Navy Admiral Alvin Holsey makes history at U.S.Southern Command
Navy Admiral Alvin holsey officially assumes duties as the new commander of U.S.Southern Command, making history as the first Black commander of SOUTHCOM since its inception more than six decades ago. Holsey replaced Army General Laura Richardson during a change-of-command ceremony on Thursday at the command’s headquarters in Doral, Florida.URL: https://federalnewsnetwork.com/federal-newscast/2024/11/navy-admiral-alvin-holsey-makes-history-at-u-s-southern-command/
Caribbean Defense Leaders Strengthen Bonds at CANSEC 24
Caribbean defense and security officials and U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) leaders met to discuss regional challenges and cooperation during the Caribbean Nations Security Conference (CANSEC) 2024 in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, in early December 2024. U.S. Navy Admiral Alvin Holsey, commander of SOUTHCOM, and Vice Air marshal Darryl Daniel, chief of Staff of […]
URL: https://dialogo-americas.com/articles/caribbean-defense-leaders-strengthen-bonds-at-cansec-24/
US Southern Command gets another historic change in leadership
U.S. Navy Adm. Alvin Holsey assumed command of U.S. Southern Command in a ceremony held at the command’s headquarters in Doral, Fla. Holsey is the first African American to lead the command, and […]
First African American Admiral Takes Command at U.S. Southern Command
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In a historic move, Navy Admiral Alvin holsey has officially assumed duties as the new commander of U.S. southern Command (SOUTHCOM), becoming the first Black admiral to lead the command since its inception more than six decades ago. This development underscores the U.S. military’s ongoing strides towards diversity and inclusion in its leadership ranks.
Duisburg: A Groundbreaking Moment for Diversity
senior Editor: Admiral Holsey, can you share your thoughts on the meaning of becoming the first African American commander of U.S. southern Command?
Admiral Alvin Holsey (A.H.): It’s truly an honor and a privilege to assume this role. This historic appointment underscores the importance of diversity and inclusion within our Armed Forces. It sends a strong message to the entire Navy and to the broader community that opportunities exist for all who are willing to serve their contry with dedication and commitment.
Leadership Transition
Senior Editor: What prompted the change in command, and what are your goals for your tenure at SOUTHCOM?
A.H.: The transition occurred following Army General Laura Richardson’s triumphant command. My primary goals include strengthening regional partnerships, enhancing situational awareness, and ensuring robust engagement with our allies and partners in the region.Building and maintaining effective relationships is paramount for regional security and cooperation.
Regional Challenges and Cooperation
Senior Editor: Can you elaborate on the key challenges and how you plan to address them?
A.H.: The region faces a variety of challenges, including drug trafficking, transnational crime, and natural disasters. To address these complexities, we will focus on collaboration with both regional and international partners. Engagement and information sharing are vital to maintaining stability and security. Furthermore, we’ll continue to work on disaster preparedness and response, which is crucial given the frequent natural calamities in the region.
Recent Conferences and Future Plans
Senior Editor: You recently attended the Caribbean Nations Security Conference (CANSEC) in Trinidad and Tobago.How critically important are such forums for regional security?
A.H.: Conferences like CANSEC are invaluable for fostering dialog and strengthening bonds. They allow us to share our strategies and experiences, align objectives, and identify potential areas for cooperation. Moving forward, I plan to participate in more such events to enhance our regional partnerships and address shared challenges collectively.
Inclusive Leadership
Senior Editor: How do you plan to nurture an inclusive and diverse command culture at SOUTHCOM?
A.H.: Promoting inclusivity is pivotal for effective leadership.I plan to ensure that our workplace is welcoming and that everyone feels valued and respected. by fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are respected and listened to, we can better address the complexities of regional security and make more informed decisions.
Reflections on History and Future
Senior Editor: Lastly, reflecting on this historic appointment, how do you see it impacting the broader context of military leadership and diversity?
A.H.: This appointment sends a powerful signal that diversity is integral to our strength. it underscores the importance of inclusivity in creating an adaptive and resilient military force. Moving forward, I hope this serves as an inspiration for others to pursue leadership roles, and we continue to see more diverse representation at all levels of our military and government.
Thank you, admiral holsey, for this insightful discussion about your historic appointment and your vision for SOUTHCOM.
A.H.: thank you for having me. Let’s look forward to collaborating and addressing the various challenges together.