Overview
- President Trump on June 4 nominated Vice Adm. Brad Cooper to succeed Gen. Erik Kurilla at U.S. Central Command and Lt. Gen. Dagvin R.M. Anderson to replace Gen. Michael Langley at U.S. Africa Command.
- Both nominations are now before the Senate as Kurilla prepares to retire after more than three years and Langley concludes his tenure leading AFRICOM.
- Cooper, currently CENTCOM’s deputy commander and former head of the Navy’s 5th Fleet in Bahrain, would become only the second Navy admiral to lead the Middle East-focused command if confirmed.
- Anderson, a career pilot with over 3,400 flight hours—including 738 in combat—and extensive special operations leadership, would be the first Air Force general to oversee AFRICOM.
- CENTCOM and AFRICOM are pivotal for U.S. strategy on issues from Gaza ceasefire diplomacy and countering Iran-backed militants to combating extremist groups and training partner forces in Africa.