A top admiral who oversaw the alleged drug boat strikes off the coast of Venezuela is stepping down from his role, War Secretary Pete Hegseth announced.
Adm. Alvin Holsey, the leader of the U.S. Southern Command, served for more than 37 years and commanded several recent strikes on suspected drug trafficker boats off the coast of Venezuela.
“On behalf of the Department of War, we extend our deepest gratitude 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 posted on X.
“Throughout his career—from commanding helicopter squadrons to leading Carrier Strike Group One and standing up the International Maritime Security Construct—Admiral Holsey has demonstrated unwavering commitment to mission, people, and nation,” Hegseth said, adding that “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.”
It’s unclear why Holsey is leaving now, but the New York Times reported he was concerned about the mission and the attacks on the drug boats.
Former President Joe Biden nominated Holsey to his position in July 2024.
Holsey is the most recent in a line of top military officers who have exited or been fired under Hegseth’s leadership. The war secretary fired the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., and Navy Adm. Lisa Franchetti, the first woman to serve on the Joint Chiefs.
Others, like Gen. David Allvin, the top Air Force general, said they would retire early.
It’s unclear who will replace Holsey as the United States escalates its actions around drug trafficking operations near Venezuela. President Donald Trump suggested recently that the strikes on drug elements could continue into the country’s land borders.
At least five boats have been struck since early September, killing 27 people. The Trump administration has hinted and talked privately that it wanted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro out of power.
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Maduro has been incensed by the recent attacks and said in a recent message that he is mobilizing the military, police, and a civilian militia to defend Venezuela’s “mountains, coasts, schools, hospitals, factories, and markets.”
Trump has deployed eight warships, a nuclear-powered submarine, and fighter jets, and authorized the CIA to operate in Venezuela.
