Head of US Command in Central America, Navy Admiral Alvin Holsey, announced that he would leave his position in December.
Holsey said in a statement shared to social media that “serving as your commander and deputy for the past 34 months has been a tremendous honor.”
“The SOUTHCOM team has made lasting contributions to the defense of our nation and will continue to do so,” he said. “I am confident that you will forge ahead, focused on your mission that strengthens our nation and ensures its longevity as a beacon of freedom around the globe.”
War Secretary Pete Hegseth said in response to the decision that Holsey “has demonstrated unwavering commitment to mission, people, and nation. His tenure as Military Deputy Commander and now Commander of United States Southern Command reflects a legacy of operational excellence and strategic vision.”
“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,” Hegseth wrote.
Holsey reportedly raised concerns about U.S. attacks on drug boats near Venezuela, according to The New York Times.
On October 10, Hegseth shared that the Department of War would be “establishing a new counter-narcotics Joint Task Force in the @SOUTHCOM area of responsibility to crush the cartels, stop the poison, and keep America safe.” He stated that the “message is clear: if you traffic drugs toward our shores, we will stop you cold.”
Earlier this week, U.S. forces destroyed a narco-terrorist operation in its fourth attack since August against such vessels.
