U.S. Southern Command

Lt. Gen. Evan Pettus formally assumed command of U.S. Southern Command at a subdued outdoor ceremony Dec. 12 in Doral, Florida, relieving Gen. Holsey in an event attended without Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and at which Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine praised Holsey as a “quiet professional.” Holsey’s abrupt retirement comes amid scrutiny of some 22 maritime strikes on suspected drug boats — including a disputed incident in which two survivors clinging to wreckage were killed — and he briefed lawmakers by classified video after which Sen. Jack Reed said questions remain. Fox, citing the New York Times, reported Holsey had raised concerns about the strikes and that Hegseth pressured him to step down; the Pentagon instead pointed to Hegseth’s public statement thanking Holsey, while Pettus, a career fighter pilot with more than 2,700 flight hours and combat experience, took over command.