Gen. Michael "Erik" Kurilla, then-commanding general of U.S. Central Command, addresses the attendees during Army Day on Camp Buehring, Kuwait, May 19, 2023. (Staff Sgt. Latasha Price/Army)
Operation Midnight Hammer targeted Iranian nuclear facilities Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, and involved more than 125 U.S. aircraft, including B-2 stealth bombers, according to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine. Likewise, a guided-missile submarine also launched more than two dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles at key Iranian targets.
"General Kurilla is a bold, dynamic, and inspiring leader who strikes fear into the hearts of America’s enemies," Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said in a June statement to Fox News Digital. "He’s a warrior through and through who always puts his country, mission, and troops first. It has been an honor to serve alongside him in defense of our great nation."
Kurilla spent an extensive amount of his career focusing on operations in the Middle East. From 2004 to 2014, the general oversaw conventional and special operations forces during consecutive tours that fell under the CENTCOM purview.
During that span of time, Kurilla completed tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Kurilla is known for his involvement in a Mosul, Iraq, firefight in August 2005, where he sustained multiple gunshot wounds. The encounter earned him a Bronze Star with valor and one of his two Purple Heart awards.
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Then-Vice Adm. Brad Cooper speaks at an event at the International Defense Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Feb. 21, 2023. (Jon Gambrell/The Associated Press)
Cooper officially took over leading CENTCOM Aug. 8 during a change of command ceremony in Tampa, Florida, where CENTCOM headquarters are located. Kurilla's retirement ceremony occurred on the same day, a spokesperson for CENTCOM confirmed to Fox News Digital.
"U.S. Central Command and the entire joint force have performed exceptionally well under the leadership of Gen. Kurilla, helping to bolster partnerships, increase lethality of U.S. forces, and defend Americans and civilians abroad," Cooper said in a Navy statement. "I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead America’s sons and daughters as we support the important mission of enhancing regional security and stability in the Central Command region."
Diana Stancy is a politics reporter with Fox News Digital covering the White House.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/bold-general-who-led-us-midnight-hammer-strikes-iran-ends-middle-east-reign