Marine Lt. Gen. Francis L. Donovan testifies at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Jan. 15, 2026, in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
WASHINGTON — The Senate has confirmed Marine Lt. Gen. Francis Donovan as the next head of U.S. Southern Command, a role that oversees military activity in Central and South America and the Caribbean amid an increased U.S. presence in the region.
Donovan will receive a fourth star with the promotion and succeed Adm. Alvin Holsey, who abruptly announced his retirement in October after less than a year on the job. Air Force Lt. Gen. Evan Pettus has led Southern Command on an acting basis since December.
Donovan’s confirmation on Friday night came less than a month after American forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in a surprise raid in the country. The U.S. military has carried out strikes on suspected drug boats in the region for months.
Holsey reportedly had concerns about the attacks, which the Trump administration has said are targeting people accused of “narco-trafficking.”
As SOUTHCOM commander, Donovan is expected to play a central role in decisions about the strikes, which have come under lawmaker scrutiny, as well as oversee the thousands of troops who remain stationed on land and at sea following the operation to remove Maduro.
He currently serves as vice commander of U.S. Special Operations Command. In 37 years of service, he has led Marine Corps, Navy, and joint and special operations forces in a range of missions, from combat to clandestine operations.
Donovan committed to being transparent with the Senate Armed Services Committee during his confirmation hearing last month and said he will provide “candid and clear” military advice to President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
In written responses to the committee, Donovan said SOUTHCOM has been chronically underfunded and under-resourced but that is “clearly” changing under the Trump administration. Its newly released National Defense Strategy prioritizes defense of the Western Hemisphere over military involvement elsewhere.
