General Donahue, Last Out of Afghanistan, Retires; European Command Rank Downgraded

U.S. Army General Christopher Donahue, who became a symbol of the American withdrawal from Afghanistan as the last soldier to depart, has retired. He recently relinquished command of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, a role that will now be downgraded from a four-star to a three-star general position.

The ceremony marking Donahue's departure took place at Clay Kaserne in Wiesbaden. General Erik Kurilla of U.S. European Command praised Donahue's career, highlighting his deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, his role in combating the Islamic State, and his recent work supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression. Kurilla also noted Donahue's efforts in integrating new warfare concepts like drones, AI, and cyber operations.

Donahue gained widespread recognition in August 2021 when the U.S. Department of Defense released a night-vision image of him boarding the final C-17 transport plane leaving Kabul. This image became an iconic representation of the end of America's 20-year military involvement in Afghanistan.

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The last American soldier to leave Afghanistan: Commander of the 18th Airborne Corps, 82nd Airborne Division, Major General Donahue.

Despite being considered a potential candidate for Army Chief of Staff, Donahue unexpectedly submitted his retirement papers. Several members of Congress have expressed dissatisfaction, suggesting he was pressured to retire by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Neither the Pentagon nor Donahue has publicly commented on the matter. The deputy commander, Major General Christopher Norrie, will temporarily assume leadership of U.S. Army Europe and Africa. Donahue stated that the forces deterring Russian aggression on NATO's eastern flank are prepared.

The reduction in rank for the U.S. Army Europe and Africa command is part of Secretary Austin's initiative to streamline the general officer structure. The U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa command underwent a similar downgrade to a three-star position last year.

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The U.S. Army units and commanders involved in deterring Russian aggression on NATO's eastern flank are adequately prepared.