U.S. Marine Lt. Gen. Francis Donovan, vice commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, participates in a tour of Air Force Special Operations Command headquarters in Hurlburt Field, Fla., Nov. 6, 2024. Staff Sgt. Natalie Fiorilli/U.S. Air Force
President Donald Trump nominated Lt. Gen. Francis Donovan on Dec. 19 to be the new leader of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM).
Donovan is currently the vice commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command, serving in this position since 2022. His nomination comes about a week after the previous leader resigned amid rising tensions with Venezuela and increasing airstrikes against suspected drug-smuggling boats.
