DORAL, Fla. (AP) - A significant transition within the U.S. Southern Command occurred as Admiral Alvin Holsey formally handed over command to his deputy, Air Force Lieutenant General Evan Pettus, on Friday. This leadership change comes amid intensifying scrutiny concerning the Trump administration's military operations targeting alleged drug boats in Latin America, operations that have resulted in tragic outcomes. Holsey's departure comes only one year into a posting typically expected to last three to four years, highlighting the unusual nature of this transition.
During the handover ceremony held at U.S. Southern Command headquarters near Miami, Holsey refrained from addressing the controversial military operations or offering specific reasons for his early retirement. Nonetheless, in his farewell remarks, he emphasized the importance of maintaining strong partnerships in the region, advocating for democracy and the rule of law. “To be a trusted partner, we must be credible, present, and engaged,” he stated, reinforcing the values that have historically guided U.S. relations in Latin America.
The early retirement of Admiral Holsey was announced by the Pentagon in October, following the commencement of military strikes ordered by the Trump administration against suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. These operations, which have reportedly claimed the lives of at least 87 individuals, are facing bipartisan scrutiny in Congress. Holsey recently briefed key lawmakers on the operations, indicating the increasing legislative concern surrounding the strikes.
The retirement ceremony was markedly subdued compared to previous events, taking place outdoors with a limited audience primarily consisting of Southern Command staff. The absence of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth underscored the uncertain atmosphere, as President Trump has yet to nominate a permanent successor for Holsey. General Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, praised Holsey for his 37 years of service, noting his dedication to his colleagues and the people he served.
In light of Holsey's departure, Congress has initiated investigations into the military strikes, particularly focusing on incidents where survivors were reportedly killed in follow-up attacks. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other high-ranking officials have conducted classified briefings regarding these operations. Post-briefing remarks from Senator Jack Reed, the leading Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, revealed ongoing concerns among lawmakers regarding Holsey's decisions, although Holsey attributed his retirement to personal reasons without elaborating further.
Concerns regarding the legality of the maritime strikes have been raised by experts in warfare rules, human rights organizations, and some of Trump's allies in Congress. Historically, those accused of drug trafficking were apprehended at sea by the U.S. Coast Guard and brought back for legal prosecution, contrasting sharply with the current militarized approach of deploying extensive naval and aerial resources against drug organizations deemed "narcoterrorists" by the administration.
The military campaign has intensified pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who has been indicted by U.S. authorities on narcoterrorism charges. Recently, U.S. forces seized control of an oil tanker sanctioned for smuggling, which directly impacts Maduro’s control over vital resources. Maduro has characterized the U.S. operations as a strategic attempt to remove him from power.
Holsey's retirement is emblematic of a broader pattern of abrupt changes within the upper echelons of the military under Hegseth’s leadership at the Pentagon. Lieutenant General Evan Pettus, a fighter jet pilot with combat experience, now steps into Holsey's role as acting leader of Southern Command. However, the duration of Pettus's appointment remains in flux, pending Trump's future nominations, which require Senate confirmation.
