US special operations command changes hands as Jeffers moves to Gaza stabilization mission

Jeffers transitions to Gaza mission

The US Special Operations Command Central has undergone a leadership transition, with Rear Adm. Thomas Donovan taking command from Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers during a ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, on August 14. The change comes as US forces maintain an intensive operational tempo across the Middle East during the ongoing Iran conflict.

Lt. Gen. Patrick Frank, deputy commander of US Central Command, presided over the ceremony at the base, which serves as headquarters for both CENTCOM and US Special Operations Command.

Jeffers, who commanded SOCCENT for 25 months beginning in June 2024, will now lead the International Stabilisation Force supporting the Gaza peace plan. The ISF was mandated by United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803, passed on November 17, 2025, with a 13-0 vote, with Russia and China abstaining.

Israel's security cabinet approved the entry of the ISF into Gaza on July 26, 2026, authorizing an initial deployment of up to 200 troops with approval from Israel's prime minister, minister of defense, and minister of foreign affairs. The force is expected to include personnel from Kosovo, Albania, Morocco, and possibly Kazakhstan.

The ISF's mission includes helping to secure and demilitarize the Gaza Strip, primarily by facilitating the decommissioning of weapons, protecting civilians, and training and advising Palestinian police forces.

New commander brings elite special operations background

Donovan arrives at SOCCENT after serving as commander of the Special Reconnaissance and Enabling Command under US Special Operations Command. A Portsmouth, Virginia, native, he began his military career as a Navy SEAL in 1996 after graduating from the US Naval Academy, completing Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training class 208 that year.

His career progression included service as Deputy Commander and later Commanding Officer of the Naval Special Warfare Development Group before his most recent assignment. He also earned a Master's degree in Defense Analysis from the Naval Post Graduate School.

Frank praised Jeffers during the ceremony for his leadership, describing him as a forward-thinking and innovative leader during his tenure overseeing special operations planning and execution.

Command spans vast geographic area

SOCCENT is responsible for special operations across CENTCOM's 21-country area of responsibility, which includes Afghanistan, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, and Yemen.

This region spans three continents and encompasses over 550 million people, roughly 25 ethnic groups, and hundreds of languages and dialects. To maintain operational proximity to the region, SOCCENT maintains a forward headquarters at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, known as SOCCENT FWD, in addition to its rear headquarters in Tampa.

In his farewell remarks, Jeffers emphasized the people who serve under the command.

These ceremonies aren't about the command; they are about the people,

Jeffers said, describing his feelings as

gratitude.

He added,

It's been an honour to serve with you.

The leadership transition occurs as US forces remain heavily engaged across the Middle East, with SOCCENT continuing to play a central role in special operations throughout the theater during the Iran war.