Admiral Alvin Holsey to Retire as Head of U.S. Southern Command
MIAMI, FL — October 16, 2025 — Admiral Alvin Holsey, one of the U.S. Navy’s highest-ranking officers and one of few African Americans to hold the rank of four-star admiral, has announced his plans to retire from the military after 37 years of service.
Adm. Holsey currently serves as Commander of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), the joint command responsible for U.S. military operations across Latin America and the Caribbean. His retirement comes less than a year after assuming the role, during a period marked by heightened military activity in the region.
Under Holsey’s leadership, U.S. Southern Command has overseen operations targeting alleged Venezuelan drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean Sea. The operations, directed by the White House, have drawn international attention and prompted debate in Washington over the scope of presidential authority to use force abroad. Reports indicate that Adm. Holsey had expressed concerns about the nature and oversight of these missions before announcing his retirement.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed Holsey’s departure in a statement on X, commending the admiral for his “unmatched professionalism and devotion to service.” Adm. Holsey, in his own statement, thanked the men and women of Southern Command for their “lasting contributions to the defense of our nation,” expressing confidence in their continued dedication to security and partnership in the Western Hemisphere.
A native of Fort Valley, Georgia, Holsey’s distinguished career includes command of the USS Makin Island, Carrier Strike Group One, and a multinational naval task force dedicated to protecting global shipping routes. His tenure at Southern Command followed a long record of service marked by leadership, discipline, and commitment to national defense.
The U.S. Department of Defense has not yet named a successor for the post. Adm. Holsey is scheduled to officially retire on December 12, 2025.
As he concludes nearly four decades in uniform, Admiral Holsey leaves behind a legacy of professionalism, mentorship, and dedication to the values of duty, honor, and country.
