A U.S. Navy admiral overseeing military operations in Latin America officially handed over his command on October 27, 2023, as scrutiny intensifies regarding the Trump administration’s controversial strikes on alleged drug boats in the region. Admiral Alvin Holsey, who has served for just over a year in a position typically lasting three to four years, transferred his leadership responsibilities to Air Force Lt. Gen. Evan Pettus during a ceremony at U.S. Southern Command headquarters in Doral, Florida.
In his farewell remarks, Holsey did not discuss the ongoing military operations or the reasons behind his early retirement. Instead, he emphasized the importance of maintaining strong partnerships in the region, urging Pettus to uphold shared values of democracy and the rule of law. “To be a trusted partner, we must be credible, present, and engaged,” Holsey stated.
Holsey’s unexpected retirement announcement came from the Pentagon in early October, shortly after the Trump administration initiated a series of strikes targeting suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. These operations have reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 87 individuals, raising significant concerns among lawmakers and advocacy groups.
During the ceremonial transfer, the atmosphere was notably subdued compared to previous events, with only a small audience of Southern Command staff present. Notably absent was Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, as President Trump has yet to nominate Holsey’s successor. Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, acknowledged Holsey’s 37 years of military service, referring to him as a “stoic” leader and a “quiet professional.”
Congress has launched bipartisan investigations into the military strikes, including one incident that resulted in the deaths of two survivors clinging to wreckage from an initial attack. Sen. Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, noted that while Holsey addressed senators’ inquiries during a classified briefing, “there are still many questions to be answered.” Reed confirmed that Holsey did not provide specific reasons for his retirement, citing it as a personal decision.
The legality of the strikes has drawn criticism from experts in warfare and human rights organizations, as well as from some of Trump’s allies in Congress. These operations have been characterized as targeting individuals accused of drug trafficking, a practice that has historically involved the U.S. Coast Guard detaining suspects at sea for prosecution in the United States.
Holsey’s successor, Lt. Gen. Pettus, is a seasoned fighter jet pilot with combat experience in Iraq and Afghanistan. He has served as Holsey’s top deputy since late 2024. The timeline for Pettus’s appointment remains uncertain, as any nomination from Trump must go through Senate confirmation.
The Trump administration has defended its aggressive military tactics, designating drug gangs in Venezuela, Colombia, and Mexico as “narcoterrorists.” This legal rationale has gained traction in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, attacks, framing the U.S. actions as part of an armed conflict against drug cartels. The campaign has intensified pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who faces narcoterrorism charges in the United States.
In a significant escalation of military efforts, U.S. forces recently seized control of a sanctioned oil tanker accused of smuggling illicit crude oil. This operation targets a critical revenue source for Maduro’s regime, with implications for his political stability.
Holsey’s departure reflects a broader trend of sudden retirements and firings within the military’s upper ranks following Hegseth’s appointment as Secretary of Defense. The evolving situation underscores the complexities and controversies surrounding U.S. military operations in Latin America, particularly in the context of drug trafficking and international relations.
