In the Caribbean Sea, Hegseth announces the resignation of the admiral in charge of operations

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Thursday that the military commander overseeing operations in Latin America — which has included several lethal strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean Sea — is stepping down.
Holsey had served as deputy commander for U.S. Southern Command before being confirmed as its commander in November 2024.
In a post on X, Hegseth thanked Holsey for his service and said he exemplified the “highest standards of naval leadership.”
“A native of Fort Valley, Georgia, Admiral Holsey has exemplified the highest standards of naval leadership since his commissioning through the NROTC program at Morehouse College in 1988.
The Department thanks Admiral Holsey for his decades of service to our country, and we wish him and his family continued success and fulfillment in the years ahead.”

NEUTRAL

On Thursday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the resignation of the military commander in charge of operations in Latin America, which have included multiple deadly attacks on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean Sea.

Upon being asked why Adm, Hegseth’s office did not immediately respond. After less than a year on the job, Alvin Holsey was abruptly leaving the position. Previously, Holsey had been U.S. A. Prior to being officially appointed as its commander in November 2024, Southern Command.

Hegseth has forced out or retired a number of senior ranking uniformed officers, including Holsey. Given that legal experts are contesting President Donald Trump’s directives to use deadly military force to attack boats suspected of transporting drugs in the Caribbean Sea, his departure is especially significant.

Holsey said he will retire from the Navy on December in a statement following Hegseth’s announcement. 12, acknowledging that serving the nation and upholding the Constitution for over 37 years was an honor.

He wrote, “I am sure that you will continue forward, committed to your goal that fortifies our country and guarantees its future as a beacon of freedom in the world.”.

With about 10,000 soldiers currently serving throughout Latin America, Holsey has presided over a significant increase in the region’s military capabilities. His departure was made public the day after the military, which Trump claims is involved in drug shipments, sent three B-52 bombers from a Louisiana Air Force base to circle around Venezuela.

Sen. The Senate Armed Services Committee’s top Democrat, Jack Reed, described the sudden resignation as “troubling.”. “.”.

“For example, when U. S. . Because of the escalating tensions with Venezuela and the accumulation of forces throughout the Caribbean, Reed stated, “the departure of our top military commander in the region sends an alarming signal of instability within the chain of command.”.

He went on to say, “Any operation to intervene militarily in Venezuela — especially without congressional authorization — would be foolish and dangerous.”. The fact that Admiral Holsey resigned only makes me more worried that this administration is disregarding the valuable lessons learned by earlier U.S. leadership. S. . military operations as well as the counsel of our oldest combatants. “..”.

Hegseth thanked Holsey for his service and said he embodied the “highest standards of naval leadership” in a post on X. “,”.

“As he prepares to retire at the end of this year, we at the Department of War offer our sincere gratitude to Admiral Alvin Holsey for his more than 37 years of distinguished service to our nation,” Hegseth wrote.

“A Fort Valley, Georgia native, Admiral Holsey has demonstrated the highest caliber of naval leadership since he was commissioned in 1988 through Morehouse College’s NROTC program. Admiral Holsey has shown a steadfast dedication to mission, people, and country throughout his career, from leading helicopter squadrons to establishing the International Maritime Security Construct and heading Carrier Strike Group One. His history of operational excellence and strategic vision is evident in his roles as Military Deputy Commander and, most recently, Commander of United States Southern Command. The Department extends its gratitude to Admiral Holsey for his decades of service to our nation and wishes him and his family more prosperity and happiness in the years to come. “.”.

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