Almirante

Almirante is a naval rank used in Spanish-speaking countries that corresponds to the rank of admiral in English. It is the highest rank in many traditional naval hierarchies and is typically held by the commander of a fleet or a senior officer in the navy. In the Spanish Navy, the rank of almirante is senior to vicealmirante, rear admiral, and commodore. The term itself derives from the Arabic “amir al‑bahr,” meaning “commander of the sea,” reflecting the historical influence of Arabic on maritime terminology during the Middle Ages.

In modern navies, an almirante usually serves as the chief of naval operations or as a commander of a naval academy. The position often carries responsibility for strategic planning, procurement, and international military cooperation. The insignia for an almirante in many navies consists of several gold stripes, a star, and a backing device such as a wreath or a national emblem. Some navies, such as those of Mexico and Peru, also award the rank of almirante as a wartime promotion or an honorary title for distinguished service.

Variants of the rank exist in other languages: almirante in Portuguese, almirante in Italian, and admiral in English. The term is sometimes used as a title of honor in civilian contexts, for example in the designation of a ship or facility. Despite its long tradition, the rank remains rare in modern navies, largely limited to the highest command positions.