Juan Andrés de la Maza
Juan Andrés De La Maza | |
|---|---|
| Commander-in-Chief of the Chilean Navy | |
| In office June 18, 2021 – June 18, 2025 | |
| Preceded by | Julio Leiva Molina |
| Succeeded by | Fernando Cabrera Salazar |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 10 February 1964 |
| Children | Four |
| Alma mater | Arturo Prat Naval Academy |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Chile |
| Branch/service | Chilean Navy |
| Years of service | 1985-2025 |
| Rank | Admiral |
Juan Andrés De la Maza Larraín (born 10 February 1964) is a retired Chilean naval officer who served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Chilean Navy from 2021 to 2025.
Over more than four decades of service, de la Maza held a wide range of operational, administrative, and strategic positions. He is noted for his emphasis on maritime security, naval modernization, personnel development, and regional defense cooperation.
His tenure as Commander-in-Chief was marked by institutional reform, digital transformation, and a reinforced role for the Navy in civil protection and national sovereignty. He played a significant part in modernizing Chile's naval capabilities while maintaining strong relations with international allies.
De la Maza's leadership has been characterized by a focus on internal cohesion, technological adaptation, and strategic foresight. Analysts and politicians have credited him with maintaining operational readiness while navigating a complex social and political environment. His efforts to foster civil-military trust and to modernize the Navy's professional culture were seen as key elements of his administration.