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Press Release | Sept. 9, 2022

CJTF-OIR Change of Command, Sept. 8, 2022

USCENTCOM

September 9, 2022

Release Number 20220909-04

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve held a change of command ceremony in Iraq, Sep. 8. The outgoing commander of CJTF-OIR, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John Brennan, relinquished command to U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Matthew McFarlane.

During the ceremony, the incoming and outgoing commanders spoke to their hopes for the future of CJTF-OIR and the valuable partnerships that keep the mission going.

“To our Iraqi partners, we have shed too much blood together over the past eight years to allow Da’esh to ever return,” said McFarlane. “I want to pledge my personal commitment to all of our partners that together through our combined efforts Da’esh remains thoroughly defeated and unable to threaten the sovereignty of Iraq and the Middle East.”

In a message of unity, Brennan expressed his support for his replacement.

“The Coalition made critical gains against Da’esh over the past year. That progress and those gains will continue under Matt McFarlane.”

Overseeing the change of command was U.S. Central Command commander U.S. Army Gen. Erik Kurilla.

“As we hold this ceremony, it is clear that our partnership and commitment remain strong. It is clear that Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve is ready to take its advisory assistance to the next level. It is clear that our partners from the Joint Operating Center-Iraq, the Iraqi Security Forces, and Syrian Democratic Forces are expanding their capabilities every day and have what it takes to defeat ISIS,” Kurilla said. “We cannot face complicated challenges, such as the threat by terrorist groups, alone. We must lean heavily on each other’s capabilities. And the United States must be a reliable partner in the Middle East.”

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