Antonio Martorell Lacave Facts for Kids

In this Spanish name, the first or paternal family name is Martorell and the second or maternal family name is Lacave.

Quick facts for kids Antonio Martorell Lacave
Lacave in 2021

Admiral Chief of Staff of the Navy
In office 10 February 2021 – 31 March 2023
Monarch	Felipe VI
Prime Minister	Pedro Sánchez
Preceded by	Teodoro Esteban López Calderón Fausto Escrigas Rodríguez (acting)
Succeeded by	TBA

Personal details
Born	(1960-08-22)22 August 1960 Bilbao, Spain
Died	31 March 2023(2023-03-31) (aged 62) Madrid, Spain
Children	3
Alma mater	Marín’s Naval Academy
Military service
Allegiance	Spain
Branch/service	Spanish Navy
Years of service	1984—2023
Rank	Admiral General
Unit	Spanish Navy Spain
Commands	Cataluña (F73), 2nd Minesweeper Squadron, 1st MCM Squadron, 21 Escort Squadron, Naval Action Group 2, Operation Atalanta, Maritime HQ of Alta Availability, Admiral Chief of Staff of the Navy
Battles/wars	Operation Active Endeavor

Antonio Martorell Lacave (born August 22, 1960 – died March 31, 2023) was a very important leader in the Spanish Navy. He was an Admiral General, which is a very high rank. From February 2021 until his death, he was the Admiral Chief of Staff of the Navy. This means he was the top leader of the entire Spanish Navy.

Early Life and Naval Training
A Career at Sea
Important Leadership Roles
Leading Naval Operations
Top Leader of the Navy
Later Life and Legacy
Images for kids
See also

Early Life and Naval Training

Antonio Martorell Lacave was born in Bilbao, Spain, on August 22, 1960. His father was also in the Navy, working as a captain in the Navy Corps of Engineers. This might have inspired Antonio to join the Navy too.

In 1979, Antonio began his training at the Marín’s Naval Academy in Pontevedra. He worked hard and graduated in 1984, becoming an officer in the Spanish Navy.

A Career at Sea

After becoming an officer, Antonio Martorell Lacave served on many different types of ships. He worked on frigates, corvettes, and minesweepers. These are all different kinds of naval ships used for various missions.

He even became the commander of a ship called the Minesweeper Miño. He also led a special group of ships called the NATO Standing Countermine Measures Group No. 2. This group works to find and remove underwater mines.

Antonio also served as an executive officer on the Amphibious Assault Ship Castilla. He worked with the 2nd Minesweeper Squadron as well.

Important Leadership Roles

Antonio Martorell Lacave held many important leadership positions throughout his career. He taught at the Armed Forces Higher School, sharing his knowledge with future military leaders. He also worked as the chief of the Torpedoes Workshop in the Cartagena Shipyard.

He served in the European Union's Directorate-General for Defense Policy. This role involved working on defense plans for many countries. He also worked at the NATO Joint General Headquarters in Naples, helping with military exercises.

In 2014, he was promoted to rear admiral. He then led the Logistics Division of the Naval Staff Defence Headquarters. This role involved making sure the Navy had all the supplies and equipment it needed.

Leading Naval Operations

Antonio Martorell Lacave commanded the Naval Action Group 2 for several years. This group is involved in various naval operations. He also oversaw Operation Atalanta. This is an important mission to fight piracy off the coast of Somalia. He also commanded the Maritime HQ of Alta.

In 2020, he was promoted again to vice admiral. Soon after, in May 2020, he became the Admiral of the fleet. This is another very senior position in the Navy.

Top Leader of the Navy

In February 2021, Antonio Martorell Lacave reached the highest position in the Spanish Navy. He became the Chief of Staff of the Navy. He took over from Admiral General Teodoro López Calderón. This role made him responsible for leading and managing the entire Spanish Navy.

Later Life and Legacy

Antonio Martorell Lacave sadly passed away from cancer in Madrid on March 31, 2023. He was 62 years old. He is remembered for his long and dedicated service to the Spanish Navy.