Forty years after ANSO was founded by the first Secretary of the Navy of Hispanic descent, the Honorable Edward Hidalgo, one of our members has been sworn in as the second Secretary of the Navy of Hispanic descent. Secretary Carlos Del Toro was unanimously confirmed by the Senate on Saturday August 7, 2021, and was sworn in on Monday August 9, 2021.
Born in Havana, Cuba, Secretary Del Toro immigrated to the U.S. with his family as refugees in 1962. Raised in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of New York City, he attended public schools and received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering, and was commissioned as a Surface Warfare Officer upon graduation in 1983.
His 22-year naval career included a series of critical appointments and numerous tours of duty at sea. After retiring at the rank of Commander, Secretary Del Toro founded SBG Technology Solutions, Inc. in 2004. As its CEO and President, he supported defense programs across a host of immediate and long-term Department of Navy issue areas, including shipbuilding, AI, cybersecurity, acquisition programs, space systems, health, and training.
In an August 10, 2021 Message to the Fleet, Secretary Del Toro outlined his vision and priorities for the service, listing the current challenges, and promising to advocate for the necessary resources crucial to the Navy Marine Corps Team’s preparation and mission success.
Secretary Del Toro is an active ANSO member, a founding member of the ANSO DC Chapter, and a former member of our National Board of Advisors. Even though running a successful business has kept his schedule super busy, he has always made time to support our organization. We are proud and excited to be witness to his journey and hope our members find inspiration in his achievements. Adelante con ANSO!
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