Fernando García Sánchez facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fernando Garcia Sánchez
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Image of CDS 2016
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| Chief of the Defence Staff | |
| In office 30 December 2011 – 24 March 2017 |
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| Monarch | Felipe VI |
| Prime Minister | Mariano Rajoy |
| Preceded by | air general José Julio Rodríguez Fernández |
| Succeeded by | army general Fernando Alejandre Martínez |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Fernando Garcia Sánchez
September 25, 1953 Granada, Spain. |
| Spouse | Jesús Tobío Cendón |
| Alma mater | Escuela Naval Militar |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Spain |
| Branch/service |  Spanish Navy |
| Years of service | 1971—2017 |
| Rank |  Admiral General |
| Commands |
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| Battles/wars | Operation Active Endeavor |
| Awards | National Merit Badge Award |
Fernando Garcia Sánchez was born on September 25, 1953. He is a retired Fleet Admiral from the Spanish Armed Forces. From December 2011 to March 2017, he served as the Chief of Defence Staff. After retiring, he became the chairman of Fundación Iberdrola España in 2018.
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Fernando Garcia Sánchez was born in Granada, Spain. In 1971, when he was 18, he joined the Spanish Naval Academy. This is where future officers of the Spanish Navy are trained.
After graduating in 1976, he became a Lieutenant Junior Grade. He spent over 2,000 days at sea, serving on various battleships. He also completed a special diploma course at the Naval Warfare College.
A Career in Leadership
As a senior military officer, Fernando Garcia Sánchez taught at important military schools. He lectured at the Naval Warfare College and the Spanish Joint Staff College. In 2003, he became the head of the Strategic Planning section for the Navy.
He also led NATO naval groups on peace missions in the Mediterranean Sea. He did this twice, in 2000 and 2001. These missions helped keep peace and safety in the region.
Rising Through the Ranks
Fernando Garcia Sánchez was promoted to Rear Admiral in 2005. Three years later, in 2008, he became a Vice Admiral. Before becoming Chief of Defence Staff, he held other important roles. He was the Chief of Staff of the Maritime Task Force and the deputy Chief of Naval Staff.
On December 30, 2011, he was promoted to Admiral. On the same day, he became the Chief of Defence Staff. This is a very important role, leading all of Spain's armed forces. He speaks English and French very well.
Family Life
Fernando Garcia Sánchez is married to Jesús Tobío Cendón. They have three children together.
Awards and Honors
Fernando Garcia Sánchez has received many awards for his long and distinguished service. These awards come from Spain, France, and NATO. They recognize his bravery, leadership, and dedication.
Awards from Spain
- Grand Cross of Naval Merit: A high honor for naval service.
- Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Civil Guard: An award from Spain's Civil Guard.
- Royal and Military Order of San Hermenegildo: He received several levels of this order, including the Grand Cross, Commander with Star, Commander, and Cross. This order recognizes military service and loyalty.
- Cross of Military Merit: Another award for military service.
- Cross of Naval Merit: An award specifically for naval service.
- Cross of the Order Guard Merit of the Civil Guard: An award from the Civil Guard.
- Cross of the Order Police Merit: An award from the police force.
International Awards
- Chevalier of the Order of National Merit of the French Republic: An honor from France.
- NATO Meritorious Service Medal: An award from NATO for excellent service.
- Article 5 Medal for Operation Active Endeavor: This medal is for his participation in Operation Active Endeavor. This was a NATO mission to detect and deter terrorist activity in the Mediterranean Sea.
See also
In Spanish: Fernando García Sánchez para niños
