DORAL, Florida – In a significant transition of leadership, U.S. Navy Adm. Alvin Holsey officially took command of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) on November 7, 2024, succeeding U.S. Army Gen. Laura J. Richardson. The change-of-command ceremony, held at SOUTHCOM Headquarters in Doral, Florida, marked a historic moment as Adm. Holsey became the first African-American commander of SOUTHCOM, following Gen. Richardson, the first woman to hold the position.
Presiding over the ceremony was Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, accompanied by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr., alongside defense and security leaders from 32 nations across Latin America and the Caribbean, and numerous other distinguished guests. Secretary Austin underscored the historical importance of the event, stating, “We are making history today. The first woman commander of SOUTHCOM passes the baton to the first African-American commander of SOUTHCOM.”
Adm. Holsey, whose prior role was Military Deputy Commander at SOUTHCOM, was promoted to admiral in anticipation of this command. His distinguished career in the Navy includes extensive deployments on frigates and cruisers, piloting SH-2F Seasprite and SH-60B Seahawk helicopters, and commanding a helicopter anti-submarine squadron. He further commanded USS Makin Island (LHD 8), the Navy’s pioneering hybrid electric warship, and Carrier Strike Group One aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Austin lauded Holsey’s leadership, remarking, “At sea and ashore, the admiral’s teammates have admired his leadership and his work ethic… His whole career has prepared him for this new mission.”
In his address, Adm. Holsey reaffirmed SOUTHCOM’s dedication to strengthening alliances throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. “Partnerships are our best deterrence to countering shared security and economic concerns,” Holsey stated. “We will always be there for like-minded nations, who share our values, our democracy, our rule of law, and human rights.” He also highlighted the growing threats in the region, noting, “SOUTHCOM is at the front of strategic competition. And our adversaries have established a strong presence, jeopardizing security and stability across the Americas. The People’s Republic of China and Russia… seek to undermine democracy while gaining power and influence in the region.” He further addressed the dangers of transnational criminal organizations and transboundary threats such as irregular migration and climate change. Committing to the SOUTHCOM team, Holsey pledged his full dedication while urging each member to give their “personal best.”
A native of Georgia and a graduate of Morehouse College with a degree in Computer Science, Adm. Holsey was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) program in 1988. He also holds a Master of Science in management from Troy State University and is a graduate of the Joint Forces Staff College. Holsey concluded his remarks with an impactful analogy: “To understand me, is to understand the essence of survival. Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the fastest lion or be killed. Every morning, a lion wakes up and knows he must outrun the slowest gazelle or starve to death. Doesn’t matter whether you’re the lion or gazelle, when the sun comes up, you’d better be running. Let’s get running team SOUTHCOM.”
Adm. Holsey’s prior historic roles include serving as the first commander of the International Maritime Security Construct / Coalition Task Force Sentinel. His career also includes positions as deputy director for operations at the National Military Command Center for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Deputy Chief of Naval Personnel at Navy Personnel Command. The U.S. Senate confirmed his presidential nomination on September 24.
Gen. Richardson retired after an impressive 38-year military career as a decorated Army officer and aviator. Her service included leadership roles across various levels and deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. She also served as Military Aide to the Vice President and Chief of Army Legislative Liaison to the U.S. Congress. “Over the course of my 38-years in the military, I have received a lot of coaching and mentoring, by so many,” Richardson reflected. “As we all know, in our line of work, people are the greatest asset in the military. And I have been honored lead and been led by some of the most amazing leaders.”
Gen. Richardson assumed command of SOUTHCOM on October 29, 2021, becoming the first woman general to lead a U.S. combatant command. Secretary Austin acknowledged her significant contributions, stating, “General Richardson, thanks for all you’ve done to strengthen security and stability across the Americas.” He highlighted her achievements, including SOUTHCOM’s support for the Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti and enhanced regional security cooperation. Richardson also directed SOUTHCOM’s efforts against transnational criminal organizations and malign state actors. “SOUTHCOM service members, government civilians and contractors’ steadfast devotion to duty has ensured that we continue to deliver on our enduring promise to the Americas,” Richardson said.
SOUTHCOM is one of six geographically focused unified commands, responsible for U.S. defense and security cooperation with nations in the Caribbean, Central America, and South America, and U.S. military operations within the region. The change in command signifies a continued commitment to these partnerships and regional security under Adm. Holsey’s leadership.
