A U.S. Navy admiral overseeing military operations in Latin America officially handed over command responsibilities on October 27, 2023, during a ceremony at the U.S. Southern Command headquarters in Miami. Admiral Alvin Holsey transferred his duties to Air Force Lt. Gen. Evan Pettus, amidst increasing scrutiny regarding the Trump administration’s operations targeting alleged drug trafficking vessels in the region.
In his farewell remarks, Holsey did not address the controversial military operations that have sparked significant debate. Instead, he emphasized the importance of maintaining strong partnerships in Latin America, urging his successor to uphold the values of democracy and the rule of law. “To be a trusted partner, we must be credible, present and engaged,” Holsey stated.
Holsey’s unexpected retirement follows his less than one-year tenure in a position typically held for three to four years. The Pentagon announced his departure in early October, coinciding with heightened attention on the administration’s strikes on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, which have reportedly resulted in at least 87 fatalities. These operations have drawn criticism from lawmakers and human rights advocates.
The retirement ceremony was notably subdued, featuring a small gathering of Southern Command staff and lacking the presence of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, as President Trump has yet to nominate a replacement for Holsey. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Dan Caine, acknowledged Holsey’s 37 years of service, praising him as a “stoic leader” who consistently prioritized others in his role.
As Holsey departs, Congress has initiated bipartisan investigations into the military’s actions, particularly regarding incidents where strikes resulted in the deaths of survivors clinging to wreckage. Following classified briefings by senior officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, questions about the legality of these operations continue to loom, particularly concerning the treatment of individuals accused of drug trafficking.
The Trump administration has defended its aggressive military tactics, categorizing drug gangs in Venezuela, Colombia, and Mexico as “narcoterrorists.” The administration’s legal rationale cites a state of armed conflict with drug cartels, a justification that gained prominence following the September 11, 2001, attacks. This has led to the deployment of a substantial military presence, including a flotilla of warships and advanced aircraft, to support ongoing operations.
In a sharp escalation of U.S. military strategy, forces recently seized a sanctioned oil tanker linked to illicit crude smuggling, an action seen as a direct challenge to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who has been charged with narcoterrorism in the United States. Maduro has accused the U.S. of using military operations to undermine his government.
Holsey’s retirement forms part of a broader trend of leadership changes within the military hierarchy since Hegseth took charge at the Pentagon. Lt. Gen. Pettus, a seasoned fighter jet pilot with combat experience in Afghanistan and Iraq, has been serving as Holsey’s deputy since late 2024. Yet, uncertainty remains regarding the duration of his leadership, as Trump’s nominee for Holsey’s position will require Senate confirmation.
The ongoing investigations and political ramifications of these military strikes underscore the contentious nature of U.S. foreign policy in Latin America, as the administration seeks to balance national security interests with humanitarian considerations.
