A new U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) commander has been nominated – US Marine Corps Lieutenant General Frank Donovan. He is currently the Vice Commander for U.S. Special Operations Command. The Department of Defense formally announced the nomination with a press release on December 19, 2025.
Admiral Alvin Holsey of the U.S. Navy retired early (December 2025) as SOUTHCOM commander due to disagreements with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Some news reports state that the clashes with SecDef included disputes about the legality and execution of strikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean. Holsey had assumed command (southcom.mil) of U.S. Southern Command in November 2024 from U.S. Army Gen. Laura J. Richardson.
SOUTHCOM has been a busy theater the past several months with the targeting of narco-boats carrying drugs in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. In addition, tensions are high with Venezuela – and the U.S. military has significantly increased its presence in the Caribbean Sea region. U.S. Southern Command’s Area of Responsibility encompasses 31 countries that consists of one-sixth of the landmass of the world. There are five component commands: U.S. Army South, Air Forces Southern, U.S. Marine Corps Forces South, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command / 4th Fleet, and Special Operations Command South.
In addition to his service in the Marine Corps where he commanded units at the MEU, brigade, and task force level. He is a former commander of the 2nd Marine Division., Donovan has significant experience in special operations – within the Marines as well as in senior joint SOF assignments.
His joint tours include:
- J35, U.S. Special Operations Command
- Branch Chief, Joint Staff, J-5 Trans-regional Theats Coordination Center
- Assisting Commanding General, Joint Special Operations Command
His education includes:
- BA in Geography, Towson University
- Masters from Marine Corps Command and Staff College
- Master from U.S. Army War College
- Advanced Management Program, Harvard Business School
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Lt. Gen. Donovan Biography, US. SOCOM
U.S. Southern Command
