Press Releases and Articles
SOUTHCOM to host relinquishment-of-command Dec. 12
Feature: Admiral Holsey’s Steady Leadership Reshapes Security Across the Western Hemisphere
Ceremony Program
Ceremony program includes bios of Adm. Holsey and Lt. Gen. Pettus.
Related Imagery
Imagery collection: Adm. Holsey
https://www.dvidshub.net/search/?view=grid&sort=publishdate&q=%22alvin+holsey%22
Imagery collection: Lt. Gen. Pettus
https://www.dvidshub.net/search/?q=evan+pettus&view=grid&sort=date
Imagery collection: Operation Southern Spear
https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/SOUTHERNSPEAR
Imagery collection: Operation Southern Guard
https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/GTMOHoldingOps
Imagery collection: Counterdrug interdictions
https://www.dvidshub.net/search/?q=interdict+narcotics&view=grid&sort=date
Imagery collection: Joint Security Cooperation Group-Panama
https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/JSCGP
Imagery collection: DoW Support to Haiti Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission
https://www.southcom.mil/Media/Special-Coverage/DoD-Support-to-Haiti/
Adm. Holsey's Accomplishments as SOUTHCOM Commander
Admiral Holsey led the Command into an era featuring a renewed emphasis on war-fighting readiness and security in the Western Hemisphere. Enduring missions included providing support to the Kenyan-led U.N. mission in Haiti, and support to JTF-GTMO, JTF-Bravo, and JIATF-S operations.
Beginning in January 2025, the Command worked to increase our presence in Panama, to strengthen our bilateral security relationship, and to secure the canal from malign state actor influence. This led to the establishment of Joint Security Cooperation Group – Panama and the reestablishment of the Army’s Jungle Operation Training Center.
USSOUTHCOM and its components, in support of the Department of Homeland Security, rapidly established Joint Task Force Southern Guard and illegal alien holding facilities at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, established essential support to DHS deportation operations. The JTF provided humane care, security, logistical, and medical support to illegal aliens from over 45 countries and defended U.S. territorial integrity.
Admiral Holsey transformed the Command from Maritime Interdiction Operations traditionally conducted by JIATF-S and the U.S. Coast Guard, to the execution of larger joint efforts to stop the flow of illegal drugs from the AOR to the U.S. With additional resources and assets, the effort resulted in record levels of interdictions at sea, including over one million pounds of cocaine.
Hurricane Melissa, with 185-mph winds, devastated parts of Jamaica on October 28, 2025. USSOUTHCOM supported Department of State-led efforts through JTF-Bravo and the 22d Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducting over 128 flights to transport 423 people, deliver more than 574,048 pounds of water and food, and 178,307 pounds of critical equipment. Jamaican officials praised the U.S. relief efforts as “early, impactful, and essential.”
During his tenure as commander, Admiral Holsey reshaped USSOUTHCOM into a dynamic warfighting command, enhanced operational effectiveness, and advanced peace through strength initiatives. Under his leadership, the Command’s increased presence, capabilities, and effective operations put foreign terrorist organizations, malign actors, cartels, and authoritarian regimes participating in illegal activities on notice and greatly increased the security of the Homeland.