Laura Richardson Leaves Southern Command After Historic Tenure
- Laura Richardson became the first woman to lead U.S. Southern Command, making significant strides in military cooperation in Latin America.
- Navy Adm. Alvin Holsey was appointed as the new commander, marking another historic moment as the first African American to lead the command.
- The ceremony highlighted the importance of Southcom's operations and partnerships in the region while acknowledging Richardson's nearly four decades of service.
On November 7, 2024, four-star Army General Laura Richardson stepped down as the head of U.S. Southern Command during a ceremony in Doral, Florida. She was the first woman to lead the command, and during her tenure, she emphasized fostering security and supporting democracies in the region. The leadership baton was passed to Navy Admiral Alvin Holsey, who is the first African American to take charge in over 60 years of the command's history. The event was attended by various officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, along with military leaders and community representatives. Their speeches praised Richardson's contributions, especially in strengthening military cooperation with Columbia and Panama, as well as supporting Haitian security forces amidst ongoing instability.