Kevin Eyer
On October 12, Admiral Alvin Holsey confirmed that not only was he was stepping down from his position as Commander, U.S. Southern Command, but that he intended to retire from the naval service. Within a few days, the online publication “The Hill” was suggesting that Holsey was leaving his post because of legal objections he might have to the Trump Administration’s actions directed at Venezuelan, narco-terrorism, and specifically the destruction of purported drug boats. Across a broad spectrum, the media began to actively suggest that Holsey personally determined that the administration’s activities were illegal, and that he had determined that he would not be the command face of those activities.
Is this true?
The answer is that we simply do not know exactly why Admiral Holsey, a mere one year into a three-year tour, decided to step down from SOUTHCOM. The media gleefully and repetitively suggests that Holsey made a righteous stand, while offering no evidence in support of that contention. They were and are, it seems, projecting their wishes upon Holsey. As for the Navy, it is reported in retired flag-officer circles that while Holsey has discussed the matter with at least one retired four-star admiral, the content of that conversation is strictly guarded. Further, it appears that Holsey’s staff remains in the dark as to what led to the admiral’s decision.
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