Thomas Donovan assumes command of U.S. Special Operations Command Central

Rear Adm. Thomas Donovan has assumed command of the U.S. Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT) following a change-of-command ceremony in Tampa, Florida. The ceremony, presided over by Lt. Gen. Patrick Frank, marks the transition of leadership from Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers.

Maj. Gen. Jeffers, who led SOCCENT for 25 months, is transitioning to a new role as commander of the International Stabilization Force, which supports the peace plan for Gaza. During his tenure, Jeffers oversaw special operations across a 21-country area of responsibility spanning the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia.

Rear Adm. Donovan, a former Navy SEAL, previously served as the commander of the Special Reconnaissance and Enabling Command for U.S. Special Operations Command at MacDill Air Force Base. This leadership change occurs as U.S. military focus remains heavily engaged in the Middle East.