewise, a guided-missile submarine also launched more than two dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles at key Iranian targets.

Gen. Michael Kurilla, 59, was known as “The Gorilla,” and had served in the U.S. Army since 1988.

Earlier this month, CENTOM announced that Kurilla had traveled to 11 countries visiting service members stationed abroad. The statement reads:

CENTCOM Commander Completes 15 Day Visit to Region

From 20 Jul – 2 AUG, U.S. CENTCOM Commander, Gen Michael Erik Kurilla, traveled to 11 countries visiting Servicemembers, partner Chiefs of Defense, Ministers of Defense, and several Heads of State in the CENTCOM Area of Responsibility. Gen Kurilla traveled to Egypt, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Pakistan, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Lebanon, and Israel.

During these travels Pakistan co-hosted the Central and South Asia (CASA) Chiefs of Defense Conference which included Chiefs of Defense and leaders from Pakistan, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and the United States. The CASA CHOD conference focused on regional security cooperation under the theme of “Strengthening Bonds, Security Peace.”

In addition, in Iraq, Gen Kurilla oversaw the change of command between commanders of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR). The 87-member nation Defeat ISIS coalition is considered one of the most successful coalitions in the world.

“There is no way you can fully grasp the complexities, challenges, and opportunities of the Middle East, the Levant, and Central and South Asia without physically visiting the region,” said Gen. Kurilla. “No amount of reports, books, or phone calls can replace physically being on the ground. By seeing and hearing firsthand from our Servicemembers, the leadership of our partner nations, and the local populations, you gain a much deeper and more nuanced understanding.”

“I returned with a deep respect for the professionalism, warrior ethos, dedication, and competence of our amazing Servicemembers—and with renewed optimism in the commitment, shared vision of regional stability, and strategic opportunities with our partner nations.”

Days later, CENTCOM added:

U.S. Central Command Bids Farewell to Gen. Kurilla, Welcomes
New Leadership

U.S. Army Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, the outgoing commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), relinquished command today to U.S. Navy Adm. Brad Cooper during a change of command ceremony held at the Tampa Convention Center. Prior to assuming command, Adm. Cooper served as deputy commander of CENTCOM.

Multiple Department of Defense officials attended the event as well as distinguished defense leaders from partner nations around the world.

Gen. Kurilla assumed command of CENTCOM in April 2022. During his time as commander, he led U.S. military efforts in the Middle East maintaining regional stability and security as well as the enduring defeat of ISIS. He led the planning and execution of over 15 major combined combat operations, including Operations Rough Rider and Midnight Hammer.

“I know that under the leadership of Adm. Brad Cooper, with the support of the Defense Department and Joint Staff, the counsel and contributions of our allies and partners, and support of our headquarters and component teams, the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coastguardsmen, and Guardians of Central Command who serve this nation on the front lines of freedom will always succeed,” said Gen. Kurilla. “It has been the honor of my life to have been their commander.”

Adm. Cooper is a 1989 graduate of the U.S Naval Academy and holds a master’s degree in strategic intelligence from the National Intelligence University. As the commander of CENTCOM, Adm. Cooper will have oversight of all U.S. military missions throughout the 21-country area of responsibility which includes the Middle East and Central Asia.

“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,” said Adm. Cooper. “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.”

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