U.S. Southern Command Chief Steps Down Two Days After Meeting with Antiguan Government

In a surprising development, Admiral Alvin Holsey, head of the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM)—which oversees American military operations across Central and South America and the Caribbean—has announced his retirement, just two days after meeting with the government.

Admiral Holsey met with Prime Minister Gaston Browne and senior Cabinet members during a closed-door session at the Office of the Prime Minister. While no details were released regarding the agenda, the meeting was described by local officials as a “courtesy call.”
Holsey, who assumed command of SOUTHCOM in November 2024, will retire effective December 12, cutting short what is typically a three-year assignment.

The U.S. Department of Defense provided no explanation for the sudden decision, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth offered none in his public statement on X, instead expressing gratitude for Holsey’s “37 years of distinguished service.”

Holsey’s appointment last year was historic—he became the first African American to lead the command, succeeding Army Gen. Laura Richardson, the first woman to hold the post. His tenure began with optimism and ceremony, but his abrupt retirement now comes amid growing controversy surrounding U.S. military activity in the southern Caribbean.