Trump Nominates Experienced Military Leaders to Lead Key Global Commands

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Wednesday that President Donald Trump has nominated two senior military leaders to take command of the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM). These moves signal a significant reshuffling at the top echelons of U.S. military leadership as global security challenges continue to evolve.

Navy Vice Adm. Charles B. Cooper II has been tapped for promotion to admiral and is set to assume command of CENTCOM, headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida. CENTCOM oversees U.S. military operations across the Middle East and parts of Central and South Asia, a region often at the forefront of American foreign policy and defense interests. Cooper’s extensive experience as a surface warfare officer, having served on various advanced naval vessels—including guided-missile cruisers, destroyers, aircraft carriers, and amphibious ships—prepares him for the demanding post.

On land, Cooper has held numerous executive positions, including key assignments within the White House, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, AFRICOM, and U.S. Pacific Fleet headquarters. Notably, he also served as the principal U.S. Advisor to Afghanistan’s Interior Minister during a critical period of that country’s stabilization, and directed assignments for surface warfare officers, enhancing his reputation as a highly versatile leader.

For U.S. Africa Command, President Trump is nominating Air Force Lt. Gen. Dagvin R.M. Anderson for promotion to four-star general and assignment as commander at AFRICOM’s headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany. AFRICOM plays a vital role in counterterrorism, security cooperation, and humanitarian efforts across the African continent—regions that present unique and dynamic operational environments.

Lt. Gen. Anderson currently serves as the director for Joint Force Development, Joint Staff at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. Over the course of his career, he has flown a range of aircraft including the KC-135R, MC-130E, and U-28A on missions worldwide. Anderson’s leadership credentials include commanding a special operations squadron, expeditionary squadron, operations group, special operations wing, and the Special Operations Command, Africa. His combination of operational and strategic proficiency is expected to further strengthen U.S. military engagement in Africa.

The nominations of Cooper and Anderson come at a time of heightened focus on military readiness and international stability. The next steps for both nominees will be Senate confirmation hearings, where their records and vision for the future of their respective commands will be closely examined. If confirmed, both leaders will face immediate challenges and play pivotal roles in shaping U.S. military policy in two of the world’s most consequential regions.