US Marine Gen. Francis Donovan assumes command of SOUTHCOM

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) – Marine Corps Gen. Francis L. Donovan assumed command of US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) during a ceremony Thursday at the Pentagon, taking over the leadership of the combatant command responsible for US military operations in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Donovan succeeded acting commander US Air Force Lt. Gen. Evan L. Pettus.

He was confirmed by the Senate last week, taking on the four-star role as the Trump administration prioritizes renewed US military influence in the Western Hemisphere.

During his confirmation hearing last month before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Donovan said that if confirmed, he will collaborate closely with regional allies and partners, fellow combatant commanders and the joint staff to protect America's vital national interests, deter war, and if necessary, win them "quickly and decisively."

Donovan, a special operations veteran, was nominated in December following the retirement of Adm. Alvin Holsey amid concerns over the Trump administration's actions in the region.