Through Mitti Hicks
October 17, 2025
Admiral Alvin Holsey’s abrupt departure comes just days after the fifth deadly U.S. military attack in the Caribbean on a small boat accused of transporting drugs.
There are growing concerns about instability following the announcement of the retirement of US Navy Admiral Alvin Holsey in December, less than a year after he took over as head of US Southern Command.
Admiral Holsey became leader of the U.S. Southern Command in November, overseeing the area that includes the Caribbean Sea and waters off South America. Military leaders typically remain in this role for between three and four years.
His abrupt departure comes just days after The US military’s fifth deadly attack in the Caribbean against a small boat accused of transporting drugs, NPR reported. As the Trump administration claims it is targeting suspected drug smugglers with military force, frustration is growing among lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
Republicans want more information from the White House on the legal justification and details of the deadly strikes. Meanwhile, Democrats claim the strikes violate U.S. and international law.
A source told Reuters that there is talk of it tension between the four-star commander and US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. In another report from The New York Timessaid an unnamed Holsey official “concerns raised about the mission and the attacks on the alleged drug boats.”
In one statement posted on XAdmiral Holsey said he will retire from the U.S. Navy on December 12.
“It has been an honor to serve our nation, the American people, and to support and defend the Constitution for more than 37 years.”
He added, “The SOUTHCOM team has made and will continue to make lasting contributions to the defense of our nation. I am confident you will move forward focused on your mission that strengthens our nation and ensures its longevity as a beacon of freedom around the world.”
Message from #SOUTHCOM Commander Admiral Alvin Holsey. pic.twitter.com/k0TdV49O0z
— US Southern Command (@Southcom) October 16, 2025
Concerns grow as Admiral Alvin Holsey resigns
Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said Holsey’s “unexpected departure” sends an alarming signal of instability within the chain of command.
“Admiral Holsey has served our nation with distinction for nearly four decades, and I thank him for his dedication. The American people are safer and our country is stronger because of his service,” said Senator Reed.
“However, this unexpected resignation is troubling. At a time when U.S. forces are building up in the Caribbean and tensions with Venezuela are at a boiling point, the departure of our top military commander in the region sends an alarming signal of instability within the chain of command.”
Hegeseth thanked Holsey for his more than 37 years of “distinguished service” to the nation on social media, noting that he began his career through the NROTC program at the private, historically black university, Morehouse, in 1988.
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