Doral, Fla. (AP) — The U.S. Navy admiral overseeing military operations in Latin America handed over command responsibilities Friday as scrutiny intensified over the Trump administration’s deadly raids on alleged drug boats in the region.
Adm. Alvin Holsey retired for a year that normally lasts three to four years and handed over leadership to his top military aide, Air Force Lt. Gen. Ivan Pettus, in a ceremony at the US Southern Command headquarters near Miami.
In his farewell remarks, Holsey did not mention military operations or the reasons for his early retirement. But he urged his successor to uphold the longstanding partnership in the region by standing firm in support of the shared values of democracy and the rule of law.
“To be a trusted partner, we must be reliable, present and engaged,” Holsey said.
The Pentagon announced Holsey’s amicable retirement in October, more than a month after the Trump administration’s raids on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean killed at least 87 people. With the campaign facing increased scrutiny from Congress, Holsey briefed key lawmakers earlier this week.
A long-term replacement for Holsey has not yet been named
Friday’s ceremony was much smaller than past retirements, held mostly outdoors among a small crowd of Southern Command personnel and without Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, because President Donald Trump has yet to nominate Holsey’s replacement.
Gen. Dan Kaine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, made no mention of military operations in Latin America as he thanked Holsey for her 37 years of service. Kane described Holsey as a “stock” leader and a “calm professional” who always leads with his heart and head.
“It’s never been about you, it’s been about people, it’s been about other people,” Kane said. “In all the conversations we’ve had, you’ve never said ‘I.’ You’ve always said ‘we. … The impact you’ve made will last forever.’
Holsey is departing as Congress investigates the boat attack, which left two survivors clinging to the wreckage of an early strike. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Hegseth and other top officials have given classified briefings on Capitol Hill this week.
Holsey spoke via classified video call with key lawmakers overseeing the U.S. military this week. Sen. Jack Reid, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, later said that Holsey had answered the senators’ questions but “there are still many questions to be answered.” Reed later added that Holsey did not give a reason for his retirement other than saying it was a personal decision.
Boat strike checks increase
Experts on the rules of war, human rights groups and even Trump’s allies in Congress have questioned the legitimacy of the alleged drug raids. For decades, they were caught at sea by the Coast Guard and brought to the U.S. for criminal prosecution.
The 22 known strikes against alleged drug-trafficking vessels have been backed by US warships, attack helicopters, thousands of troops and a huge flotilla of the country’s most advanced aircraft carrier.
Trump’s Republican administration has defended its aggressive strategy, designating several drug cartels in Latin America as foreign terrorist organizations and declaring that the U.S. is in armed conflict with those criminal organizations, relying on a legal argument that drew attention after the September 11, 2001, attacks.
The campaign has increased pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who has been accused of drug terrorism in the US. The sale of that oil on the global energy market is critical to Maduro’s hold on power.
Maduro has insisted that the real purpose of the US military action is to remove him from office.
Holsey’s departure is the latest in a long line of sudden retirements and firings at the top of the military since Hegseth took over the Pentagon.
A native of rural Fort Valley, Georgia, whose father and several uncles served in Vietnam, Holsey gave up his command to Pettus for a soulful rendition of “Midnight Train in Georgia.”
Pettus, a fighter jet pilot with combat experience in Afghanistan and Iraq, had been serving as Holsey’s top deputy since late 2024. However, it is unclear how long the Arkansas native will remain on the job. Trump’s nominee must be confirmed by the Senate.
