Adm. Alvin Holsey, commander of U.S. Southern Command testifies at a Senate Committee on Armed Services hearing Feb. 13, 2025, in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
WASHINGTON — Adm. Alvin Holsey, the head of U.S. Southern Command, will retire by the end of the year.
The announcement comes less than a year into Holsey’s tenure and as U.S. operations in the Caribbean Sea grow.
”We extend our deepest gratitude to Admiral Alvin Holsey for his more than 37 years of distinguished service to our nation,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Thursday in a post on X.
Hegseth’s post did not provide further information regarding the decision. Holsey is one of two Black four-star officers leading a combatant command.
In a post on the command’s Facebook page, Holsey said, “It’s been an honor to serve our nation, the American people and support and defend our Constitution for over 37 years.”
“The SOUTHCOM team has made lasting contributions to the defense of our nation and will continue to do so,” he said. “I am confident that you will forge ahead, focused on your mission that strengthens our nation and ensures its longevity as a beacon of freedom around the globe.”
U.S. Navy Adm. Alvin Holsey, commander of U.S. Southern Command, speaks at a conference in Argentina in August 2025 on regional security challenges and cooperation. (Christopher Bermudez/U.S. Southern Command)
Military forces have conducted at least five known strikes in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility against suspected drug boats. The strikes, which began last month, have killed 27 people. The strikes came after a buildup of maritime forces in the region, including eight surface warships and more than 5,000 sailors and Marines.
President Donald Trump disclosed Wednesday he had authorized the Central Intelligence Agency to conduct covert operations inside Venezuela, adding to speculation in Caracas that the United States is attempting to topple President Nicolas Maduro.
Holsey previously served as the military deputy commander of SOUTHCOM and was promoted to the rank of admiral shortly before taking command.
Holsey is a native of Fort Valley, Ga., and was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps program at Morehouse College in 1988.
Hegseth has fired a number of senior military officials since taking office in January. Some of the firings include Air Force Gen. Charles “CQ” Brown, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Adm. Lisa Franchetti, the chief of naval operations; and the judge advocates general for the Army, Navy and Air Force.
