Photo By Master Gunnery Sgt. Robert Brown | U.S. Navy Admiral Brad Cooper, Commander of U.S. Central Command, served as the...... read more read more
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U.S. Marine Corps Major General Chris McPhillips, Commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Central Command (MARFORCENT), officially retired following a remarkable 35-year career dedicated to serving the nation. Admiral Brad Cooper, Commander of U.S. Central Command, served as the retiring officer for the ceremony.
Commissioned in June 1990 after earning a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics from San Jose State University McPhillips forged a career marked by combat excellence, aviation expertise, and strategic leadership.
After completing AV-8B Harrier training in 1993, he deployed with VMA-311 to the Persian Gulf with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and later to Okinawa, Japan, with the 31st MEU. By 1997, he served as Assistant Division Air Officer and Forward Air Controller for 1st Marine Division. Selected for the prestigious Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course (MAWTS-1), McPhillips later returned as an instructor pilot and deployed again to the Persian Gulf in support of Operations Southern Watch and Iraqi Freedom.
Throughout his career, McPhillips commanded several elite units, including the renowned “Black Sheep” of VMFA-214, Marine Aircraft Group 13, the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, and the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. He also served as Deputy Commanding General of III Marine Expeditionary Force. His joint and strategic assignments included senior billets on the Joint Staff, in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and as Director of Strategic Planning and Policy at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.
In August 2023, McPhillips took command of MARFORCENT, overseeing Marine Corps operations in support of CENTCOM’s critical mission until his retirement. His personal decorations include the Navy Achievement Medal, Air Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Legion of Merit, and Defense Superior Service Medal.
“Chris, you leave the Marine Corps and CENTCOM stronger than you found it,” said Admiral Brad Cooper, Commander of U.S. Central Command. “You leave behind a generation of Marines who will lead under the example you set. And you leave with the respect, admiration, and friendship of all of us who had the privilege of serving with you.”
Major General McPhillips retires leaving a legacy of combat-tested leadership, innovation in Marine aviation, and unwavering commitment to Marines, Sailors, and joint partners around the globe.
| Date Taken: | 08.26.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.08.2025 10:55 |
| Story ID: | 546570 |
| Location: | TAMPA, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 107 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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