Category: US Central Command

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

February 28, 2025
Release Number 20250228-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the hiring of Joy Shanaberger as the new Chief Technology Officer (CTO). She replaces Sky Moore, who, as a Navy Reservist, was mobilized to serve overseas.

The CTO advises the CENTCOM Commander on the implementation of cutting-edge innovations across CENTCOM’s operations.

“Sky Moore is national leader in defense innovation. Over the course of over two years as CENTCOM’s first CTO, Sky supercharged and mainstreamed innovation into the fabric of our warfighting culture in CENTCOM.  From advances in digital technology integration, to the fast-tracking of AI and counter Unmanned Aircraft System (cUAS) to protect service members throughout the region, Sky leaves a lasting legacy impact here at CENTCOM and we wish her well in her next assignment for the Navy,” said CENTCOM commander, General Michael Erik Kurilla.

Joy Shanaberger joins CENTCOM as a dynamic leader with a background in defense and military innovation, most recently serving as a Senior Advisor in the Office of the Secretary of Defense.  In Washington, D.C., she drove ambitious joint rapid production programs, increasing military capabilities through leap-ahead technology integration.  Joy previously worked as a Special Assistant in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, & Logistics, and was the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Boone, a tech-enabled firm delivering intelligent automation and emerging technology to defense and intelligence communities. She holds an MBA from the George Washington School of Business.

“We are thrilled to welcome Joy to the CENTCOM team. With our continued focus on People, Partners and Innovation, Joy is the right person, at the right time, to enhance lethality and effectiveness in new ways throughout the CENTCOM region,” said Kurilla.

“Coming from a legacy of service, adaptability, and overcoming challenges, the opportunity to serve at CENTCOM and have a direct impact on the evolving character of warfare is a huge motivator,” said Shanaberger. “CENTCOM is the perfect proving ground to challenge, stress test, and scale innovation. Being able to serve at the tip of the spear epitomizes why I continue to say yes to public service.”

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Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

February 25, 2025
Release Number 20250225-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – On February 22-23, Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, Commander, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) hosted the CENTCOM Component Commanders’ Conference at al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

Commanders, leaders and staff from CENTCOM component and subordinate commands (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Special Operations, Space, Cyber, and Combined Joint Task Force-operation Inherent Resolve) gathered in theater for the quarterly conference and discussed the current state of operations and security in the CENTCOM area of responsibility, the operational environment, opportunities to strengthen security cooperation, efforts to counter violent extremist organizations (VEOs), such as ISIS and Iranian-backed Houthis, and the current strategic opportunities in the region.

While in Qatar, Gen. Kurilla also met with Qatar’s Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Lt. Gen. Jassim Al Mannai, and Qatar’s Air Force and Air Defense Commanders. The leaders discussed strengthening the U.S.-Qatar military-to-military partnership and continued opportunities to increase interoperability.

Gen. Kurilla and Lt. Gen. Al Mannai reiterated their commitment to enhancing the important military-to-military relationship between the U.S. and Qatar, which dates back more than five decades.

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Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

February 22, 2025
Release Number 20250222-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – On Feb. 21, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted a precision airstrike in Northwest Syria, killing Wasim Tahsin Bayraqdar, a senior leadership facilitator of the terrorist organization Hurras al-Din (HaD), an Al-Qaeda affiliate.

The airstrike is part of CENTCOM’s ongoing commitment, along with partners in the region, to disrupt and degrade efforts by terrorists to plan, organize, and conduct attacks against civilians and military personnel from the U.S., our allies, and our partners throughout the region and beyond.

“We will relentlessly pursue and destroy terrorist threats, no matter their location, in order to protect our homeland and our allies and partners,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, commander, U.S. Central Command.⁩

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

February 21, 2025
Release Number 20250221-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) hosted the International Maritime Exercise (IMX) 2025, the Middle East region’s largest multinational maritime exercise, February 9-20.

IMX 25 involved 5,000 personnel from more than 30 nations and international organizations committed to preserving the rules-based international order and strengthening regional maritime security cooperation.

Hosted by U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), the 12-day exercise offered a unique opportunity for participants to collaborate and illustrate the importance of regional maritime security cooperation.

This year’s iteration of IMX is linked with exercise Cutlass Express, a U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa led annual exercise designed to enhance regional maritime awareness and the combined capabilities of partner nations to respond to maritime threats.

The operational phase of IMX included partner exchanges on mine countermeasures, unmanned systems and artificial intelligence integration, vessel defense, search and rescue, and mass casualty response.

Allies and partners at IMX 25 also had an opportunity to train with Combined Task Force West (CTF-W) Headquarters where partner forces performed Explosive Ordnance Disposal and dive operations, Close Quarters Combat drills, and Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) container climbs. Additionally, CTF-W hosted eight partner nations, including six members from the Republic of Yemen Government (ROYG) Coast Guard in Aqaba, the Northern Red Sea, and Eilat.

“IMX 25 demonstrates the collective commitment of our respective allies and partners to support regional maritime security cooperation, increase interoperability, and strengthen security and stability in the region,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, CENTCOM commander.

This is the ninth iteration of IMX since its establishment in 2012.

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

February 20, 2025
Release Number 20250220-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – For the second time within 48 hours, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) conducted another Bomber Task Force Mission in the Middle East, Feb. 20, demonstrating force projection capabilities and partner nation integration in the region.

Two B-52s from RAF Fairford, U.K., flew across Europe and six partner countries in CENTCOM’s area of responsibility during their mission, which included aerial refueling and training missions at ranges. Additionally, one partner nation provided fighter escorts for the bombers throughout the mission.

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

February 18, 2025
Release Number 20250218-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) conducted a Bomber Task Force Mission in the Middle East, Feb. 17, to demonstrate force projection capabilities in the region.

Two B-52s from RAF Fairford, U.K., flew across Europe and through nine partner nations in CENTCOM’s area of responsibility during their mission, which included aerial refueling and live munitions drops at ranges in several partner nations.  Additionally, U.S. F-15s and four partner nations provided fighter escorts for the bombers throughout the mission.

“Bomber Task Force missions demonstrate U.S. power projection capability, commitment to regional security, and ability to respond to any state or non-state actor seeking to broaden or escalate conflict in the CENTCOM region,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, CENTCOM commander.

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Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

Feb. 16, 2025
Release Number 20250216-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – On Feb. 15, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Forces conducted a precision airstrike in Northwest Syria targeting and killing a senior finance and logistics official in the terrorist organization Hurras al-Din (HaD), an Al-Qaeda affiliate.

The airstrike is part of CENTCOM’s ongoing commitment, along with partners in the region, to disrupt and degrade efforts by terrorists to plan, organize, and conduct attacks against civilians and military personnel from the U.S., our allies, and our partners throughout the region and beyond.

“We will continue to relentlessly pursue terrorists in order to defend our homeland, and U.S., allied, and partner personnel in the region,“ said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, commander, U.S. Central Command.

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

Feb. 14, 2025
Release Number 20250214-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. — The Cessation of Hostilities Implementation “Mechanism” met for the fifth time in Naqoura today. UNIFIL hosted the meeting, with the United States serving as chair. They were joined by France, the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), and the Israeli Defense Forces. The attendees conducted military technical planning for the transfer of all remaining villages in the Southern Litani Area to full LAF control prior to Feb. 18.

“We have made significant progress over the last few months, and I am confident that LAF will control all population centers in the Southern Litani Area before next Tuesday. However, it is important to remember that the Cessation of Hostilities arrangements have many components in the 13 paragraphs, and we will continue to assist with the implementation of all of these principles, even beyond the 18th of February. The Mechanism will stay focused, continuing its work with all parties until implementation is fully achieved,” said Major General Jasper Jeffers, US Mechanism Co-chair.

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

Feb. 12, 2025
Release Number 20250212-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – On Feb. 10, Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), enabled by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces, conducted precision airstrikes in the vicinity of Kirkuk, Iraq, killing two ISIS operatives.

An initial post-strike clearance found the dead ISIS operatives, an explosive suicide belt, explosive material, and components of weapons destroyed in the strike.

The ISF-led operation is part of the ongoing Defeat-ISIS campaign to disrupt and degrade ISIS’ capabilities, dismantle their attack networks, and ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS. Coalition Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CTF-OIR) enabled ISF during the operation by providing technical support and intelligence.

ISIS remains a threat to the region and beyond, and CENTCOM, along with partners and allies, will continue to aggressively pursue these terrorists.

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

USCENTCOM AOR – The Qatari Armed Forces and U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) successfully concluded Eagle Resolve 2025 on January 23, marking the completion of a joint military exercise that commenced on January 9. This premier biennial exercise underscores the enduring partnership between the United States and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, reinforcing collective defense efforts in the region.

The Eagle Resolve maneuvers are a cornerstone of military cooperation between the United States and its Gulf partners—Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. The exercise enhances regional security by fostering interoperability, strengthening crisis response capabilities, and refining joint military readiness. Through the exchange of expertise, integration of cutting-edge technologies, and utilization of advanced military systems, participating forces elevate their ability to counter evolving threats.

The 2025 iteration of Eagle Resolve focused on developing a comprehensive, joint approach to integrated air and missile defense, a critical pillar in safeguarding civilian populations and securing vital infrastructure. Additionally, the exercise bolstered interagency coordination by enabling military and governmental organizations to collaborate effectively on crisis management initiatives.

Beyond air and missile defense, the exercise expanded its scope to address various emerging security challenges. Key operational areas included cybersecurity, medical and preventive measures against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), maritime interdiction, and counterterrorism operations. The multinational environment of Eagle Resolve 2025 provided an invaluable opportunity to enhance command, control, and communication systems while strengthening military support for governmental institutions.

General Michael Kurilla, Commander of U.S. Central Command, emphasized the strategic significance of the exercise, stating:

“Eagle Resolve reaffirms the deep and enduring partnership between the United States, Qatar, and the GCC nations. This exercise enhances regional security and strengthens the U.S. role in promoting stability in the Middle East. Eagle Resolve 2025 represents the decades-long defense cooperation between Qatar and the United States, reinforcing our shared commitment to countering threats and ensuring regional peace.”

As regional dynamics evolve, Eagle Resolve remains a vital mechanism for strengthening military partnerships, advancing operational capabilities, and fostering collective resilience against emerging threats.