CENTCOM Commander Completes 15 Day Visit to Region

From 20 Jul – 2 AUG, U.S. CENTCOM Commander, Gen Michael Erik Kurilla, traveled to 11 countries visiting Servicemembers, partner Chiefs of Defense, Ministers of Defense, and several Heads of State in the CENTCOM Area of Responsibility. Gen Kurilla traveled to Egypt, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Pakistan, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Lebanon, and Israel.

During these travels Pakistan co-hosted the Central and South Asia (CASA) Chiefs of Defense Conference which included Chiefs of Defense and leaders from Pakistan, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and the United States. The CASA CHOD conference focused on regional security cooperation under the theme of “Strengthening Bonds, Security Peace.”

In addition, in Iraq, Gen Kurilla oversaw the change of command between commanders of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR). The 87-member nation Defeat ISIS coalition is considered one of the most successful coalitions in the world.

“There is no way you can fully grasp the complexities, challenges, and opportunities of the Middle East, the Levant, and Central and South Asia without physically visiting the region,” said Gen. Kurilla. “No amount of reports, books, or phone calls can replace physically being on the ground. By seeing and hearing firsthand from our Servicemembers, the leadership of our partner nations, and the local populations, you gain a much deeper and more nuanced understanding.”

“I returned with a deep respect for the professionalism, warrior ethos, dedication, and competence of our amazing Servicemembers—and with renewed optimism in the commitment, shared vision of regional stability, and strategic opportunities with our partner nations.”