Top US commander in Latin America steps down amid growing scrutiny
2 Min Read
Admiral Alvin Holsey announces early retirement as scrutiny mounts over US military strikes in the Caribbean and growing tensions with Venezuela.
-
Paraguay's President Santiago Pena awards the Order of Merit to Navy Admiral Alvin Holsey at the Government Palace in Asunction on August 23, 2025. (AP)
Admiral Alvin Holsey, the top US military commander overseeing operations in Latin America, is stepping down, the Pentagon confirmed Thursday. His departure comes less than a year into the role and amid growing legal and political scrutiny over recent US military actions in the Caribbean Sea.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the resignation, praising Holsey’s 37-year career in the Navy and his leadership of US Southern Command. No official reason was given for the unexpected departure, though it follows several controversial strikes on vessels the Trump administration claims were involved in drug trafficking.
Holsey, who was appointed in November 2024, has overseen a significant expansion of US military assets in the region. Nearly 10,000 troops are now stationed across Latin America, and US B-52 bombers were recently deployed near Venezuelan airspace in a high-profile show of force.
In a statement, Holsey confirmed he will retire on December 12, calling it "an honor to serve and defend the Constitution." He encouraged military personnel to continue their mission "to ensure our nation's longevity as a beacon of freedom."
The admiral’s resignation follows President Donald Trump’s directive authorizing the use of lethal force against suspected drug vessels. At least five such strikes have occurred in international waters, resulting in 27 deaths, amid what critics say are "Extrajudicial killings."
Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, called Holsey’s resignation “deeply troubling," citing that the loss of the military leader raises "concerns about instability in the chain of command."
“Unilateral military action, especially without congressional authorization, is reckless and ignores the lessons of past U.S. interventions," Reed added.
In a post on X, Hegseth thanked Holsey for “exemplifying 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. A native of Fort Valley, Georgia, Admiral Holsey has exemplified the highest…
— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) October 16, 2025
Holsey is the latest in a series of senior military figures to exit under Hegseth’s leadership of the Department of Defense, adding to concerns about the administration’s approach to military governance and regional stability.
