President Trump has nominated Lt. Gen. Francis L. Donovan to command U.S. Southern Command, following Adm. Alvin Holsey's early retirement after more than 30 years in the Navy. Donovan, currently vice commander of SOCOM with a background in infantry, reconnaissance and special operations, now awaits Senate confirmation. The nomination comes amid an intensified U.S. campaign against suspected drug-trafficking vessels—at least 25 strikes and 104 deaths—and a major regional military buildup of personnel and naval and air assets.
Trump Nominates Lt. Gen. Francis L. Donovan To Lead U.S. Southern Command Amid Regional Buildup
President Trump on Friday nominated Lt. Gen. Francis L. Donovan to serve as commander of U.S. Southern Command (Southcom), the geographic combatant command responsible for U.S. military operations in Latin America and the Caribbean. The nomination follows the early departure of Adm. Alvin Holsey, who retired last week after more than three decades in the Navy; reports indicate Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth asked him to step down.
Donovan currently serves as vice commander of U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM). A Marine Corps officer with experience in infantry, reconnaissance and special operations, he became SOCOM vice commander in September 2022 and has led multiple expeditionary and command assignments ashore and at sea.
Regional Security Context
The nomination arrives as the administration has intensified military operations targeting suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. U.S. officials say the campaign, which began in early September, has included at least 25 strikes and resulted in 104 deaths of individuals described by authorities as "narco-terrorists."
At the same time, the U.S. has established a substantial military presence in Southcom's area of responsibility: roughly 15,000 service members, at least 11 warships, one submarine, F-35 aircraft and other assets have been deployed. Officials contend these forces are intended to disrupt trafficking networks and protect U.S. interests in the hemisphere.
Next Steps
Donovan's nomination must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate before he can assume command. His official biography lists a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from Towson University, a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College and a Master of Military Studies from the Marine Corps Command and Staff College.
Note: Southcom oversees a strategically significant region where illicit trafficking, transnational crime and political instability have prompted stepped-up U.S. military attention.
Senate consideration is likely to examine Donovan's operational record as well as the broader strategy behind the recent campaign and force posture in the region.
