Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Admiral Holsey to Retire Amid Leadership Tensions

10/17/2025

40 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that Admiral Alvin Holsey will retire at the end of the year.
Holsey took command of the southern command last year amid tensions with Hegseth over Caribbean anti-smuggling operations.
It followed concerns about diversity in military leadership linked to the firing of General CQ Brown Jr. by Donald Trump.
Holsey began his career in 1988 through the NROTC program at Morehouse College.

History

Historical Context

In 1948, President Harry S. Truman signed Executive Order 9981, which desegregated the U.S. Armed Forces, paving the way for increased diversity in military leadership. This shift influenced leaders like Admiral Alvin Holsey, who began his career in 1988 at Morehouse College. Holsey's recent retirement amid Caribbean anti-smuggling operations underscores ongoing challenges in military representation and leadership dynamics.

1 of 2

Story summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that Admiral Alvin Holsey will retire at the end of the year.
Holsey took command of the southern command last year amid tensions with Hegseth over Caribbean anti-smuggling operations.
It followed concerns about diversity in military leadership linked to the firing of General CQ Brown Jr. by Donald Trump.
Holsey began his career in 1988 through the NROTC program at Morehouse College.

1 / 2