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 educational opportunities offered 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 2025. 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, commander of the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), announced the final withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq after two decades of operations there.
“Job well done to the tens of thousands of American service members, diplomats, and civilian personnel who answered the call in Iraq,” said Admiral Cooper. “Because of your grit, sacrifice, and professionalism, ISIS no longer poses a systemic threat to Iraq’s national security and Iraqi security forces, including the Peshmerga and other Iraqi Kurdistan Region security forces, now possess the capacity, leadership, and operational independence to unilaterally manage threats to their homeland.”
“As we step back and hand full primary responsibility for Iraq’s security to the Government of Iraq and the brave people of Iraq, U.S. and Coalition forces stationed across the region will remain ready to respond to any ISIS threats that arise,” the CENTCOM commander continued. “Maintaining our vigilance and readiness is essential to protecting the U.S. homeland and strengthening regional security.”
