Alvin Holsey

Force in Play

Retired early; replacement nominated as scrutiny over maritime strikes and Venezuela policy intensifies

The U.S. military's boat-strike campaign in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific has run for more than a year. An independent tally counted 72 strikes and at least 240 deaths by the Oct. 27 attack, which killed five people on a go-fast vessel in the eastern Pacific.

Updated Oct 28

Force in Play

As of May 2026: Retired early amid reported internal pressure and dissatisfaction with SOUTHCOM responsiveness during the Venezuela-linked Caribbean escalation.

Trump's Venezuela "blockade" threat is now backed by policy. Washington has added new Venezuela-linked sanctions and also targeted Iran's shadow-fleet network. Together, these expand the pool of already-sanctioned vessels that the U.S. Navy could board if they try to trade with Venezuela.

Updated May 15