Diego E. Hernández Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Diego E. Hernandez
Vice Admiral Diego E. Hernandez First Hispanic to be named Vice Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command(NORAD)
Birth name	Diego Hernandez Sanfeliz
Nickname(s)	Duke
Born	(1934-03-25)March 25, 1934 San Juan, Puerto Rico
Died	July 7, 2017(2017-07-07) (aged 83) Miami Lakes, Florida, U.S.
Place of burial	Arlington National Cemetery
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Navy
Years of service	1955-1991
Rank	Vice Admiral
Commands held	USS John F. Kennedy USS Truckee Deputy Commander in Chief U.S. Space Command Vice Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command
Battles/wars	Vietnam War
Awards	Navy Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star Legion of Merit Purple Heart Meritorious Service Medal Air Medal

USS John F. Kennedy

Vice Admiral Diego E. Hernandez (born March 25, 1934 – died July 7, 2017) was a brave officer in the United States Navy. He made history as the first Hispanic American to become Vice Commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). NORAD is a very important group that protects the skies over North America.

Growing Up and Starting Out
A Career in the Navy
Leading NORAD
Life After the Navy
Awards and Honors
Images for kids
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Growing Up and Starting Out

Diego Hernandez Sanfeliz was born and grew up in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This is the capital city of Puerto Rico. After finishing high school, he got a special scholarship. This scholarship was from the Navy ROTC program. It helped him go to the Illinois Institute of Technology.

In 1955, he earned a degree in Physics. Right after graduating, he joined the United States Navy as an Ensign. An Ensign is a junior officer rank. He then trained to become a pilot. By August 1956, he officially became a Naval Aviator, meaning he was a Navy pilot.

A Career in the Navy

Hernandez flew fighter jets from aircraft carriers at sea. He flew two combat missions during the Vietnam War. He also served as an aide to a high-ranking commander.

He commanded Fighter Squadron 84 and Carrier Air Wing Six. He also led a fleet oiler ship called the USS Truckee (AO-147). This ship helps refuel other Navy ships at sea.

On June 27, 1980, Captain Diego E. Hernandez took command of the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy. This powerful ship could do many things. It was even able to hunt for enemy submarines.

In September 1980, planes from the Libyan Air Force flew very close to the USS John F. Kennedy's battle group. This happened over international waters. Navy F-14 fighter jets quickly intercepted the Libyan planes. They made sure the Libyan planes did not get too close.

Later, in 1988, Vice Admiral Diego E. Hernandez was in charge of the United States 3rd Fleet. He helped organize a huge naval exercise called RIMPAC '88. This exercise involved over 40 ships and 200 aircraft. More than 50,000 sailors, airmen, and Marines took part. They came from the United States, Japan, Australia, and Canada. It was the first time a battleship, the USS Missouri, joined RIMPAC.

Leading NORAD

His last big job in the Navy was very important. He was the Deputy Commander in Chief of U.S. Space Command. At the same time, he was also the Vice Commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). NORAD works to protect the airspace of the United States and Canada.

In 1987, he received a special award for his lifetime achievements. This award was from the National Puerto Rican Coalition. In 1988, his old school, Illinois Institute of Technology, honored him. They gave him a Professional Achievement Award. Hernandez retired from the Navy in 1991. He had served his country for 36 years.

Life After the Navy

After retiring, Diego E. Hernandez lived in Miami, Florida. He worked as a consultant for different companies. He also helped the Veterans Administration. This group helps military veterans. He was also a member of the Naval Order of the United States. This is a very old military society for naval officers.

Vice Admiral Hernandez passed away on July 7, 2017, at the age of 83.