Admiral Alvin Holsey, who leads the US Southern Command overseeing operations across Central and South America, announced on Thursday that he is retiring from service.
In his role, Holsey has overseen ongoing operations targeting suspected drug-carrying vessels in the Caribbean.
"It's been an honour to serve our nation, the American people and support and defend the Constitution for over 37 years. Effective 12 December 2025 I will retire from the US Navy," he said in a statement on the Southern Command's X account without an explanation for his early departure.
Holsey had been leading the Doral, Florida-headquartered Southern Command since November 2024.
"The SOUTHCOM team had made lasting contributions to the defense of our nation and will continue to do so. I am confident that you will forge ahead, focusing on your mission that strengthens our nation and ensures it longevity as a becaon of freedom around the globe," he added.
Secretary of defense Pete Hegseth thanked the retiring naval aviator on social media: “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. 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.”
So far, US forces have carried out at least five strikes—and a possible sixth—against alleged drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean, leaving 27 people dead in the first five attacks, a campaign that some experts have described as “illegal.”
Caribbean strikes the trigger?
According to CNN, tensions had been "simmering" between Hegseth and Holsey for weeks before the admiral announced he was leaving.
"Hegseth did not believe Holsey was moving quickly or aggressively enough to combat drug traffickers in the Caribbean. SOUTHCOM was also concerned about the operations not being lawful," sources said.
The tensions "came to a head" during a meeting between Hegseth, Holsey and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine on October 6 at the Pentagon. Holsey offered his resignation, but his departure was not announced until over a week later.
Who is Admiral Alvin Holsey
A native of Fort Valley, Georgia, Admiral Alvin Holsey joined the Navy in 1988 through the NROTC (Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps) programme at Morehouse College. Over his 37-year career, he commanded helicopter squadrons, led Carrier Strike Group One, served as Military Deputy Commander, and ultimately became Commander of the US Southern Command.
In his role, Holsey has overseen ongoing operations targeting suspected drug-carrying vessels in the Caribbean.
"It's been an honour to serve our nation, the American people and support and defend the Constitution for over 37 years. Effective 12 December 2025 I will retire from the US Navy," he said in a statement on the Southern Command's X account without an explanation for his early departure.
Message from #SOUTHCOM Commander Adm. Alvin Holsey. pic.twitter.com/k0TdV49O0z
— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) October 16, 2025
Holsey had been leading the Doral, Florida-headquartered Southern Command since November 2024.
"The SOUTHCOM team had made lasting contributions to the defense of our nation and will continue to do so. I am confident that you will forge ahead, focusing on your mission that strengthens our nation and ensures it longevity as a becaon of freedom around the globe," he added.
Secretary of defense Pete Hegseth thanked the retiring naval aviator on social media: “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. 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.”
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. A native of Fort Valley, Georgia, Admiral Holsey has exemplified the highest…
— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) October 16, 2025
So far, US forces have carried out at least five strikes—and a possible sixth—against alleged drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean, leaving 27 people dead in the first five attacks, a campaign that some experts have described as “illegal.”
Caribbean strikes the trigger?
According to CNN, tensions had been "simmering" between Hegseth and Holsey for weeks before the admiral announced he was leaving.
"Hegseth did not believe Holsey was moving quickly or aggressively enough to combat drug traffickers in the Caribbean. SOUTHCOM was also concerned about the operations not being lawful," sources said.
The tensions "came to a head" during a meeting between Hegseth, Holsey and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine on October 6 at the Pentagon. Holsey offered his resignation, but his departure was not announced until over a week later.
Who is Admiral Alvin Holsey
A native of Fort Valley, Georgia, Admiral Alvin Holsey joined the Navy in 1988 through the NROTC (Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps) programme at Morehouse College. Over his 37-year career, he commanded helicopter squadrons, led Carrier Strike Group One, served as Military Deputy Commander, and ultimately became Commander of the US Southern Command.
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