A U.S. Navy admiral overseeing military operations in Latin America transferred command on Friday amid increasing scrutiny over the Trump administration’s controversial strikes on boats suspected of drug trafficking. Admiral Alvin Holsey officially handed over his responsibilities to Air Force Lt. Gen. Evan Pettus during a ceremony at the U.S. Southern Command headquarters in Doral, Florida.
Holsey’s retirement comes just one year into a position that typically lasts three to four years. This abrupt transition occurs in the context of heightened attention on military operations that have resulted in at least 87 fatalities associated with strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. In his farewell remarks, Holsey did not address the military operations or the reasons for his early retirement but emphasized the importance of maintaining strong partnerships in the region, stating that “to be a trusted partner, we must be credible, present, and engaged.”
The Pentagon announced Holsey’s retirement in October, shortly after the commencement of these strikes, which have drawn bipartisan criticism from Congress. Holsey briefed key lawmakers earlier in the week regarding the operations, which have raised serious ethical and legal questions. Notably, these strikes have reportedly included incidents that led to the deaths of individuals clinging to wreckage.
During the handover ceremony, which was attended by a modest gathering of Southern Command staff, Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, praised Holsey for his 37 years of service, describing him as a “stoic” leader who prioritizes people over self-interest. Caine’s comments did not reference the contentious military operations in Latin America.
Congress has launched investigations into the strikes, focusing particularly on their legality and the humanitarian implications. Senator Jack Reed, the leading Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, remarked that while Holsey answered questions, many remain unresolved. Holsey cited personal reasons for his retirement but did not elaborate further.
Human rights advocates and legal experts have raised concerns about the legitimacy of the military’s actions against alleged drug traffickers, especially considering that similar suspects have historically been apprehended by the U.S. Coast Guard and brought to the U.S. for prosecution. The administration’s campaign, which involves coordinated strikes supported by a significant military presence, has categorized drug gangs in countries like Venezuela, Colombia, and Mexico as “narcoterrorists.” This classification is tied to a legal interpretation that emerged after the September 11, 2001, attacks, asserting that the U.S. is in an armed conflict with drug cartels.
The administration’s aggressive tactics have intensified pressure on Nicolás Maduro, the Venezuelan president, who faces narcoterrorism charges in the United States. Recently, U.S. forces escalated their efforts by seizing control of an oil tanker accused of smuggling, a critical source of revenue for Maduro’s government.
Holsey’s departure marks yet another instance of sudden retirements and firings among top military leadership since Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth assumed his role. Lt. Gen. Evan Pettus, who previously served as Holsey’s top deputy since late 2024 and has combat experience in Afghanistan and Iraq, is now tasked with leading during a time of increasing scrutiny.
As the Trump administration continues its military operations, the nomination of Holsey’s successor remains pending, awaiting Senate confirmation. The evolving situation raises important questions about the future of U.S. military strategy in Latin America and the implications for international relations.
