Sept. 29, 2020

Statement From General Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., CENTCOM Commander on the Passing of His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait

TAMPA, Fla. — On behalf of U.S. Central Command, I want to express our deepest condolences to the people of Kuwait and the family of His Highness Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah on the passing of the Amir. His Highness was a valued friend, a trusted partner, and exceptional leader who dedicated his life to the people of Kuwait. The Amir's support to the U.S. military and his dedication to regional security and stability are part of the Amir's legacy that I look forward to our two countries continuing.

Sept. 18, 2020

U.S. Central Command Statement regarding arrival of Bradley Fighting Vehicles to Syria

TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. Central Command has directed a number of actions in northeast Syria to help ensure the safety and security of Coalition forces. The United States has deployed Sentinel radar, increased the frequency of U.S. fighter patrols over U.S. forces, and deployed Bradley Fighting Vehicles to augment U.S. forces in the Eastern Syria Security Area (ESSA).

Sept. 9, 2020

Excerpt from Gen Frank McKenzie’s speech in Iraq

IRAQ — Moving forward, we must continue our D-ISIS work together with our partners in Iraq and Syria. We are continuing to expand on our partner capacity programs that enable Iraqi forces and allow us to reduce our footprint in Iraq. In recognition of the great progress the Iraqi forces have made and in consultation and coordination with the Government of Iraq and our coalition partners, the United States has decided to reduce our troop presence in Iraq from about 5,200 to 3,000 troops during the month of September. This reduced footprint allows us to continue advising and assisting our Iraqi partners in rooting out the final remnants of ISIS in Iraq and ensuring its enduring defeat. This decision is due to our confidence in the Iraqi Security Forces’ increased ability to operate independently. The U.S. decision is a clear demonstration of our continued commitment to the ultimate goal, which is an Iraqi Security Force that is capable of preventing an ISIS resurgence and of securing Iraq’s sovereignty without external assistance. The journey has been difficult, the sacrifice has been great, but the progress has been significant. Your mission is important and there is still much work to be done- so let’s get back to it.

Aug. 13, 2020

IMSC Statement on the Incident with Motor Tanker Wila

BAHRAIN — Coalition Task Force (CTF) Sentinel, the operational arm of the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC) monitored an incident involving Iranian forces who boarded a tanker in the international waters of the Gulf of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz, Aug 12. A video captured the moment an Iranian Sea King helicopter hovered above M/T Wila and armed Iranian personnel fast roped aboard the ship. Initial reports indicate two Iranian ships in the vicinity of the incident.

Aug. 6, 2020

Readout of Commander, U.S. Central Command, Gen Frank McKenzie's call with Lebanon Armed Forces Commander, Gen Joseph Aoun

TAMPA, Fla. — Capt. Bill Urban, spokesman for U.S. Central Command, provided the following readout: Gen. Frank McKenzie, Commander, U.S. Central Command, spoke with Lebanon Armed Forces Commander, Gen. Joseph Aoun, to express condolences for the loss of life and devastation caused by the explosion in Beirut's port facility. Gen McKenzie informed Gen Aoun of the impending delivery of three C-17s shipments of U.S. relief supplies including food, water, and medical supplies. Gen McKenzie expressed U.S. willingness to continue to work with the Lebanese Armed Forces to help provide aid and assistance to meet the needs of the Lebanese people during this terrible tragedy. Gen McKenzie expressed a desire to continue to partner with the Lebanese Armed Forces, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, and USAID to identify and expedite support for Lebanon's recovery effort. The generals ended the call by agreeing to continue a close dialogue as the recovery effort continues.

July 24, 2020

Multi-national exercise Bright Star postponed

TAMPA, Fla. — BRIGHT STAR, a joint, multi-national exercise hosted by the Egyptian Armed Forces has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally scheduled for September 2020, the exercise is rescheduled for September 2021. U.S. Central Command looks forward to continue this decades-long training relationship and resume the opportunity to train alongside our valued Egyptian partners and other nations.

July 23, 2020

U.S. Central Command statement on a visual inspection of a Mahan Air passenger airliner

TAMPA, Fla. — A U.S. F-15 on a routine air mission in the vicinity of the CJTF-OIR At Tanf garrison in Syria conducted a standard visual inspection of a Mahan Air passenger airliner at a safe distance of approximately 1,000 meters from the airliner this evening.

April 5, 2020

GUIDANCE ON USE OF CLOTH FACE COVERINGS WITHIN USCENTCOM

TAMPA, Fla. — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. Effective immediately, all individuals physically located on federal property - Military, Civilian, Contractor, Family Member and any others - will wear face cloth coverings when they cannot maintain six feet of social distance in public areas or work centers. Movement into a USCENTCOM facility, and movement through the hallways of USCENTCOM facilities, will also be areas where face coverings are mandatory. Exceptions to this requirement must be approved by the J-DIR / SS and then submitted up the chain of command for situational awareness. This requirement is issued in accordance with SECDEF "Guidance on the Use of Cloth Face Coverings," issued 05 APR 20; DoDI 6200.03; and the Commander, MacDill AFB, Declaration of a "Public Health Emergency," which remains in effect.

April 2, 2020

U.S. Central Command Statement on the movement of air defense systems into Iraq

TAMPA, Fla. — "As the Commander, U.S. Central Command, Gen. Frank McKenzie said at a press briefing on March 13, the U.S. is moving defensive systems into Iraq to protect Iraqi, coalition, and U.S. service members from a variety of air threats seen at Iraqi bases that host coalition troops."

March 26, 2020

Message from the Commander, USCENTCOM to staff, family, and friends regarding headquarters COVID-19 efforts

TAMPA, Fla. — Family and friends of the United States Central Command Headquarters, Thank you for your support during these difficult times surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. We want you to know that we have been in close coordination with MacDill Air Force Base (AFB), state and federal authorities and have been taking appropriate measures to protect the health of all personnel working within the CENTCOM headquarters here in Tampa, Florida, as well as throughout our area of operations.