U.S. Southern Command Chief Retires Early Amid Heightened Tensions in Latin America

Admiral Alvin Holsey, who led U.S. Southern Command, stepped down from his post on Friday, retiring nearly two years ahead of schedule. According to three U.S. officials and two people familiar with the matter, the decision followed pressure from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who had grown increasingly dissatisfied with the command’s posture as the Pentagon sought to intensify military planning and operations across the region.

Holsey’s departure comes against the backdrop of mounting friction with Venezuela, including the seizure of an oil tanker earlier in the week and more than 20 fatal strikes targeting suspected drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean. Some officials privately suggested that disagreements over these maritime operations may have contributed to the defense secretary’s frustration with Southern Command. However, those close to the matter stress that no formal explanation linking the strikes to Holsey’s exit has been publicly confirmed.

In a closed-door briefing with senior lawmakers on Tuesday, Holsey reportedly told legislators that his decision to retire was unrelated to operational activities under his command. Republican Representative Mike Rogers later relayed those comments, saying the admiral denied that recent military actions played any role in his departure.

Holsey formally transferred command to his deputy, Air Force Lieutenant General Evan Pettus, during a ceremony that highlighted his decades of military service and leadership. General Dan Caine, who assumed the role of chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in April following the removal of his predecessor, praised Holsey’s career, calling him an exceptional leader who served with commitment and integrity.

Lieutenant General Pettus will now serve as the acting head of U.S. Southern Command as the Pentagon continues to recalibrate its military strategy in Latin America. The leadership change underscores the growing importance of the region in U.S. defense planning and signals potential shifts in how Washington approaches security challenges tied to narcotics trafficking, maritime enforcement, and regional instability.