U.S. Southern Command Chief Steps Down Amid Heightened Caribbean Operations
DORAL, Fla. — Navy Adm. Alvin Holsey relinquished command of U.S. Southern Command on Friday during a ceremony at the command’s headquarters in Doral, Florida, marking his early retirement after a 37-year career in the U.S. Navy.
Holsey assumed leadership of Southern Command in November 2024, a post typically held for about three years. He announced plans to retire earlier this fall but did not publicly cite a reason for stepping down ahead of schedule.
Southern Command oversees U.S. military operations in the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Holsey’s departure comes during a period of heightened U.S. military activity in the region, including expanded naval and air operations tied to counter-narcotics efforts and increased tensions involving Venezuela.
Air Force Lt. Gen. Evan L. Pettus, Holsey’s deputy commander, has assumed duties as acting commander while the Pentagon moves forward with nominating a permanent successor, who will require Senate confirmation.
In a brief statement during the ceremony, Holsey thanked service members and civilian personnel for their work and described his retirement as a personal decision. Defense officials have not announced a timeline for naming a replacement.
The Pentagon has recently increased its operational tempo in the Caribbean, citing drug trafficking and regional security concerns. Those operations have drawn attention from lawmakers and international observers as Venezuela has accused the United States of escalating military pressure in the region.
Holsey, a career naval aviator, was responsible for overseeing U.S. military engagement with partner nations throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as managing humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and security cooperation missions.
Friday’s ceremony was held outdoors at Southern Command headquarters and attended by senior military leaders, civilian officials, and service members.
Follow The Coffman Chronicle on NewsBreak for daily breaking political coverage.