US EditionCommander of US Southern Command Set to Step Down, Pentagon Says
Admiral Holsey retires after less than a year amid 27 deaths in U.S. strikes on drug-smuggling boats off Venezuela, raising legal and leadership concerns.
- On Thursday, Admiral Alvin Holsey, U.S. Southern Command commander, said he will retire on December 12, 2025, less than a year after taking command in November 2024.
- Regional military buildup, including around 6,500 troops and eight Navy ships, has supported U.S. military strikes against alleged drug boats, with at least five struck boats off Venezuela killing 27 people.
- Sources familiar with the matter told Reuters that Admiral Holsey had tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and questions about possible firing arose, while The New York Times reported Holsey raised concerns about missile strikes on alleged drug boats.
- It was not clear who would replace Holsey, and Pentagon spokespersons provided no additional information beyond Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's announcement, marking another senior departure under Hegseth.
- Typically, SOUTHCOM commanders serve around three years, making Holsey’s early departure notable as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth pushes senior leaders out, signaling broader personnel changes last month.
212 Articles
212 Articles
The commander of the US fleet in the Caribbean, Admiral Alvin Holsey, is resigning, as the US steps up its attacks on suspected drug-smuggling ships.
Top US Commander for Latin America and Reported Critic of Strikes Against Venezuelan Drug Boats Abruptly Announces Resignation - War Secretary Pete Hegseth Responds
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has lost a team member who was playing a critical role in combating narcoterrorists in the Caribbean following a stunning resignation.
Admiral Alvin Holsey, head of the SOUTHCOM military command responsible for US attacks on vessels in the Caribbean Sea, is resigning. He announced his resignation on social media. Holsey is leaving the Navy as President Donald Trump continues to increase pressure on the Venezuelan regime by deploying thousands of troops to the region for "a critical mission against drugs and terrorism."
The U.S. government seems to be, in the papers, gathering the pieces for a regime change in Venezuela.
US Southcom Chief to retire by year's end
US Navy Admiral Alvin Holsey, who is in charge of the Southern Command (Southcom), will retire from active service in December 2025, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced on Thursday. Holsey took command in November 2024, succeeding Army General Laura Richardson. Thus, his early departure is unusual, as these four-star postings typically last three to four years.
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