The Chief of Staff of the Armada (AJEMA) presides over the Awarding Ceremony on the occasion of the 2026 Military Easter

The Chief of Staff of the Armada (AJEMA) presides over the Awarding Ceremony on the occasion of the 2026 Military Easter

On the morning of Wednesday, April 14, a solemn awarding ceremony was held at the Armada Headquarters, on the occasion of the 2026 Military Easter. The ceremony was presided over by the Chief of Staff of the Armada, Admiral General Antonio Piñeiro Sánchez, accompanied by the Undersecretary of Defense.

During this ceremony, the Undersecretary of Defense presented the Grand Cross of Naval Merit to Mr. Alberto Herrera Rodríguez for his outstanding professional and personal qualities demonstrated through his unwavering support of the Ministry of Defense.

In addition, the following personnel received the Grand Cross of Naval Merit from the AJEMA, the highest award recognizing the outstanding merit of members of the Armada:

• Lieutenant General of the Army Alejandro Gonzalo Escámez Fernandez
• Rear Admiral Eduardo Guitián Crespo
• Brigadier General of the Marine Corps Juan Francisco Martínez-Merello Díaz De Miranda
• Rear Admiral Antonio González-Tánago De La Lastra
• Rear Admiral Isidro Carrara Navas
• Rear Admiral José Mª Fernández De La Puente Millán
• Rear Admiral Antonio José Posada Guerra
• Brigadier General Mª Dolores Sánchez Medrano
• Isabel Valldecabres Ortiz
• Manuel Joaquín Reigosa Fouz
• Hector Salvador Fouz

On the other hand, during the ceremony, several Naval Merit Crosses were also awarded to military personnel of the Armada, other branches of the Armed Forces, State Constabulary Forces and Corps, and civilian personnel.

After the awards were presented, Lieutenant General Alejandro Gonzalo Escámez Fernández, the most distinguished member of the list, delivered a speech on behalf of all of them.

Finally, the AJEMA addressed the attendees, and the ceremony concluded with the playing of the Navy anthem.

Military awards are intended to recognize and distinguish personnel for actions, deeds, or services that demonstrate recognized military courage or are of outstanding merit or importance to the Armed Forces, thus representing a source of pride for the person awarded, an incentive for the unit to which they belong, and an example for all.