MIAMI – The admiral in charge of US military forces in Latin America retired two years early on Friday, amid rising tensions with Venezuela that include Wednesday’s seizure of an oil tanker and more than 20 deadly strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats.
Three US officials and two people familiar with the matter told Reuters that Admiral Alvin Holsey was pushed out by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Two officials said Hegseth had grown frustrated with Southern Command as he sought to flex US military operations and planning in the region.
One official confirmed that discussion of whether Hegseth would dismiss Holsey surfaced roughly two weeks before the surprise announcement of his departure.
Holsey announced on October 16 his intention to step down in December.
He has not publicly explained his early retirement. In remarks at his retirement ceremony on Friday morning, he was upbeat as he reflected on his 37-year-long career. Speaking between rows of palm trees at Southern Command headquarters in Miami, he called on the United States to keep standing by fellow democracies that share US values.
“We must always be there for like-minded partners, like-minded nations who share our values: democracy, rule of law and human rights,” Holsey said.
Some officials have privately speculated that he opposed the recent US strikes on suspected drug vessels in the Caribbean. However, in a closed-door meeting with senior lawmakers on Tuesday, Holsey insisted that his decision had nothing to do with the operations in his command, according to comments by Republican Representative Mike Rogers published in Politico.
Holsey formally handed over command to his deputy, Air Force Lieutenant General Evan Pettus, during a ceremony that extolled his accomplishments in uniform.
“You’re an extraordinary human who has always led with your heart, your head and gone all in (for) every single day of your service,” said General Dan Caine, who became the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in April after his predecessor was fired.
Pettus will serve as acting head of US Southern Command. (Reuters)
