U.S. Caribbean Forces Commander Steps Down Early During Venezuela Buildup

Adm. Alvin Holsey, the commander of U.S. Southern Command, stepped down during a ceremony in Doral, Florida, amid ongoing military operations in Venezuela. His departure comes as the U.S. builds up ships and resources in the Caribbean region.

Transition of Command Amidst Military Buildup

Adm. Holsey, who has served in the Navy for 37 years, relinquished his command after announcing his early retirement in October. He had only completed one year of a typical three-year term. The reasons for his early exit remain unclear, though reports indicate tension with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over deployment strategies in the Caribbean.

Honors and Ceremony

During the ceremony, Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, presented Holsey with the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, complimenting his contributions to national security. Holsey officially transferred his command to Air Force Lt. Gen. Evan Lamar Pettus, who will serve in an acting capacity until the Senate confirms a permanent nominee.

Operation Southern Spear

U.S. Southern Command has been at the forefront of “Operation Southern Spear,” which has targeted alleged drug trafficking in the Caribbean. The campaign has resulted in the destruction of 23 boats associated with drug operations, resulting in 87 fatalities.

Congressional Scrutiny

This military action has drawn scrutiny from lawmakers, particularly regarding a controversial “double tap” strike in September that killed two survivors. Admiral Mitch Bradley, who oversees U.S. Special Operations Command, defended the action in recent briefings with Congress. Notably, House Speaker Mike Johnson stated that the operation was executed appropriately.

U.S. Military Forces in the Caribbean

The current military buildup in the Caribbean is notable, with approximately 15,000 U.S. forces stationed in the area, including warships like the USS Gerald R. Ford. This represents the largest U.S. military presence in the region in decades. Recent operations also include the U.S. Coast Guard’s seizure of a sanctioned oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast.

Context of the Buildup

This military escalation appears to be part of ongoing efforts by the U.S. to apply pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Holsey’s tenure saw a dramatic increase in personnel at U.S. Southern Command, which expanded from about 3,500 to nearly 15,000 troops. In the last fiscal year, the command disrupted or seized over a million pounds of cocaine valued at over $11.34 billion.

Holsey’s departure marks a period of transition for U.S. Southern Command, reflective of broader shifts in military strategy and focus on regional security challenges.