Admiral Head of Logistic Support

Admiral Ignacio Céspedes was born in Madrid on July 20, 1963. He joined the Spanish Navy in 1982, graduating as Lieutenant Junior Grade in 1987.

As an officer, he served aboard the destroyer “Churruca” (1987-1988), the minesweeper “Sil” (1988-1990), the frigate “Numancia” (1991-1994), the Operational Combat Qualification and Support Center (CEVACO in its Spanish initials) from 1994 to 1996, and the attack transport ship “Aragón” (1996-1998).

His main assignments ashore have been at the Spanish Navy Headquarters, as Liaison Officer with the Army (2000-2002) and in the Strategic Plans Section of the Plans Division (2002-2003).

He has also served as professor of Organization and Leadership at the Higher Collage of the Armed Forces (ESFAS) (2005-2008), returning to the Navy Headquarters in the Organic Plans Section of the Plans Division (2008). He was subsequently assigned to the Technical Office of the Minister of Defense as a Technical Advisor in the Parliamentary Area (2008-2011), and finally as Head of the Logistic Studies Office in the Auxiliary Body of the Spanish Navy's Logistics Support Command (2013-2016).

He has participated in the Adriatic embargo operation "Sharp Guard," the humanitarian aid operation "Alba," Operation "Active Endeavor" during the Second Gulf War, and the embargo operation against Libya "Unified Protector."

He has been Commanding Officer of the following ships and units: minesweeper “Genil” (1998-1999), the flagship for MCM operations “Diana” (2003-2004), the F-100-class frigate “Almirante Juan de Borbón” (2011-2012) and also as Commanding Officer of the CEVACO (2016-2019).

He was promoted to Rear Admiral in September 2019 and assigned as Chief of General Services and Technical Assistance of the Spanish Navy Staff (October 2019 - May 2020). From May 22, 2020, to August 1, 2022, he commanded the Fleet's Amphibious and Force Projection Group. From August 1, 2022, to July 29, 2025, he served as Chief of Staff of Joint Force Command (JFC) Norfolk in the United States, within the NATO command structure.

On July 29, 2025, he was promoted to Admiral and appointed Head of the Naval Logistic Support structure, a position he currently holds.

He is an ASW weapons specialist and a graduate of the Naval War College. He has been awarded several national and international military decorations. He is married and has three children.