Gen Kenneth McKenzie, USMC
Class of 1979
Hometown: Birmingham, Al
- General McKenzie retired from the Marine Corps April 1, 2022, after commanding the US Central Command from 2018 until his retirement. As CENTCOM commander, McKenzie oversaw the successful high-profile special forces raid in Syria to kill or capture Islamic state leader Abu Bake al-Baghdadi in October 2019. Also as CENTCOM commander, during the 2020/2021 time period, McKenzie oversaw the withdrawal and reductions of U.S. forces from Iraq, and the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan.
- McKenzie's general officer posts have included Deputy Director of Operations for the National Military Command Center in the Pentagon; Director of the new administration transition overseeing the transition of military forces under incoming President Barack Obama; Deputy Chief of Staff for Stability under the International security Assistance Force, Afghanistan; Director of Strategy, Plans and Policy at the United States Central Command; Marine Corps Representative to the Quadrennial Defense Review; and, after receiving his third star, and Commanding General of United States Marine Forces Central Command.
- McKenzie's military awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal (3), Legion of Merit (3) and Bronze Star Medal.