Admiral Alvin Holsey, the commander overseeing U.S. military operations in Latin America, including lethal strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean, is retiring from the Navy on Dec. 12, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Thursday.

Holsey, who became commander of U.S. Southern Command in November 2024 after serving as deputy commander, led a major military buildup in the region, with some 10,000 troops deployed and recent B-52 flights near Venezuela.

Holsey thanked his colleagues and reflected on 37 years of service, emphasizing his commitment to defending the Constitution, ABC News has reported.

Hegseth praised Holsey’s leadership and operational record, highlighting his career from NROTC commissioning to leading carrier strike groups and international maritime security initiatives.