Dec. 12 (UPI) -- U.S. Southern Command leader Adm. Alvin Holsey relinquished his command on Friday amid his pending retirement from the Navy after 37 years of service.
Holsey announced his pending retirement in October without giving a reason, CBS News reported.
He relinquished his command over military forces in South America during a ceremony Friday at Southern Command headquarters.
"We have worked hard and tirelessly to build relationships and understand requirements across the region," Holsey said during a command-change ceremony.
"That work must continue across the whole government to deliver at the point of need to respond to shared threats in our neighborhood -- the time is now."
