The Pentagon has nominated Lt. Gen. Kevin D. Admiral to become the next commander of U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF), placing the senior Army officer in line to oversee American land forces across two strategically important regions.
Admiral currently commands III Corps and Fort Hood, Texas. If his nomination is confirmed, he would succeed Gen. Christopher Donahue, who left the Europe and Africa command earlier this month after approximately 18 months in the position.
Following Donahue’s departure, Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie has been carrying out the commander’s duties on an acting basis.
Admiral Could Also Lead NATO Allied Land Command
The appointment would give Admiral responsibilities extending beyond U.S. Army operations. If confirmed, he is also expected to command NATO’s Allied Land Command, a key headquarters responsible for coordinating land-force activities within the alliance.
USAREUR-AF operates across a vast area involving cooperation and engagement with 104 countries, making the command central to U.S. military partnerships, readiness and deterrence efforts across Europe and Africa.
Unlike previous commanders who held four-star rank, Admiral is expected to remain a three-star lieutenant general while serving in the position.
Kevin Admiral’s Military Career
Admiral brings extensive command and staff experience to the nomination.
Before taking command of III Corps, he led the 1st Cavalry Division, including assignments associated with Fort Hood and deployments in Poland. His experience in Europe could prove particularly relevant as U.S. and NATO forces continue to emphasize readiness and cooperation across the continent.
He has also served as director of force management in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7, according to his official U.S. Army biography.
The position gave him experience in force structure and management alongside his operational command background.
Pentagon Leadership Changes Continue
Donahue’s departure in July comes during a broader period of change among senior U.S. military leaders under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Since taking office, Hegseth has overseen significant changes across the military’s senior leadership. More than a dozen high-ranking officers have been removed from their positions, including former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. C.Q. Brown Jr. and former Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti.
In April, Hegseth also asked Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George to leave his position and retire before completing the four-year term typically associated with the post.
Admiral’s nomination therefore comes at a consequential time for U.S. military leadership, particularly as Washington continues to manage its NATO commitments, European security challenges and military partnerships across Africa.
If confirmed, Admiral would take charge of one of the U.S. Army’s most strategically significant overseas commands while simultaneously assuming an important leadership role within NATO’s land forces.