Admiral Transfers Command Amid Scrutiny of Drug Strikes

A U.S. Navy admiral overseeing military operations in Latin America transferred command responsibilities on Friday amidst increasing scrutiny of the Trump administration’s controversial strikes on alleged drug trafficking boats in the region. Admiral Alvin Holsey has retired from his post after just one year, a tenure typically lasting three to four years. Leadership has now shifted to his deputy, Air Force Lt. Gen. Evan Pettus, during a ceremony held at the U.S. Southern Command headquarters near Miami, Florida.

In his farewell remarks, Holsey chose not to address the military operations or the circumstances surrounding his early retirement. Instead, he emphasized the importance of maintaining strong partnerships in the region, urging his successor to uphold the shared values of democracy and the rule of law. “To be a trusted partner, we must be credible, present and engaged,” Holsey stated.

His sudden retirement was announced by the Pentagon in October 2023, amid heightened scrutiny over the administration’s military strikes on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean, which have resulted in at least 87 casualties. As Congress intensifies its examination of these operations, Holsey briefed key lawmakers earlier in the week.

The ceremony marking Holsey’s departure was notably subdued, attended by a small crowd mainly consisting of Southern Command staff. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was absent, as President Donald Trump has yet to nominate Holsey’s replacement. Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, acknowledged Holsey’s 37 years of service but refrained from commenting on the ongoing military operations. Caine described Holsey as a “stoic” leader who consistently prioritized teamwork over individual accolades.

Holsey’s retirement coincides with bipartisan investigations launched by Congress into the military’s boat strikes, including a controversial incident that resulted in the deaths of two survivors clinging to wreckage following an initial strike. Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, noted that while Holsey was responsive during classified briefings, many questions remain unanswered about the legality of the strikes.

Concerns have been raised regarding the attacks on individuals accused of drug trafficking, a practice that has drawn criticism from experts in warfare and human rights groups. For decades, those apprehended at sea by the U.S. Coast Guard were brought to the U.S. for prosecution, leading to questions about the justification for the current strikes, which are supported by a significant military presence including warships and attack helicopters.

The Trump administration has defended its aggressive tactics, labeling drug gangs in countries like Venezuela, Colombia, and Mexico as “narcoterrorists.” Officials argue that the U.S. is engaged in an armed conflict with drug cartels, a legal stance that has gained traction since the September 11 attacks. The campaign has intensified pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who faces narcoterrorism charges in the U.S. Recent actions include the seizure of a sanctioned oil tanker accused of smuggling illicit crude, a critical resource for Maduro’s regime.

Holsey’s departure marks the latest in a series of unexpected retirements and firings within the military’s senior ranks since Hegseth took over at the Pentagon. Pettus, a fighter pilot with combat experience in both Afghanistan and Iraq, has served as Holsey’s deputy since late 2024. However, the duration of his command remains uncertain, as any successor must be confirmed by the Senate following Trump’s nomination.