Gen. Christopher Donahue, the U.S. Army’s top commander for Europe and Africa, is stepping down on short notice and will give up his post on July 2. The Army says Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie will cover Donahue’s duties until a permanent replacement is chosen. Donahue became a symbol of the chaotic end to the Afghanistan war after he was photographed boarding the final U.S. aircraft out of Kabul in August 2021.
In a statement late Tuesday, the Army confirmed the leadership change, describing it as part of a wider reshuffling of senior officers under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s push to “thin the ranks” of generals, according to The Associated Press. The outlet reported that Donahue had led U.S. Army Europe and Africa for roughly 18 months before the sudden decision.
How the News Surfaced
The shakeup first came to light in reporting by The Atlantic, which said Donahue was expected to announce his retirement as Pentagon officials discussed restructuring the theater command. That reporting placed his exit alongside other recent senior personnel moves and raised questions about how the broader reshuffle and potential command changes might affect U.S. influence with NATO partners.
Donahue’s Record
According to the command’s official biography, Donahue is a West Point graduate who took over U.S. Army Europe and Africa in December 2024 after a long career in special operations and airborne units. He previously commanded the 82nd Airborne Division during the 2021 Afghanistan evacuation and, as reported by The Associated Press, was the last U.S. service member to depart Afghanistan on August 30, 2021.
What It Could Mean For U.S. Posture In Europe
Inside the Pentagon, officials have been weighing whether to downgrade U.S. Army Europe and Africa from a four-star to a three-star command, a possible change described in The Atlantic. Supporters argue a smaller command could simplify the leadership structure. Critics counter that cutting a star could weaken U.S. leverage with allied militaries that closely track rank and protocol.
Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told NATO allies last week that he plans a six-month Pentagon review of American forces in Europe, a move noted by NBC Los Angeles.
For now, Maj. Gen. Norrie is handling day-to-day command responsibilities, and Donahue’s formal relief date remains set for July 2. The Pentagon had no immediate public comment as reporters pressed for more details on the decision and what comes next.
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