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3w ago

Trump nominates Cooper and Anderson to lead U.S. Central and Africa Commands

Senate confirmation will decide leadership for key U.S. military operations spanning the Middle East through sub-Saharan Africa.

This photo shows the logo of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and the US flag at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium on February 17, 2025. NICOLAS TUCAT/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo
President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
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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.