Admiral Brad Cooper
Commander, U.S. Central Command
Charles Bradford “Brad” Cooper II was born in 1967 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He earned an undergraduate degree from the U.S. Naval Academy and a master’s degree from the National Intelligence University. He has also availed himself of many other education opportunities afforded him through the military.
Cooper served in the Gulf War and the War in Afghanistan. His commands include the USS Russell, the USS Gettysburg, U.S. Naval Forces Korea, Expeditionary Strike Group 7, Naval Surface Forces Atlantic, and later headed the United States Fifth Fleet and Naval Forces Central Command. Most recently, Cooper served as deputy commander of the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
President Donald Trump nominated Cooper to command CENTCOM in June. He was confirmed by the Senate in June and installed as commander at a change of command ceremony in August.
Cooper is married to Susan and they have two children.
In the News…
Admiral Brad Cooper has been installed as the new commander of the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
Admiral Cooper stated, “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.”
CENTCOM oversees U.S. military missions in 21 countries, including the Middle East. Recent missions conducted by CENTCOM include Operation Rough Rider in March, in which the U.S. targeted Iranian-backed Houthis in the largest carrier-launched airstrike in history, and Operation Midnight Hammer in June, which dropped bunker-busting bombs on three Iranian nuclear facilities.
