1:41U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Alvin Holsey, military deputy commander, U.S. Southern Command, testifies before the Senate Committee on Armed Services at a confirmation hearing in Washington, Sept. 12, 2024.Tech. Sgt. Sarah Mcclanahan/Air National Guard
Defense Chief Pete Hegseth declared Thursday that the military leader in charge of activities in Latin America — encompassing multiple deadly engagements with supposed drug vessels in the Caribbean Sea — is resigning from his position.
Hegseth's staff did not promptly acknowledge a request for explanation concerning why Adm. Alvin Holsey was departing from his role unexpectedly, having held it for less than a year. Holsey functioned as the second-in-command for U.S. Southern Command before his confirmation as its commanding officer in November 2024.
Holsey is counted amongst numerous high-ranking uniformed officials who have either elected to retire or faced removal under Hegseth. His leaving is especially noteworthy given that legal professionals are casting doubt on President Donald Trump's directives to employ lethal military force against maritime vehicles suspected of transporting narcotics in the Caribbean Sea.
In a public statement issued after Hegseth's announcement, Holsey stated he will conclude his Navy career on Dec. 12, mentioning that it had been a privilege to serve the nation and uphold the Constitution for a span exceeding 37 years.
U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Alvin Holsey, military deputy commander, U.S. Southern Command, testifies before the Senate Committee on Armed Services at a confirmation hearing in Washington, Sept. 12, 2024.Tech. Sgt. Sarah Mcclanahan/Air National Guard
"I trust that you will progress steadily, with a dedicated focus on the mission that reinforces our country and guarantees its continuance as an emblem of liberty across the world," he articulated.
Holsey has been responsible for a considerable augmentation of military resources in the area, presently with approximately 10,000 military personnel engaged in operations around Latin America. The declaration of his departure occurred one day following the military's deployment of three B-52 bombers from a Louisiana Air Force installation to conduct circular aerial maneuvers close to Venezuela, which Trump accuses of organizing drug contraband.
Sen. Jack Reed, the highest-ranking Democrat within the Senate Armed Services Committee, characterized the unexpected resignation as "concerning."
"At a time when U.S. troops are aggregating throughout the Caribbean region and tensions involving Venezuela are approaching a critical level, the departure of our leading military commander within that territory projects a worrisome indication of instability amongst the command structure,” Reed stated.
“Any endeavor to militarily involve ourselves in Venezuela — notably in the absence of congressional approval — would be imprudent and perilous,” he continued. “Admiral Holsey’s resignation amplifies my apprehension that this administration is overlooking the valuable insights derived from prior U.S. military interventions and the guidance offered by our most seasoned combat strategists."
In a message on X, Hegseth acknowledged Holsey for his contributions and commented that he embodied the "paramount attributes of naval command."
"Speaking for the Department of War, we relay our deepest appreciation to Admiral Alvin Holsey for his more than 37 years of distinguished service to our nation as he plans to retire at year's end," Hegseth communicated.
"Hailing from Fort Valley, Georgia, Admiral Holsey has represented the epitome of naval leadership excellence since his commissioning via the NROTC course at Morehouse College in 1988. Across his professional life — from presiding over helicopter groups to steering Carrier Strike Group One and launching the International Maritime Security Construct — Admiral Holsey has exhibited resolute dedication to objectives, personnel, and the country. His service as Military Deputy Commander and subsequently as Commander of United States Southern Command is a testament to an enduring legacy of operational prowess and strategic perception. The Department offers gratitude to Admiral Holsey for his decades of contribution to our country, and we wish him and his family ongoing accomplishment and satisfaction in the times ahead."
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
