US Marine Corps General Francis Donovan Confirmed as SOUTHCOM Commander
The US Senate has approved Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Francis Donovan as the new head of US Southern Command, following a voice vote on the chamber floor. Donovan will take over from Acting Commander Lt. Gen. Pettus, who stepped down after Adm. Alvin Holsey announced plans to leave the post in October. Breaking Defense reports that Donovan has outlined his plan to analyze SOUTHCOM headquarters capabilities and build regional security through military-to-military relationships. The confirmation comes as the US military continues to strike small boats in the Caribbean Sea and conduct operations in Venezuela.