Admiral D. Franciso Torrente Sánchez

Guest Speaker Admiral D. Francisco Torrente Sánchez Secretary General of Defense Policy Admiral Torrente was born in Ferrol on April 22nd, 1940. He entered in the Spanish Navy Naval Academy on August 28th, 1956 and became Lieutenant JG in 1961. During his 15-year sea tour, he served on board of destroyers, frigates and amphibious ships. He was Commanding Officer of a minesweeper, a corvette and a frigate. Among his shore assignments, he served tours Naval Academy and the Naval War College Professor. He also was Chief of the Logistics Planning in the Navy Staff and Deputy Director for Manpower Planning and Procurement at the Ministry in Defence. Admiral Torrente an Electronics Specialist attended Tartar and Standard Weapon Direction System Courses in U.S.A. He is also a graduate from the Naval War College. He is co-author of the book “La Armada: Esa Desconocida” (The Unknown Armada), which received the “Virgen del Carmen” Award in 1983. He was promoted to Rear Admiral in 1993, and appointed Navy’s Deputy Director for Maintenance. In 1994 Admiral Torrente was appointed Director of the Military Cabinet of the Minister of Defence. He became Vice-Admiral in 1995. In 1997, he was promoted to Admiral and appointed General Director for Defence Policy. In December 2000, he was granted the fourth star and appointed Chief of Naval Staff., and in April 2004, he was appointed General Secretary for Defence Policy and left active duty in the Navy. Among others, he has been awarded the following national decorations: four Naval Merit Crosses, one Military Merit Cross, one Aeronautical Merit Cross, the Civil Guard Silver Cross, Grand Cross of St Hermenegildo, Military Merit Grand Cross, and Naval Merit Grand Cross. Admiral Torrente is married to Alicia Cenalmor, and they have five children.