General Michael “The Gorilla” Kurilla, outgoing Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), concluded his final tour of the CENTCOM Area of Responsibility on Saturday, wrapping up a 15-day visit from July 20 to August 2 that spanned 12 countries: Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Pakistan, Bahrain, Jordan, Lebanon, Israel, and the Kyrgyz Republic.

Throughout the trip, Gen. Kurilla met with U.S. servicemembers, senior military officials, defense ministers, and heads of state. In Pakistan, he took part in the Central and South Asia (CASA) Chiefs of Defense Conference, where military leaders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and the United States gathered under the theme: “Strengthening Bonds, Security, Peace.”

He also oversaw the change of command for Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR), the U.S.-led coalition of 87 nations conducting counter-ISIS operations in Iraq and Syria.

Reflecting on his final deployment, Kurilla said:
“You can’t truly understand the complexity, challenges, or strategic potential of the Middle East, the Levant, and Central and South Asia without being there. No report or phone call can replace time on the ground. Listening directly to our troops, partner leaders, and local populations gives you a far deeper and more accurate perspective. I return with immense respect for our servicemembers and renewed confidence in the shared vision for regional stability and cooperation among our partners.”