Category: US CENTCOM

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

Aug. 5, 2024
Release Number 20240805-02
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – In the past 24 hours, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed three Iranian-backed Houthi uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen over the Gulf of Aden.

Additionally, USCENTCOM forces successfully destroyed one Iranian-backed Houthi UAS in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.

Separately, USCENTCOM forces successfully destroyed one Houthi uncrewed surface vessel (USV), one Houthi uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) and one Houthi anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) in the Red Sea.

These weapons presented a clear and imminent threat to U.S. and coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region. This reckless and dangerous behavior by Iranian-backed Houthis continues to threaten regional stability and security.

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

Aug 5, 2024
Release Number 20240805-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BAGHDAD, Iraq (Aug. 8, 2024) – Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR), the military coalition to defat Daesh, completed a transfer of authority ceremony in Baghdad, Iraq, Aug. 5, 2024.

During the ceremony, the responsibility of leading this unique organization transferred from U.S. Army Maj Gen. Joel “JB” Vowell to U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Kevin Leahy. 

“This ceremony symbolizes the unbroken chain of command, of ownership of this Coalition’s mission, and responsibility for the men and women who come together from many nations, with one mission,” said U.S. Army Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, Commander, U.S. Central Command. “It also represents this Coalition’s enduring commitment to a shared vision of security and stability in Iraq and Syria.”

Gen. Kurilla also praised the phenomenal work the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Guardians, Coast Guardsmen, and civilians of CJTF-OIR have done over the past year, supporting our Iraqi partners in the fight against DAESH, including conducting or enabling more than 350 missions alongside our partners, while coordinating with the many law enforcement agencies, embassies, and civilian institutions working to bring stability to Iraq and Syria.

“None of these things happen on their own. It takes leadership. JB Vowell provided that leadership. JB, thank you for your camaraderie, your professionalism, and, above all, your leadership,” said Gen. Kurilla. “To lead the military operations of the world’s largest coalition in the face of a determined and resourceful enemy, along with many other external headwinds, is no small feat.”

Gen. Kurilla continued, “Through it all, JB led.  He led in hard times and in good.  He led through dozens of transitions of his subordinate units.  He led up, ensuring that his voice and his assessment was heard as he advocated for this Coalition and our Iraqi partners.  And he led, as any good infantryman does, from the front. As Colin Powell said, ‘leadership is the art of accomplishing more than the science of management says is possible’.”

Recently, the U.S. Senate confirmed Maj. Gen. Vowell for appointment to the grade of Lieutenant General and assignment as the Deputy Commanding General, United States Army Pacific, Fort Shafter, Hawaii. His relief, Maj. Gen. Leahy, most recently commanded Special Operations Command Central, where he oversaw the activities of all special operations forces throughout the Central Region.

“I know Kevin well, and he knows this mission well,” said Gen. Kurilla. “Kevin has worked with our Iraqi partners on many occasions and has spent much of his career deploying to the CENTCOM AOR with 5^th Special Forces Group. I can’t think of a better person to take this command.

“We have come a long way since 2014, but we are still facing a determined enemy who seeks to undo the progress of the past decade. This has never been one nation’s fight, and the Coalition remains committed to supporting the Government of Iraq.

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

Aug 3, 2024
Release Number 20240803-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – In the past 24 hours U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed one Iranian-backed Houthi land attack cruise missile (LACM) in Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen.

It was determined the LACM presented an imminent threat to U.S. and coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region. These actions were taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure.
 

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

July 30, 2024
Release Number 20240730-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla.- In the past 24 hours, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed three Iranian-backed Houthi uncrewed surface vessels (USV) in the Red Sea.

It was determined these weapons presented an imminent threat to U.S., coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region. These actions were taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure.

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

July 29, 2024
Release Number 20240729-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla.- In the past 24 hours, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed one Iranian-backed Houthi uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.

It was determined this weapon presented an imminent threat to U.S., coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region. This action was taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure.

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

ARABIAN PENINSULA   –  

One U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress long-range strategic bomber integrated with U.S. and Coalition forces, 25 July 2024, during the Maritime Fire Support Symposium.

The B-52 from the 2nd Bomb Wing conducted the 32-hour-long mission from Romania enroute to their home station at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, following a successful deployment to U.S. European Command and U.S. Central Command areas of operation.

During the Bomber Task Force mission in the Middle East, the strategic bomber integrated with U.S. Marine Corps Central Command and other regional partners during the Maritime Fire Support Symposium. The addition of a long-range strategic bomber to the exercise provided the opportunity for Coalition Marine and Naval experts to employ a practical application of airpower to defend forward fighting positions.

The exercise also included KC-135 Stratotankers deployed from Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, and McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, and A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft from Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan.

As U.S. Central Command’s Air Component, the U.S. Air Forces Central regularly supports a wide range of training operations to support the Coalition’s collective vision for enduring peace and security.

Bomber Task Force missions contribute to this vision by providing extensive options to Coalition leaders responsible

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

July 26, 2024
Release Number 20240726-02
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

In the past 24 hours, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed six Iranian-backed Houthi uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAV) in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.

Separately, USCENTCOM forces engaged and destroyed three Houthi uncrewed surface vessels (USV) operating off the coast of Yemen.

It was determined these weapons presented an imminent threat to U.S., coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region. These actions were taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure.

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

July 26, 2024
Release Number 20240726-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla.- U.S. Central Command is saddened to learn of the death of Gen. George B. Crist, United States Marine Corps (Retired), former USCENTCOM Commander. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Gen. Crist was the first U.S. Marine appointed to head a unified command, serving as Commander in Chief, USCENTCOM from 1985 until his retirement in 1988.

Gen. Crist was born on January 23, 1931. After graduating cum laude from Villanova University, Crist was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1952. Throughout his career, Gen. Crist had many notable achievements. He was deployed to the Caribbean during the Cuban Missile Crisis, served in Vietnam as advisor to the Vietnamese Joint General Staff, and was aide-de-camp to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In 1985, Crist was promoted to General and assumed command of USCENTCOM.

While at USCENTCOM, Gen. Crist helped run Operation Earnest Will, the escort of reflagged Kuwaiti tankers, Operation Prime Chance, actions against Iranian forces, and Operation Praying Mantis, retaliation for the Iranian Mining of the USS Samuel B. Roberts. Gen. Crist retired in 1988 after more than 36 years of service.

“We mourn the loss of the former USCENTCOM Commander, and we will forever honor his sacrifice and extraordinary leadership. Our prayers are with George’s family, and we will forever remember his selfless service during his time at CENTCOM,” said Gen. Erik Kurilla, USCENTCOM Commander.

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

July 25, 2024
Release Number 20240724-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – In the past 24 hours, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed one Iranian-backed Houthi uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) launcher in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.

It was determined this launcher presented an imminent threat to U.S., coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region. These actions were taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure.

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

July 24, 2024
Release Number 20240724-02
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – In the past 24 hours, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed two Iranian-backed Houthi missiles on launchers in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.

It was determined these weapons presented an imminent threat to U.S., coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region. These actions were taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure.