A U.S. Navy admiral overseeing military operations in Latin America has officially handed over command duties amid increasing scrutiny of the Trump administration’s controversial strikes on alleged drug boats in the region. On Friday, Adm. Alvin Holsey retired after just one year in a position that typically lasts between three to four years, transferring responsibilities to his deputy, Air Force Lt. Gen. Evan Pettus, during a ceremony at the U.S. Southern Command headquarters near Miami.
In his farewell address, Holsey did not mention the military operations or the reasons behind his early retirement. Instead, he emphasized the importance of maintaining longstanding partnerships in the region, urging Pettus to uphold shared values of democracy and the rule of law. “To be a trusted partner, we must be credible, present, and engaged,” Holsey stated.
Holsey’s unexpected retirement was announced by the Pentagon in October 2023, shortly after the administration launched a series of strikes against suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean, resulting in at least 87 fatalities. As Congress intensifies its scrutiny of these operations, Holsey briefed key lawmakers earlier this week.
The ceremony marking Holsey’s transition was notably quieter than previous retirements, attended primarily by Southern Command staff and lacking the presence of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. President Donald Trump has yet to nominate a replacement for Holsey, leaving uncertainty over the future leadership of the command.
During the ceremony, Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, praised Holsey’s 37 years of service but did not address the Latin American military operations. Caine referred to Holsey as a “stoic” leader and a “quiet professional” who prioritized others in his leadership approach. “It’s never been about you, it’s been about people,” Caine remarked.
Holsey’s retirement comes as bipartisan investigations are underway in Congress regarding the legality of the strikes, particularly one incident that resulted in the deaths of two survivors clinging to wreckage from an initial strike. Following a classified video call with key lawmakers overseeing U.S. military operations, Sen. Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, noted that while Holsey answered questions, “there are still many questions to be answered.” Reed also indicated that Holsey did not provide a specific reason for his retirement beyond stating it was a personal decision.
Critics, including experts in warfare and human rights advocates, have raised concerns about the legality of the attacks on accused drug traffickers, who have traditionally been apprehended at sea by the U.S. Coast Guard and brought to the United States for prosecution. The 22 strikes supported by a large flotilla of warships, attack helicopters, and thousands of personnel, mark a significant escalation in the U.S. military’s approach to combating drug trafficking.
The Trump administration has defended its aggressive tactics, labeling drug gangs from Venezuela, Colombia, and Mexico as “narcoterrorists.” Officials argue that the legal justification for these operations stems from a post-September 11, 2001, framework that asserts an armed conflict exists with drug cartels. This campaign has intensified pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who has been charged with narcoterrorism in the United States. The administration’s military operations recently escalated with the seizure of a sanctioned oil tanker accused of smuggling illicit crude, a critical revenue source for Maduro’s regime.
Holsey’s departure is part of a larger pattern of high-profile retirements and firings within the military’s upper echelons since Hegseth took over at the Pentagon. Lt. Gen. Evan Pettus, a fighter jet pilot with combat experience in Afghanistan and Iraq, has been serving as Holsey’s deputy since late 2024. It remains uncertain how long Pettus will maintain his new role, as Trump’s nominee will require Senate confirmation.
