US Commander Overseeing Fatal Strikes Against Alleged Drug Boats Off Venezuela Will Retire

US Southcom Chief to retire by year's end

US Navy Admiral Alvin Holsey, who is in charge of the Southern Command (Southcom), will retire from active service in December 2025, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced on Thursday. Holsey took command in November 2024, succeeding Army General Laura Richardson. Thus, his early departure is unusual, as these four-star postings typically last three to four years.

U.S. military commander who oversaw strikes against alleged drug boats will retire

The head of the U.S. military's Southern Command will retire this year, a high-profile departure as the Trump administration strikes alleged drug boats and pressures Venezuela.

Hegseth announces retirement of US commander leading counter-narcotics mission in Caribbean

Holsey, 60, has led US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) for less than a year, and his departure comes as several Navy ships and thousands of troops have deployed to the region as part of President Trump’s massive operation to counter narcoterrorist groups allegedly led by Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro.

Military Commander Overseeing Escalating Attacks Off Venezuela Coast Is Stepping Down, Officials Say

Adm. Alvin Holsey is leaving less than a year into his tenure, and as the Pentagon escalates attacks against boats in the Caribbean Sea.

Head of US command overseeing Trump ‘drug boat’ strikes steps down

‘Serving as your commander and deputy for the past 34 months has been a tremendous honor,’ Admiral Alvin Holsey said

US Commander Overseeing Fatal Strikes Against Alleged Drug Boats Off Venezuela Will Retire

The commander of U.S. military operations in the region where forces have been attacking alleged drug boats says he will retire in December.