Diego E. Hernández (March 25, 1934 – July 7, 2017) was a senior officer in the United States Navy who rose to the rank of vice admiral. Over a long career he combined operational flying duty with senior staff and joint command assignments. Hernández is best known for becoming the first Hispanic officer to be named Vice Commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command.

Early career and naval aviation

After entering naval service, Hernández completed flight training and was designated a Naval Aviator in August 1956. As an aviator he served in a variety of fleet and shore billets typical of career naval pilots, gaining operational experience in carrier aviation and other air operations. His progression from junior pilot to flag officer reflected both flying expertise and leadership in increasingly responsible commands.

Senior leadership and NORAD

Hernández's appointment as Vice Commander of NORAD marked a significant milestone: he was the first Hispanic officer to hold that position. In that role he participated in joint U.S.–Canadian continental air defense and aerospace warning activities and helped coordinate complex multinational and interagency operations. His service at NORAD symbolized wider integration of Hispanic officers into the highest levels of U.S. defense leadership.

Roles and contributions

  • Operational command and flight leadership during a career that began with Naval Aviator designation in 1956.
  • Staff and joint assignments that bridged Navy, interservice, and binational defense responsibilities.
  • Breaking barriers for Hispanic service members and serving as a role model for diversity in the armed forces.

Hernández's professional record is often cited in discussions of military aviation, joint command structures, and the expanding representation of Hispanic Americans in senior military roles. References to his naval service and leadership appear in histories of Cold War and post–Cold War U.S. defense institutions.

He is remembered both for his operational background as a United States Navy aviator and for his trailblazing appointment at NORAD. In later life he faced health challenges and died on July 7, 2017, from complications of Parkinson's disease at age 83.