US Admiral’s Admiral’s Surdirement Spurs Command Change Change in Latin American operations
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A US Navy admiral in charge of military operations in Latin America released the responsibilities of Friday as the investigation was expanded into deadly drug strikes in suspected regions in suspected cases in suspected cases in suspected cases in suspected cases in suspected cases in suspected cases of vehicles.
Admiral Alvin Holsey retired one year from a deployment that normally lasts three to four years and turned over leadership duties to his top lieutenant, US Air Force Lt. – Gen. Evan Pettus, during a ceremony at South Command City headquarters near Miami.
In his farewell remarks, Holsey did not mention military operations in Latin America or the reasons for his early retirement. But he urged his successor to put together a joint effort in the region by standing firmly behind the shared values of democracy and the support of the rule of law.
“To be a reliable partner, we have to be honest, present and engaged,” Holsey said.
Holsey’s retirement was announced by the Pentagon in October, after a series of letters from the Trump Administration on suspected drug boats in the Eastern Pacific Ocean that killed at least 87 people.
With the campaign facing growing scrutiny from Congress, Helsey has sworn in key lawmakers this week.
This Friday event was more subdued than the previous retirement, which was held outside among a small crowd of Southern Command personnel and without the Secretary of Defense, Peta Hegseth, because US President Donald Trump once appointed the suspension of Holsey’s position.
Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, did not talk about military operations in Latin America as he thanked Holsey for 37 years of service. Caine referred to Halsey as a “Stoic” Leader and a “quiet professional” who always leads with her heart and head.
“It’s never been about you, it’s been about people, it’s been talked about by others,” Kaine said. “You never left out ‘I’ in all the conversations we had. You always said ‘we.’ … the impact you have will last a long time. “
Boat inspection
Holsey departs as Congress calls for an attack on the boat, including one that kills two survivors stuck in the initial strike formation.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Hegseths and other senior officials gave the drugs separately on Capitol Hill this week.
The Trump administration is facing new pressure from some Republican lawmakers who want the full extent of a second counter-strike on a Venezuelan prize boat in the Caribbean to be made public.
Holsey also spoke this week to key lawmakers overseeing the U.S. military via a classified video call.
Sen. Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Services Committee, said afterward that Holsey answered senators’ questions but “There are still a lot of questions that need to be answered.” He later added that Holsey did not give a reason for his retirement other than to say it was a personal decision.
Experts on the laws of war, human rights groups and even some of Trump’s associates in Congress have questioned the legitimacy of the raids on those suspected of drug rehabilitation. For decades, they were arrested at sea by a security guard and brought to the US for criminal prosecution.
22 known strikes against drug-trafficking vessels are supported by a large flotilla of US warships – including its advanced aircraft carrier – helicopters, thousands of soldiers.
The Repuscan’s Republican administration has defended its aggressive tactics, designated some drug Carcels in Latin America as terrorist organizations and declared in the criminal conflict, relying on September after Sept. 11, 2001, attacked.
The campaign has put pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who has been charged with narcoterrorism in the US
In a tense moment on Wednesday, US forces seized an oil tanker marked by the Trump administration accused of smuggling illegal contraband. The sale of that oil in global energy markets is crucial to Maduro’s hold on power.
Maduro emphasized the real purpose of the US military operation to force him into office.
Holsey’s departure is the latest in a long line of sudden retirements and shuffling among senior military officials since the Hegseths took over the Pentagon.
A native of rural Fort Valley, GA., whose father and several Marines served in Vietnam, Helsey turned to Pettus in the audio translation Georgia’s community train.
Pettus, a fighter jet pilot with combat experience in Afghanistan and Iraq, has served as Holsey’s top deputy since late 2024. Whoever Trump appoints must be confirmed by the Senate.
The US has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, President Donald Trump said on Wednesday, starting a confrontation with Caracas.
