July 3. 2025
Release Number 20250703-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Commander, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla conducted a multi-nation trip through the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean from June 30 to July 3, to visit the U.S. service members involved in the defense of U.S. forces and interests across the region as well as meet with key regional defense leaders in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Israel, and Greece.
From June 30 to July 1, Gen. Kurilla visited Saudi Arabia to meet with service members based in the Kingdom and met with Saudi and Yemeni partners. Gen. Kurilla met with Gen. Fayyad bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, Chief of General Staff of the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces and his key staff. Gen. Kurilla, Gen. Al-Ruwaili, and the other leaders discussed shared security concerns and strengthening the military-to-military relationship, cooperation, and interoperability. Gen. Kurilla congratulated the Royal Saudi Armed Forces on achieving full operational capability of their first Theater High Altitude Air Defense (THAAD) system on 1 July.
Gen. Kurilla also met with Lt. Gen. Sagheer Hamoud Ahmed Aziz, the Chief of Staff of the Yemeni Armed Forces, who traveled from Yemen for the meeting. Gen. Kurilla and Lt. Gen. Aziz discussed regional threats and efforts to maintain freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Bab al Mandeb.
On July 1, Gen. Kurilla visited Al-Udeid Air Base, Qatar, to visit the service members involved in the defense of US forces and Qatar and recognized them for their professionalism, skill, and dedication during the combined defeat of Iran’s attack on Qatar and U.S. Forces. He also met with Lt. Gen. Jas-sim Al Mannai, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, and discussed regional security issues and continued opportunities to increase interoperability. Gen. Kurilla and Lt. Gen. Al Mannai reiterated their commitment to enhancing the military-to-military partnership between the U.S. and Qatar, which has been a capable and willing partner in the region for more than five decades.
From July 1 - July 2, Gen. Kurilla visited Jordan to visit service members deployed ensuring regional stability. He also met with Maj. Gen. Yousef Al-Hnaity, Chairman of the Jordan Joint Chiefs of Staff and key staff. Gen. Kurilla and Maj. Gen. Hnaity discussed the evolving security situation in the region, deepening the bilateral defense relationship between the U.S. and Jordan, and further expanding the military-to-military relationship with the Jordanian Armed Forces, which continues to serve as a steadfast and capable strategic partner for peace and stability in the region.
From July 2 - July 3, Gen. Kurilla traveled to Israel to visit U.S. service members deployed there in defense if U.S. citizens and the state of Israel. He also met with Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) and other key IDF staff and leaders to include Maj Gen Tomer Bar, Commander of Israeli Air Forces. Gen. Kurilla and Lt. Gen. Zamir discussed a range of strategic security issues across the region. Gen. Kurilla also discussed continued efforts to improve the interoperability of U.S. and Israeli forces and reiterated the ironclad military-to-military relationship between the two countries.
The trip concluded at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay in Crete, Greece, July 3, where Gen. Kurilla met with U.S. Navy leaders and the crew of the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) and NSA Souda Bay personnel. Gen. Kurilla thanked the USS Oscar Austin and NSA Souda Bay team for their vital support to USCENTCOM’s mission through ballistic missile defense, maritime security operations, logistics, and sustainment efforts.
“At every stop on this trip, I saw firsthand the professionalism, competence, and skill of our servicemembers and the immense value they bring to our partnerships. The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Guardians, and Coast Guardsmen throughout the CENTCOM AOR are well trained, well led, and ready to defend our national interests and our Partners. They are also the cornerstone of our regional relationships that are critical to regional stability, deterrence, and readiness.” said Gen. Kurilla.
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