Naval Commander Saldanha Lopes, the ex-head of the Navy's top leadership, has passed away.
Admiral José Saldanha Lopes, a distinguished figure in the Portuguese military, passed away on Friday at the age of 76. The President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, lamented the death of the illustrious personality of Portuguese military life.
Saldanha Lopes entered the Naval School in 1968 and specialised in communications. His career spanned over four decades, during which he held numerous prestigious positions in the Naval Command, the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Azores, the Naval Staff, the Permanent Atlantic Naval Force, the Portuguese Military Mission in Brussels, and as Chief of Staff of the Naval Command.
He was appointed Chief of Staff of the Navy in 2010, after being promoted to Admiral. His tenure as Chief of Staff lasted from November 30, 2010, to November 2013. Prior to this, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff of the Navy in 2006.
Saldanha Lopes's military career was marked by significant contributions and participations in various operations. He commanded the frigate Corte Real and participated in the operation to rescue civilians and restore peace in Guinea-Bissau in 1998. He also took part in Operation 'Allied Force', in Kosovo, in 1999.
In 1993, he became the first Commander of the Naval Helicopter Squadron. After being promoted to Vice-Admiral, he held positions as Naval Commander and Commander of the European Maritime Force (EUROMARFOR). He was promoted to senior officer in 1985 and later to Captain of Frigate in 1992.
The President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, highlighted Saldanha Lopes's contributions to the Portuguese military, stating, "Admiral José Saldanha Lopes was an illustrious personality of the Portuguese military life." He was decorated with the Grand Cross of the Military Order of Christ and the Military Order of Aviz.
The statement from the President of the Republic was updated at 17:52. The nation mourns the loss of a dedicated and esteemed military figure. Saldanha Lopes's service and dedication to the Portuguese Navy will be remembered for years to come.
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