DORAL, Fla. — Admiral Alvin Holsey, a 37-year Navy veteran, retired Thursday from his post as commander of U.S. Southern Command, one year into his tenure and two years ahead of schedule.

At a public ceremony described as “touching,” Holsey told colleagues, “1116 … this time — I’ll be home for Christmas.”

In his remarks, Holsey emphasized the importance of alliances and shared values.

“We must always be there for like-minded partners, like-minded nations who share our values: democracy, rule of law and human rights,” he said.

The ceremony came amid questions about Holsey’s departure and scrutiny of his leadership during a period of heightened operations in the Caribbean targeting drug trafficking networks linked to Venezuela.

Fatal strikes on boats in the region have drawn congressional and public attention, and reports suggest Holsey at times disagreed with operational plans.

“I fully support that strike,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in October, before announcing his own retirement effective in December, a move that surprised members of Congress who oversee the armed services.

“You’ve lived a stoic’s philosophy of empathy first — lead with your heart, lead with your head — early, often, and always,” said General Dan Caine, chairman of the United States Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Copyright 2025 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.