A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Donahue built much of his career in Army special operations.
He commanded Delta Force units in both Iraq and Afghanistan before taking command of the 82nd Airborne Division from July 2020 through March 2022.
President Biden nominated Donahue to lead U.S. Army Europe and Africa in December 2024.
During his tenure in Europe, Donahue helped coordinate military assistance to Ukraine following Russia’s invasion.
Officials told Fox News that his work supporting Ukraine made him one of the Army’s foremost experts on drone warfare.
Within military circles, Donahue was widely viewed as one of the Army’s most experienced combat commanders and was considered a potential future chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, according to The Associated Press.
His retirement comes as Army leaders reportedly consider reducing U.S. Army Europe and Africa from a four-star command to a three-star command.
