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 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), reported that seven terrorists had been killed and over a dozen captured in 11 missions conducted in Syria last month. The missions began after a terrorist attack killed two American troops. The U.S. and Jordan also launched strikes on over 70 ISIS targets just before the nine-day counterterrorism operation was conducted.
“We will not relent,” said Admiral Cooper. “We are steadfast in commitment to working with regional partners to root out the ISIS threat posed to U.S. and regional security.”
The CENTCOM commander stated, “Continuing to hunt down terrorist operatives, eliminate ISIS networks, and work with partners to prevent an ISIS resurgence makes America, the region, and the world safer.”
