Holsey hands off SOUTHCOM to Lt. Gen. Pettus amid boat‑strike scrutiny
Lt. Gen. Evan Pettus formally assumed command of U.S. Southern Command at a subdued outdoor handover ceremony Dec. 12 at SOUTHCOM headquarters in Doral, Florida, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth absent and President Trump yet to nominate a permanent replacement. The change comes amid scrutiny of about 22 known strikes on alleged drug boats — including a disputed incident in which two survivors clinging to wreckage were killed — and Gen. Michael “Erik” Holsey briefed lawmakers by classified video, saying only that his departure was for “personal” reasons while leaders like Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Charles Caine lauded him as a “quiet professional.”
📌 Key Facts
- On Dec. 12, 2025, a formal handover ceremony at U.S. Southern Command headquarters in Doral, Florida, marked Lt. Gen. Evan Pettus assuming leadership of SOUTHCOM.
- The ceremony was subdued and held outdoors; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth did not attend, and President Trump had not yet nominated a permanent SOUTHCOM replacement.
- The change of command occurred amid scrutiny of U.S. strikes on suspected drug boats in the region.
- Reports identify 22 known strikes on alleged drug boats and describe a disputed incident in which two survivors clinging to wreckage were killed.
- Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, praised outgoing commander Holsey as a 'quiet professional' in on‑the‑record remarks.
- Earlier in the week Holsey briefed key lawmakers by classified video; Sen. Jack Reed said many questions remain and Holsey gave no reason for his retirement beyond describing it as 'personal'.
📊 Relevant Data
Global estimated illegal cocaine production reached 3,708 tons in 2023, a 34% increase from the previous year, primarily driven by increased production in Colombia, with stabilization in Bolivia and a slight decline in Peru.
World Drug Report 2025 — UNODC
In U.S. federal drug trafficking offenses from FY 2020 to FY 2024, 44.4% of offenders were Hispanic, 28.5% Black, and 23.8% White, while Hispanics comprise approximately 19% of the U.S. population, Blacks 13.6%, and Whites 58.9%.
Drug Trafficking Quick Facts — United States Sentencing Commission
Of the 87 people killed in the 22 known 2025 U.S. military strikes on alleged drug-smuggling vessels, the majority were Venezuelan nationals, with additional victims including Colombians, Ecuadorians, and Trinidadians.
2025 United States military strikes on alleged drug traffickers — Wikipedia
In 2022, approximately 91.7% of federal criminal cases in the U.S. resulted in convictions, with 90% of defendants pleading guilty and only 0.4% acquitted at trial.
Fewer than 1% of federal criminal defendants were acquitted in 2022 — Pew Research Center
📰 Sources (2)
- Formal handover ceremony took place Dec. 12 at SOUTHCOM HQ in Doral, Florida, with Lt. Gen. Evan Pettus assuming leadership duties.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth did not attend; the event was subdued and held outdoors as President Trump has not yet nominated a permanent replacement.
- Gen. Dan Caine (Chairman of the Joint Chiefs) praised Holsey as a 'quiet professional' and offered on‑the‑record remarks.
- Holsey briefed key lawmakers by classified video earlier in the week; Sen. Jack Reed said many questions remain and Holsey gave no retirement reason beyond 'personal.'
- Article specifies 22 known strikes on alleged drug boats and references a disputed incident in which two survivors clinging to wreckage were killed.