A U.S. Navy admiral has officially transferred command of military operations in Latin America, coinciding with increasing scrutiny of the Trump administration’s controversial strikes on suspected drug boats in the region. On October 20, 2023, Adm. Alvin Holsey handed over his responsibilities to Air Force Lt. Gen. Evan Pettus during a ceremony at the U.S. Southern Command headquarters near Miami.
Holsey’s retirement comes just a year into a post that typically lasts three to four years. His departure has raised questions regarding the administration’s military actions that have resulted in at least 87 fatalities from strikes against vessels accused of drug trafficking in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. While addressing attendees at the ceremony, Holsey did not mention the military operations or the reasons behind his early retirement. Instead, he encouraged his successor to maintain the region’s longstanding partnerships by upholding democratic values and the rule of law.
“To be a trusted partner, we must be credible, present and engaged,” Holsey emphasized in his farewell remarks.
The Pentagon announced Holsey’s unexpected retirement in early October, amid intensifying congressional scrutiny over the military’s aggressive tactics. The strikes have prompted bipartisan investigations, particularly focusing on incidents that led to the deaths of survivors clinging to wreckage following an initial attack.
During a classified briefing with key lawmakers earlier in the week, Holsey faced questions regarding the operations. Following the meeting, Sen. Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, noted that while Holsey addressed several inquiries, “there are still many questions to be answered.” He added that Holsey cited personal reasons for his retirement, without providing further details.
The military’s operations have faced criticism from experts in warfare and human rights groups. Concerns have been raised about the legality of targeting individuals accused of ferrying drugs, a practice that has historically seen suspects arrested at sea by the U.S. Coast Guard and brought to the United States for prosecution. The recent series of strikes, totaling 22, has been backed by an extensive military presence, including warships, attack helicopters, and thousands of troops.
The Trump administration has defended its approach, branding drug gangs in Venezuela, Colombia, and Mexico as “narcoterrorists.” The administration relies on a legal rationale that emerged after the September 11, 2001, attacks, asserting that the U.S. is engaged in armed conflict with drug cartels. This campaign has intensified pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who has been charged with narcoterrorism in the United States.
In a recent escalation, U.S. forces seized control of a sanctioned oil tanker accused of smuggling illicit crude oil, a critical resource for Maduro’s regime. The Venezuelan leader has claimed that the U.S. military operations aim to destabilize his government.
Holsey’s retirement reflects a broader trend of abrupt changes in the military’s upper ranks since Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth assumed office. Lt. Gen. Pettus, a veteran fighter jet pilot with combat experience in Afghanistan and Iraq, has been Holsey’s deputy since late 2024. It remains unclear how long he will serve in this new capacity, as Trump’s nominee for Holsey’s replacement must be confirmed by the Senate.
As investigations continue and public scrutiny mounts, the implications of these military actions and leadership changes will likely resonate across both political and military landscapes.
