US Central Command (CENTCOM) chief Michael Kurilla completed his tenure, and passed down his position to Admiral Brad Cooper at a ceremony at the Tampa Convention Center in Florida on Friday.
Cooper previously served as deputy commander of CENTCOM.
The ceremony was attended by senior US Department of Defense officials and representatives from partner nations around the world.
Kurilla, who has held the position since 2022, was the US military official who commanded the attack on the Iranian nuclear facilities during the Islamic Republic's 12-day war with Israel in June, and led the naval campaigns against the Houthis.
"During his time as commander, he led US military efforts in the Middle East, maintaining regional stability and security as well as the enduring defeat of ISIS," the US Central Command said in a post on X/Twitter.
Statements made by Cooper and Kurilla
"I know that under the leadership of Adm. Brad Cooper, with the support of the Defense Department and Joint Staff, the counsel and contributions of our allies and partners, and support of our headquarters and component teams, the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coastguardsmen, and Guardians of Central Command who serve this nation on the front lines of freedom will always succeed," Kurilla said.
Cooper, in his address, stated: "US Central Command and the entire joint force have performed exceptionally well under the leadership of Gen. Kurilla, helping to bolster partnerships, increase lethality of US forces, and defend Americans and civilians abroad."
Cooper will oversee US military missions throughout the Middle East and Central Asia.
Walla contributed to this report.