Top U.S. Army general in Europe and Africa exits command post after Hegseth request
The commanding officer overseeing U.S. Army operations across Europe and Africa will step down from his position on July 2, marking an abrupt end to his tenure after approximately 18 months in the role. Gen. Christopher Donahue, who simultaneously serves as commander of NATO’s Allied Land Command, submitted retirement documentation at the direction of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, currently serving as deputy commander, will assume leadership responsibilities following the transition date.
The departure represents the latest in a series of high-ranking military exits orchestrated under Hegseth’s leadership. More than two dozen senior military officials have either retired early or departed their positions as the Defense Secretary pursues an initiative to reduce the number of generals while prioritizing the recruitment of enlisted personnel. The Army acknowledged the transition in an official statement, expressing gratitude for Donahue’s service leading forces in the European and African theaters.
Final soldier to leave Afghanistan becomes focal point of withdrawal debate
Donahue gained national recognition as the last American service member to depart Afghanistan in August 2021, an event that symbolically closed the chapter on America’s longest military engagement. The conflict, which began following the September 11 attacks, lasted nearly two decades. A night vision photograph captured the moment he boarded a C-17 cargo plane, creating an iconic image that came to represent the conclusion of the war.
During the withdrawal operation, Donahue commanded the 82nd Airborne Division and was deployed to manage security operations at Hamid Karzai International Airport. The evacuation period was marked by chaos and tragedy, culminating in a suicide bombing at Abbey Gate by an ISIS-K operative. The attack claimed the lives of 13 U.S. service members and approximately 170 Afghan civilians. Marine forces, rather than units under Donahue’s command, held responsibility for securing the gate where the attack occurred.
Evacuation leadership draws bipartisan recognition despite criticism of broader strategy
Despite widespread criticism of the overall withdrawal strategy, which many characterized as rushed and poorly coordinated, Donahue’s specific management of the evacuation earned praise from both Democratic and Republican officials. The operation successfully airlifted roughly 124,000 Afghan citizens from the country during the final days of American presence. Former President Donald Trump repeatedly criticized President Joe Biden’s handling of the withdrawal throughout subsequent years.
- Hegseth ordered a comprehensive review of the Afghanistan withdrawal in May of last year
- Multiple investigations have been conducted by the Pentagon, U.S. Central Command, the State Department, and Congress
- The new probe follows earlier examinations of the operation’s execution and planning
- Questions remain about decision-making processes during the final weeks of the withdrawal
Decorated career spans special operations and conventional command
A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Donahue built his career primarily within special operations units. He led Delta Force operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan before transitioning to conventional command roles. From July 2020 to March 2022, he commanded the 82nd Airborne Division, one of the Army’s premier rapid deployment forces. President Biden appointed him to lead U.S. Army Europe and Africa in December 2024, positioning him at the forefront of military operations during a critical period for European security.
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Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Donahue played a central role in coordinating military assistance to Ukrainian forces. Officials indicated that his direct involvement in supporting Ukraine’s defense transformed him into the U.S. Army’s leading authority on modern drone warfare tactics and countermeasures. Within military circles, colleagues regarded him as among the most combat-experienced officers in the service, with many believing he possessed the qualifications and trajectory to potentially serve as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Command structure changes align with NATO review and restructuring plans
The timing of Donahue’s departure coincides with internal discussions about downgrading the U.S. Army Europe and Africa command from a four-star position to a three-star billet. Such a change would reduce the rank required to hold the post, reflecting potential shifts in force structure and command priorities. During a recent meeting with NATO allies in Brussels, Hegseth announced a six-month comprehensive review of American military presence in Europe.
The Defense Secretary emphasized that the assessment would represent a genuine examination of force posture and alliance contributions. He told NATO officials the review aims to ensure the alliance moves decisively toward European nations assuming primary responsibility for continental defense. Hegseth noted that some countries would demonstrate strong performance while others would fall short of expectations during the evaluation period.
Because Donahue has not held his fourth star for the required three-year period, he will need a presidential waiver to retain four-star retirement benefits. The regulation exists to prevent officers from receiving higher retirement pay based on brief service at elevated ranks. Neither the Pentagon nor Army leadership provided additional comment beyond the official transition announcement.
