U.S. Southern Command Chief Relinquishes Post Early Amid Caribbean Buildup and Controversial Strikes

Doral, Florida — Admiral Alvin Holsey, a 37-year Navy veteran, formally relinquished command of U.S. Southern Command on Friday, stepping down one year into a post that typically lasts three. His departure comes as the United States has significantly increased its military presence in the Caribbean and continued operations targeting suspected drug-smuggling vessels.

"We have worked hard and tirelessly to build relationships and understand requirements across the region," Adm. Holsey said at the relinquishment ceremony at U.S. Southern Command headquarters. "That work must continue across the whole government to deliver at the point of need to respond to shared threats in our neighborhood — the time is now."

Holsey announced his intention to retire in October and provided no formal public explanation for leaving early. Media reports cited tensions between Holsey and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over deployment decisions in the Caribbean, though officials at Friday's ceremony offered praise for Holsey's service. At the event, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine presented Holsey with the Defense Distinguished Service Medal and read a citation signed by Secretary Hegseth.

Leadership Transition. Holsey transferred command responsibilities to Air Force Lt. Gen. Evan Lamar Pettus, who will serve as acting commander until the Pentagon nominates a permanent successor for Senate confirmation.

Operation Southern Spear and Congressional Scrutiny. U.S. Southern Command has led "Operation Southern Spear," which the military says has destroyed 23 alleged drug-smuggling boats and resulted in 87 deaths. The campaign drew particular attention after a controversial "double tap" strike on Sept. 2 that killed two survivors. Admiral Mitch Bradley of U.S. Special Operations Command — who ordered the second strike — has briefed small groups of lawmakers and met with House Speaker Mike Johnson, who described the operation as conducted in a manner he considered "entirely appropriate."

Lawmakers, however, continue to press for answers. Earlier this week, Holsey gave a virtual briefing to the chair and ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Ranking Member Sen. Jack Reed said Holsey described his retirement as a personal decision but that "we have still, I think, many more questions."

Regional Buildup and Political Context. The United States now has roughly 15,000 personnel operating in the Caribbean region — spread among warships, including the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, and facilities in Puerto Rico — representing the largest U.S. presence there in decades. Officials say the buildup is part of the Trump administration's pressure campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. This week, with military support, the U.S. Coast Guard seized a sanctioned oil tanker off Venezuela's coast, and President Trump has suggested strikes inside Venezuela remain an option.

Operational Results and Career Highlights. Holsey assumed command of U.S. Southern Command in November 2024. According to a U.S. Southern Command release honoring his tenure, the command expanded under his leadership from roughly 3,500 personnel to nearly 15,000 directly supporting operations in the region. In the last fiscal year, the command reported disrupting or seizing more than one million pounds of cocaine, an amount valued at over $11.34 billion. The release did not specifically reference Operation Southern Spear.

Holsey is the most recent among more than a dozen senior officers who have either been relieved or chosen early retirement since Secretary Hegseth took office. Lt. Gen. Pettus will lead the command in the near term as Congress and the Pentagon continue to examine both the campaign against illicit maritime trafficking and the broader military posture in the Western Hemisphere.