President Donald Trump nominated Lt. Gen. Francis Donovan on Friday to be the new leader for U.S. Southern Command, or 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.
Special Operations Command describes Donovan as a Marine general with extensive experience in the Middle East as an infantry, reconnaissance, and special operations officer who has served in combat, contingency, and expeditionary operations on land and sea.
Donovan has a Bachelor of Arts in geography from Towson University, a master of military studies from the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and a master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College, according to the U.S. Special Operations Command….