DORAL, Fla. — Admiral Alvin Holsey, a 37-year Navy veteran, retired Friday as the head of U.S. Southern Command, one year into his tenure and two years earlier than expected.
Holsey has overseen Southern Command’s operations in the Caribbean, including deployments targeting Venezuela through the lens of drug trafficking. His tenure drew scrutiny following fatal strikes on boats in the region, and reports indicate he was at odds with the plan of attack.
During a public retirement ceremony, Holsey delivered a tribute to allies.
“We must always be there for like-minded partners, like-minded nations who share our values: democracy, rule of law and human rights,” he said.
The ceremony was described as a formal, public-facing event, with no mention of the behind-the-scenes questions and controversy surrounding his retirement.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Holsey’s retirement in October, surprising some members of Congress who work with the armed services.
Gen. Dan Caine, U.S. Air Force chief of staff, praised Holsey’s leadership.
“You’ve lived a stoic’s philosophy of empathy first — lead with your heart, lead with your head — early, often, and always,” Caine said.
For many of the service members he led at Southern Command, the retirement came as a surprise.
Those individuals were unable to speak on the record about the ceremony.
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