Admiral Alvin Holsey, commander of the US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), has announced his retirement, effective 12 December, just over a year into his post.

Holsey, who oversees US military operations across Central and South America and the Caribbean, met with Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne and senior Cabinet members two days before the announcement. Officials described the meeting as a “courtesy call,” and no details of discussions were released.

Appointed in November 2024, Holsey became the first African American to lead SOUTHCOM, succeeding Army Gen. Laura Richardson, the first woman in the role. His retirement cuts short the usual three-year assignment.

The US Department of Defense offered no explanation for the sudden departure. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised Holsey’s “37 years of distinguished service” in a statement on X.

Holsey’s exit comes amid heightened scrutiny of US military activity in the southern Caribbean.