Carlos Del Toro becomes second Hispanic to lead Department of the Navy

 

POSTED ON Aug 10, 2021

 

Carlos Del Toro, a distinguished veteran of the United States Navy, is now the top civilian in the Department of the Navy. According to news reports, he is the second Navy secretary of Hispanic descent following Edward Hidalgo during the Jimmy Carter administration.

In a statement released by the defense department on the confirmation of the 78th Secretary of the Navy,  Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said:

“Carlos Del Toro’s lifelong pursuits and deep experience advancing America’s national security make him well-prepared to serve as the 78th Secretary of the Navy. A student of the U.S. Naval Academy, Naval Postgraduate School, and Naval War College, Carlos rose through the ranks during the Cold War and Operation Desert Shield and Storm to serve as the first commanding officer of the destroyer USS Bulkeley DDG 84, and then later as a trusted aide to Pentagon leadership. He understands firsthand the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing our Navy, from addressing the pacing challenge of China and modernizing our capabilities, to investing in our most valuable asset – our people. As an immigrant who has dedicated his life to public service, Carlos exemplifies the core values of honor, courage, and commitment in defense of our country.”

Carlos Del Toro was born in Havana, Cuba, and immigrated to the United States with his parents as a child. He was raised in Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan.

Del Toro earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the Naval Academy in 1983. He later earned a master’s degree in national security studies from the Naval War College and another in legislative affairs from George Washington University.

Del Toro served in the United States Navy for 22 years, retiring with the rank of commander. During active service, he served in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and as special assistant to the director and deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget. He was also the commanding officer of the USS Bulkeley.

After retiring from the Navy, Del Toro founded SBG Technology Solutions, Inc., a program management and engineering firm that primarily works with government clients.