Admiral Retires Early After Boss Decides Military Needs a Mood Shift
KEY POINTS
- •Admiral Alvin Holsey is retiring two years early amid rising tensions with Venezuela, including an oil tanker seizure.
- •Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly pushed Holsey out, frustrated by Southern Command's military operations and planning.
- •The Navy's Latin American command faces over 20 deadly strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats amid increased regional conflict.
In a plot twist worthy of a soap opera set in a war room, Admiral Alvin Holsey of US Southern Command has been shown the exit door two years ahead of schedule. According to AP and Reuters, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth—who seems to believe military planning is just a fancy fitness exercise—grew so frustrated he basically said, 'You’re out,' amid Venezuela drama including an oil tanker snag Wednesday and a surprising score of 20-plus deadly strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats. It’s all happening while Congress dreams big of spreading employer-sponsored insurance and trying to keep pharmacy benefits in check in a neat 111-page proposal. But apparently, managing strongmen takes an even stronger hand.
Share the Story
When your boss swaps out a Navy admiral mid-drama because 'flexing military planning' sounds cooler than boring strategy meetings.
Who knew US Southern Command was just a rehearsal space for Defense Secretary Hegseth's grand one-man show about struggling with Venezuela?
Retiring early? More like a forced audition failure in Defense Secretary Hegseth’s thespian take on Latin American military tension.
Source: Theguardian | Published: 12/13/2025 | Author: Sam Levin (now); Shrai Popat, Lucy Campbell and Hayden Vernon (earlier)
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