Teodoro Esteban López Calderón Facts for Kids

In this Spanish name, the first or paternal family name is López and the second or maternal family name is Calderón.

Quick facts for kids Teodoro Esteban López Calderón


Chief of the Defence Staff
Incumbent
Assumed office 27 January 2021
Monarch	Felipe VI
Prime Minister	Pedro Sánchez
Preceded by	Miguel Ángel Villarroya
Admiral Chief of Staff of the Navy
In office 1 April 2017 – 27 January 2021
Monarch	Felipe VI
Prime Minister	Mariano Rajoy (2017–2018) Pedro Sánchez (2018–present)
Preceded by	Jaime Muñoz-Delgado
Succeeded by	Antonio Martorell Lacave Fausto Escrigas Rodríguez (Acting)

Personal details
Born	Teodoro Esteban López Calderón (1954-05-03) 3 May 1954 (age 71) Cartagena, Spain
Alma mater	Escuela Naval Militar
Military service
Allegiance	Spain
Branch/service	Spanish Navy
Years of service	1973—present
Rank	Admiral General
Commands	Villaamil (P-04) Cataluña (F73) 2nd Minesweeper Squadron 41st Escort Squadron Naval Action Group 2 Admiral Chief of Staff of the Navy Chief of the Defence Staff
Battles/wars	Operation Active Endeavor

Teodoro Esteban López Calderón was born on May 3, 1954. He is a high-ranking officer in the Spanish Navy. Since January 27, 2021, he has been the 12th Chief of the Defence Staff for the Spanish Armed Forces. Before this important role, he served as the Admiral Chief of Staff of the Navy from 2017 to 2021.

Life and Career in the Navy
Awards and Honors
Personal Life
Images for kids
See also

Life and Career in the Navy

López Calderón was born in Cartagena in 1954. He joined the Spanish Navy in 1973 after finishing his studies at the Escuela Naval Militar. He became an expert in electronics, tactics, and weapon systems. He also took many courses both in Spain and other countries, including a special course at the NATO Defense College.

Key Commands and Missions

Throughout his career, he commanded several important ships and groups. He led the patrol vessel Villaamil (P-04) and the 2nd Minesweeper Squadron. He also commanded the frigate Cataluña (F73) and the 41st Escort Squadron. Later, he was in charge of Naval Action Group 2.

During his time with Naval Action Group 2, López Calderón took part in Operation Active Endeavor. This mission involved Spanish ships working to keep the seas safe. He also served on other Spanish Navy ships like the Descubierta (F31) and the Asturias (F74).

Important Staff Roles

López Calderón also held many important roles on land. He worked as the Chief of Staff for the 21st Escort Squadron. He was also part of the "Delta" Group, which watched Spain's maritime borders. This group worked to stop illegal activities at sea.

He also served at the U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command in 1997. He worked with the Standing NATO Maritime Group 2. He was also a key leader in the Operations Command of the Defence Staff.

Becoming Chief of Staff

On March 31, 2017, the Council of Ministers chose him for a new role. He became the new Chief of Staff of the Navy. In November 2020, a political party suggested that Navy ships should block boats arriving in the Canary Islands. López Calderón made it clear that the Navy's duty is to rescue anyone in danger at sea.

In January 2021, he was chosen for an even bigger role. He became the 12th Chief of Staff of the Spanish Armed Forces. This is a very important position in Spain's military.

Awards and Honors

Teodoro Esteban López Calderón has received many awards for his service. These awards come from Spain and other countries.

Spain

Grand Cross of Naval Merit
Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Civil Guard
Grand Cross of the Royal and Military Order of San Hermenegildo
Commander with Star of the Royal and Military Order of San Hermenegildo
Commander of the Royal and Military Order of San Hermenegildo
Cross of the Royal and Military Order of San Hermenegildo
Cross of Military Merit
Cross of Naval Merit (Five Times)
Cross of the Order Guard Merit of the Civil Guard
Cross of the Order Police Merit

Australia

Officer of the Order of Australia – May 3, 2022. This award was for helping to make the defense relationship between Australia and Spain stronger.

France

Chevalier of the Order of National Merit of the French Republic

NATO

NATO Meritorious Service Medal
Article 5 Medal for Operation Active Endeavor

United States

Meritorious Service Medal

Personal Life

Teodoro Esteban López Calderón is married and has five children. He also has two grandchildren. He can speak both his native Spanish and English very well.