Adirio Jessen

Adirio Orfelio Jessen Ahumada was a Chilean military aviator who served as Commander-in-Chief of the Chilean Air Force (FACh) in 1932. He previously served in the Chilean Navy before transferring to the newly established National Air Force in 1930.

Military career

Jessen began his aviation career in the Chilean Navy. On 1 May 1922, while holding the rank of first lieutenant, he was assigned to the Military Aeronautics School for flight training. In 1929, he became head of the naval aviation service.

Following the establishment of the National Air Force on 21 March 1930, Jessen transferred from the Navy to the new institution. In 1931, he temporarily assumed command of the Air Force during the absence of Arturo Merino Benítez. He was subsequently succeeded by Ramón Vergara Montero.

Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force

On 11 August 1932, Jessen was promoted to group commander and subsequently appointed Commander-in-Chief of the National Air Force. His tenure coincided with the institution's early organisational development.

Jessen retired from active military service on 14 December 1932 and was succeeded by Diego Aracena.