Category: US Central Command

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

SAUDI ARABIA – On November 13th, 2024, The American Chamber of Commerce Saudi Arabia’s (AmCham Saudi Arabia) Defense & Security Committee co-hosted a momentous evening reception titled ‘Women in Defense: Leading the Future of Security and Innovation’ at the residence of Alison Dilworth, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh. As part of the Women’s “Majlis” series. The word Majlis is an Arabic word meaning “sitting room” where people gather to discuss local issues. This event not only celebrated the growing impact of women in the defense and security sector but also underscored the significant strides made in promoting women’s roles in these industries, inspiring hope and a sense of progress.

The event gathered distinguished guests from the business community in Riyadh, including U.S. Embassy officials, AmCham’s Defense & Security Committee members, and U.S. military servicewomen stationed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It served as a platform to discuss women’s leadership development, their increasing roles in defense sectors, and the need for enhanced U.S.-Saudi cooperation.

The evening commenced with opening remarks from Mr. Nomaan N. Syed, Chairman of AmCham’s Defense & Security Committee, and was followed by keynotes from the following distinguished guests:

1. Karey Jamison, HR Director at Leidos Defense Sector, shared insights and lessons from her extensive career in the defense industry.

2. DCM Alison Dilworth, the host, welcomed attendees and highlighted the Women’s Majlis series as a cornerstone for advancing women’s empowerment in the workforce.

3. Rachel Arin, Women, Peace, and Security (WSP) Director at U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), showcased global programs supporting women’s roles in sustainable peace and security.

4. Alaa Abdulaal, Chief of Digital Economy Foresight at the Digital Cooperation Organization, discussed how Vision 2030 drives women’s empowerment globally and transcends traditional boundaries.

This event celebrated women’s significant strides in the defense and security sectors and aimed to inspire participants to push boundaries in leadership, partnership, and innovation. “This reception underscores the idea that women must be critical actors to achieve sustainable international peace and security by providing meaningful participation.” Ms. Arin, WSP Director at CENTCOM, said.

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

Dec. 16, 2024
Release Number 20241216-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tampa, Fla. – U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted precision airstrikes targeting known ISIS camps and operatives in Syria, Dec. 16, killing 12 ISIS terrorists.

The strikes against the ISIS leaders, operatives, and camps were conducted as part of the ongoing mission to disrupt, degrade, and defeat ISIS, preventing the terrorist group from conducting external operations and to ensure that ISIS does not seek opportunities to reconstitute in central Syria.

These recent strikes are in former Regime and Russian controlled areas ensuring pressure is maintained on ISIS.

Battle damage assessments are underway, and there are no indications of civilian casualties.

“CENTCOM, working with allies and partners in the region, will not allow ISIS to reconstitute and take advantage of the current situation in Syria,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla.

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Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

On Dec. 14, the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG) consisting of the flagship USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75); Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 with nine embarked aviation squadrons; Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 28; the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser, USS Gettysburg (CG 64); and two Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers, USS Stout (DDG 55) and USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109), entered the U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) area of responsibility.

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

TAMPA, Fla.  –  

On Thursday, December 5, 2024, The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) hosted its 20th annual International Night. This annual event is a cherished celebration of partnership and cultural diversity. Held at MacDill Air Force Base, the event brought together Senior National Representatives (SNRs), from Coalition, Partner and Ally, as well as their families alongside U.S. personnel and members of the Tampa Bay community. This year, representatives from 33 countries participated, making this celebration truly a global event.

The evening was a vivid display of camaraderie and cultural exchange. Coalition representatives and their families volunteered to prepare and serve various dishes renowned for their countries. Guests savored diverse cuisines, admired traditional folklore attire, and gained insight into customs from around the world.

“This celebration goes beyond food and festivity—it’s about fostering understanding and unity among partners who work together to promote peace and stability within CENTCOM’s area of responsibility and beyond,” said French Colonel Asencio Pierre, CENTCOM Combined Strategic Analysis Group, Deputy.

Among the distinguished attendees were Gen. Michael E. Kurilla, commander of the U.S. Central Command; Retired Gen. Frank McKenzie, previous CENTCOM commander; Maj. Gen. Brandon Tegtmeier, CENTCOM’s Chief of Staff; Fleet Master Chief Derrick Walters, CENTCOM’s Senior Enlisted Leader; Gen. Bryan Fenton, commander of United States Special Operation Command; Col. Edward Szczepanik, commander of the 6th Air Refueling Wing; Sgt. Maj. Jay Williamson, Marine Corps Forces Central Command’s senior enlisted leader; and Brian Ford, Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Chief Operating Officer. Their presence highlighted the significance of this milestone celebration and the unity it represents.

The International Night aims to strengthen the bond amongst the Coalition Nations. It provides a platform for local and military communities to connect and celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures contributing to CENTCOM’s mission. As guests wandered through the displays, the message was clear: in diversity lies strength, and in collaboration, progress.

“Events like International Night highlight the strength of our partnerships and the mutual respect that drives our shared mission,” said a Senior National Representative. “When we come together to celebrate our cultures and diversity, we reinforce the unity crucial to achieving peace and stability in CENTCOM’s area of responsibility.”

As the evening ended, International Night once again demonstrated the power of unity through cultural exchange and mutual respect. This cherished tradition reinforces the partnerships and collaboration vital to CENTCOM’s mission of fostering peace, stability, and progress in a complex and interconnected world.

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

December 10, 2024
Release Number 20241210-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – U.S. Navy destroyers USS Stockdale (DDG 106) and USS O’Kane (DDG 77) successfully defeated a range of Houthi-launched weapons while transiting the Gulf of Aden, Dec. 9 – 10.

The destroyers were escorting three U.S. owned, operated, flagged merchant vessels. The reckless attacks resulted in no injuries and no damage to any vessels, civilians or U.S. Naval.

The destroyers successfully engaged and defeated multiple one-way attack uncrewed aerial systems (OWA UAS), and one anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM), ensuring the safety of the ships and their personnel, as well as civilian vessels and their crews. During a transit on Nov. 30 – Dec. 1, the destroyers successfully defeated an Iran-backed Houthi attack.

These actions reflect the ongoing commitment of CENTCOM forces to protect U.S. personnel, regional partners, and international shipping, against attacks by Iran-backed Houthis.

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

December 9, 2024
Release Number 20241209-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – Today, Gen. Kurilla met with Maj. Gen. Yousef Al-Hunaiti, Chairman of the Jordanian Joint Chiefs of Staff, in Amman, Jordan, and discussed efforts to enhance regional cooperation and security, strengthening U.S.-Jordanian military cooperation, as well as the rapidly changing situation on the ground in Syria. Jordan has long served as a reliable strategic partner for peace and stability in the region, and Gen. Kurilla reiterated the U.S. commitment to supporting Jordan should any threats arise from Syria during the current period of transition.

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

Dec. 8, 2024
Release Number 20241208-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted dozens of precision airstrikes targeting known ISIS camps and operatives in central Syria, Dec. 8.

The strikes against the ISIS leaders, operatives, and camps were conducted as part of the ongoing mission to disrupt, degrade, and defeat ISIS, in order to prevent the terrorist group from conducting external operations and to ensure that ISIS does not seek to take advantage of the current situation to reconstitute in central Syria.

The operation struck over 75 targets using multiple U.S. Air Force assets, including B-52s, F-15s, and A-10s.

Battle damage assessments are underway, and there are no indications of civilian casualties.

CENTCOM, together with allies and partners in the region, will continue to carry out operations to degrade ISIS operational capabilities even during this dynamic period in Syria.

“There should be no doubt – we will not allow ISIS to reconstitute and take advantage of the current situation in Syria,” said General Michael Erik Kurilla, “All organizations in Syria should know that we will hold them accountable if they partner with or support ISIS in any way.”

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

Dec. 3, 2024
Release Number 20241203-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – This morning, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed several weapon systems in the vicinity of Military Support Site Euphrates that included three truck mounted Multiple Rocket Launchers, a T-64 tank, an armored personnel carrier, and mortars that presented a clear and imminent threat to U.S. and Coalition forces. The self-defense strike occurred after the truck mounted Multiple Rocket Launcher, armored personnel carrier, and mortars were fired toward U.S. forces.

The U.S. mission in Syria remains unchanged as U.S. and Coalition forces continue to focus on the enduring defeat of ISIS.  The ongoing support of regional partners and operations in Syria are unrelated to recent events in northwest Syria.  CENTCOM forces continue to monitor the situation and remain in constant communication with our other forces in the region as the situation develops.

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

Dec. 1, 2024
Release Number 20241201-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla – U.S. Navy destroyers USS Stockdale (DDG 106) and the USS O’Kane (DDG 77) successfully defeated a range of Houthi-launched weapons while transiting the Gulf of Aden, Nov. 30 – Dec. 1.  The destroyers were escorting three U.S. owned, operated, flagged merchant vessels and the reckless attacks resulted in no injuries and no damage to any vessels, civilian or U.S. Naval.

The destroyers successfully engaged and defeated three anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs), three one-way attack uncrewed aerial systems (OWA UAS), and one anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM), ensuring the safety of the ships and their personnel, as well as civilian vessels and their crews.

These actions reflect the ongoing commitment of CENTCOM forces to protect U.S. personnel, regional partners, and international shipping, against attacks by Iran-backed Houthis.

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

Nov. 29, 2024
Release Number 20241129 – 01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – Major General Jasper Jeffers, Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT), arrived in Beirut on Nov. 27 and will serve as a co-chair, alongside Senior Advisor to the President, Amos Hochstein, for the implementation and monitoring mechanism of the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon.

The cessation of hostilities implementation and monitoring mechanism will be chaired by the United States and consist of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and France.

Amos Hochstein will serve as the civilian co-chair until a permanent civilian official is named.

This group will assist in the monitoring and implementation of the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon that went into effect on Nov. 26.