Navy Admiral Alvin Holsey, who currently heads U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), is set to retire at the end of 2025, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Thursday.
Holsey, whose command covers U.S. military operations across Central and South America, took the post in November 2024. His exit comes during an aggressive expansion of the Trump administration’s Caribbean counter-narcotics campaign, which has included multiple lethal strikes on vessels allegedly smuggling drugs from Venezuela.
Officials praised Holsey’s 37 years of service and noted the retirement was a personal decision rather than a forced removal. Still, the timing—amid ongoing military escalation—has sparked speculation over internal discord and changes ahead for SOUTHCOM’s role in the region.
A formal ceremony marking his retirement is expected later this year, and Pentagon leadership will soon begin the process to name his successor.