The Navy admiral who oversees U.S. policy in the Caribbean and the waters off South America will retire in December. The news comes after the U.S. conducted six missile strikes on boats the Trump administration says were smuggling drugs off the coast of Venezuela.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared the news on X Thursday. He said Admiral Alvin Holsey demonstrated “unwavering commitment to the mission, people and nation.”
However, some are questioning why an admiral with 37 years of service would suddenly quit a job he started just last November, when these posts typically last three to four years.
The Pentagon did not elaborate on Holsey’s impending retirement, instructing media outlets to refer to Hegseth’s statement on X.
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Holsey posted his own statement on the command’s Facebook page. He said that it’s “been an honor to serve our nation, the American people and support and defend our Constitution for over 37 years.”
Sixth missile strike in Venezuela
The news of Hosley’s retirement comes the same day the U.S. conducted its sixth missile strike on a boat off the coast of Venezuela. But this time, there are reports of survivors.
After previous strikes, the Trump administration labeled the boats as drug-smuggling crafts operated by narcoterrorists.
On Thursday, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt maintained that the administration is acting within its authority. It’s a stance that some Senators have questioned.
She said the American people can “expect them [strikes] to continue.”
