October 17, 2025
Admiral Alvin Holsey’s abrupt departure comes simply days after the U.S. navy’s fifth lethal strike within the Caribbean in opposition to a small boat that was accused of carrying medicine.
There are rising considerations of instability following the retirement announcement from U.S. Navy Admiral Alvin Holsey in December, lower than a 12 months after he took over as head of the U.S. Southern Command.
Adm. Holsey turned the chief of the U.S. Southern Command in November, overseeing the realm that features the Caribbean Sea and waters off South America. Navy leaders normally keep within the position wherever between three and 4 years.
His abrupt departure comes simply days after the U.S. navy’s fifth lethal strike within the Caribbean in opposition to a small boat that was accused of carrying medicine, NPR reported. Whereas the Trump administration claims it’s attacking alleged drug smugglers with navy power, there may be rising frustration amongst lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
Republicans need extra info from the White Home on the authorized justification and the main points of the lethal strikes. In the meantime, Democrats assert that the strikes violate U.S. and worldwide regulation.
A supply instructed Reuters that there was pressure between the four-star commander and U.S. Protection Secretary Pete Hegseth. In one other report from The New York Instances, an unnamed official stated Holsey “raised considerations concerning the mission and the assaults on the alleged drug boats.”
In a assertion posted on X, Adm. Holsey stated he’ll retire from the U.S. Navy on Dec. 12.
“It’s been an honor to serve our nation, the American individuals, and help and defend the Structure for over 37 years.”
He added, “The SOUTHCOM staff has made lasting contributions to the protection of our nation and can proceed to take action. I’m assured that you’ll forge forward, centered in your mission that strengthens our nation and ensures its longevity as a beacon of freedom across the globe.”
Message from #SOUTHCOM Commander Adm. Alvin Holsey. pic.twitter.com/k0TdV49O0z
— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) October 16, 2025
Considerations Develop As Admiral Alvin Holsey Steps Down
Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed, the highest Democrat on the Senate Armed Providers Committee, stated Holsey’s “surprising departure” sends an alarming sign of instability inside the chain of command.
“Admiral Holsey has served our nation with distinction for practically 4 a long time, and I thank him for his dedication. The American individuals are safer and our nation is stronger due to his service,” stated Senator Reed.
“Nonetheless, this surprising resignation is troubling. At a second when U.S. forces are build up throughout the Caribbean and tensions with Venezuela are at a boiling level, the departure of our prime navy commander within the area sends an alarming sign of instability inside the chain of command.”
Hegeseth thanked Holsey for his greater than 37 years of “distinguished service” to the nation on social media and famous that he started his profession via the NROTC program on the non-public, traditionally Black faculty, Morehouse, in 1988.
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