The military commander overseeing the Pentagon’s escalating attacks against boats in the Caribbean Sea and who was refused by the Antiguan government is stepping down, officials said on Thursday.
It was unclear why Admiral Holsey is leaving now, less than a year into his tenure, and in the midst of the biggest operation in his 37-year career.
But one of the U.S. officials, all of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss personnel matters, said that Admiral Holsey had raised concerns about the mission and the attacks on the alleged drug boats.
In a statement on social media, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made no mention of any friction with his four-star commander.
“On behalf of the Department of War,” said Mr. Hegseth, using the name of the department he now prefers, “we extend our deepest gratitude to Admiral Alvin Holsey for his more than 37 years of distinguished service to our nation as he plans to retire at year’s end.”
