Tampa, Fla. (Agencies): U.S. Central Command has announced the passing of Gen. George B. Crist, United States Marine Corps (Retired), former US CENTCOM Commander.
Gen. Crist made history as the first U.S. Marine appointed to head a unified command, serving as Commander in Chief of USCENTCOM from 1985 until his retirement in 1988. Born on January 23, 1931, Gen. Crist graduated cum laude from Villanova University and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1952.
Throughout his distinguished career, Gen. Crist achieved numerous milestones. He was deployed to the Caribbean during the Cuban Missile Crisis, served in Vietnam as an advisor to the Vietnamese Joint General Staff, and was aide-de-camp to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In 1985, he was promoted to General and took command of USCENTCOM.
During his tenure at USCENTCOM, Gen. Crist oversaw significant operations, including Operation Earnest Will, the escort of reflagged Kuwaiti tankers, Operation Prime Chance, actions against Iranian forces, and Operation Praying Mantis, retaliation for the Iranian mining of the USS Samuel B. Roberts. He retired in 1988 after more than 36 years of dedicated service.
“We mourn the loss of the former USCENTCOM Commander and will forever honor his sacrifice and extraordinary leadership. Our prayers are with George’s family, and we will always remember his selfless service during his time at CENTCOM,” said Gen. Erik Kurilla, USCENTCOM Commander.