US Marine General Donovan Assumes Command of SOUTHCOM

Gen. Francis L. Donovan takes over as head of US Southern Command

Feb. 5, 2026 at 9:55pm

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In a ceremony at the Pentagon on February 5, US Marine Gen. Francis L. Donovan assumed command of US Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM), succeeding acting commander US Air Force Lt. Gen. Evan L. Pettus. Gen. Donovan brings decades of distinguished service and leadership experience to USSOUTHCOM, having previously served as vice commander of US Special Operations Command.

Why it matters

USSOUTHCOM is responsible for US military operations and engagements across Latin America and the Caribbean, a strategically important region. Gen. Donovan's appointment signals a shift in leadership and priorities for the command as it addresses shared challenges in the Western Hemisphere.

The details

As the new Commander of USSOUTHCOM, Gen. Donovan will oversee US military operations and engagements across Latin America and the Caribbean. On the same day as his assumption of command, USSOUTHCOM conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations that was engaged in narco-trafficking operations in the Eastern Pacific.

  • Gen. Donovan assumed command of USSOUTHCOM on February 5, 2026.
  • USSOUTHCOM conducted a lethal kinetic strike on February 5, 2026.

The players

Gen. Francis L. Donovan

A US Marine officer who has assumed command of US Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM), bringing decades of distinguished service and leadership experience, including previously serving as vice commander of US Special Operations Command.

Lt. Gen. Evan L. Pettus

The previous acting commander of US Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM), who has been succeeded by Gen. Francis L. Donovan.

Joint Task Force Southern Spear

The military unit that conducted the lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations engaged in narco-trafficking operations in the Eastern Pacific, at the direction of USSOUTHCOM Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan.

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What they’re saying

“It is an honor to assume command of US Southern Command and to lead a warfighting headquarters capable of joint operations at range, speed, and scale with the dedicated men and women who work tirelessly to strengthen security, stability, and partnerships across the Western Hemisphere. Together with our partner nations, we will continue to address shared challenges, uphold democratic values, and ensure a safe and prosperous future for the region.”

— Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Commander, US Southern Command

What’s next

Gen. Donovan will begin implementing his strategic vision for USSOUTHCOM, focusing on strengthening security, stability, and partnerships across Latin America and the Caribbean.

The takeaway

The appointment of Gen. Francis L. Donovan, a seasoned Marine officer with extensive experience in special operations and joint command, signals a shift in USSOUTHCOM's leadership and priorities as it seeks to address shared challenges and uphold democratic values in the Western Hemisphere.