Admiral overseeing operations in Caribbean Sea stepping down, Hegseth announces
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Thursday that the military commander overseeing operations in Latin America -- which has included several lethal strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean Sea -- is stepping down.
Hegseth's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment about why Adm. Alvin Holsey was leaving the post unexpectedly less than a year on the job. Holsey had served as deputy commander for U.S. Southern Command before being confirmed as its commander in November 2024.
Holsey is among several senior ranking uniformed officers who have either retired or been pushed out under Hegseth. His departure is particularly noteworthy as legal experts question President Donald Trump's orders to use lethal military force to strike boats suspected of carrying drugs in the Caribbean Sea.
In a statement after Hegseth's announcement, Holsey said he will retire from the Navy on Dec. 12, noting it was an honor to serve the country and defend the Constitution for more than 37 years.
"I am confident that you will forge ahead, focused on your mission that strengthens our nation and ensures its longevity as a beacon of freedom around the globe," he wrote.
Holsey has overseen a major buildup of military assets in the region with some 10,000 troops now operating around Latin America. His departure was announced a day after the military sent three B-52 bombers from an Air Force base in Louisiana to fly in circles near Venezuela, which Trump accuses of orchestrating drug shipments.
Sen. Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, called the unexpected resignation "troubling."
"At a moment when U.S. forces are building up across the Caribbean and tensions with Venezuela are at a boiling point, the departure of our top military commander in the region sends an alarming signal of instability within the chain of command,” Reed said.
“Any operation to intervene militarily in Venezuela -- especially without congressional authorization -- would be unwise and dangerous,” he added. “Admiral Holsey’s resignation only deepens my concern that this administration is ignoring the hard-earned lessons of previous U.S. military campaigns and the advice of our most experienced warfighters."
In a post on X, Hegseth thanked Holsey for his service and said he exemplified the "highest standards of naval leadership."
"On behalf of the Department of War, we extend our deepest gratitude to Admiral Alvin Holsey for his more than 37 years of distinguished service to our nation as he plans to retire at year's end," Hegseth wrote.
"A native of Fort Valley, Georgia, Admiral Holsey has exemplified the highest standards of naval leadership since his commissioning through the NROTC program at Morehouse College in 1988. Throughout his career -- from commanding helicopter squadrons to leading Carrier Strike Group One and standing up the International Maritime Security Construct -- Admiral Holsey has demonstrated unwavering commitment to mission, people, and nation. His tenure as Military Deputy Commander and now Commander of United States Southern Command reflects a legacy of operational excellence and strategic vision. The Department thanks Admiral Holsey for his decades of service to our country, and we wish him and his family continued success and fulfillment in the years ahead."
