Diego Aracena
Diego Aracena Aguilar (12 November 1891 – 2 May 1972) was a Chilean military aviator who served as Commander-in-Chief of the Chilean Air Force (FACh) from 1932 to 1938.
He previously served in the Chilean Army before transferring to the newly established Air Force in 1930. During his command, he oversaw the institutional development of Chilean military aviation and the establishment of the Air War Academy.
Early life and education
Aracena was born in Chile on 12 November 1891. He entered the Chilean Military School in March 1906 and graduated as an infantry second lieutenant in February 1911. In 1914, he was assigned to the Military Aviation School, where he qualified as an aviator in 1915. He was promoted to captain in 1916 and obtained his military pilot qualification in 1921.
In 1922, Aracena and fellow aviator Federico Baraona Walton were commissioned by the government of President Arturo Alessandri to undertake a flight from Santiago to Rio de Janeiro in connection with the centenary of Brazilian independence. The expedition took place between 29 August and 14 September, using Airco DH.9 aircraft. Aracena completed the final stage of the journey aboard a Brazilian seaplane.
Military career
Following his participation in the flight to Brazil, Aracena served as acting director of the Military Aviation School and was subsequently sent to the United Kingdom for further aviation training.
He continued his career in the Chilean Army, receiving promotion to major in July 1925 and lieutenant colonel in July 1929. On 7 June 1930, he transferred from the Army to the aviation services of the newly established Chilean Air Force.
During his early Air Force career, Aracena served as chief of the Air Force General Staff and aide-de-camp to the president of Chile. In 1932, he was appointed Undersecretary of Aviation and subsequently Commander-in-Chief of the Chilean Air Force.
Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force
Aracena assumed command of the Chilean Air Force in 1932, succeeding General Marmaduke Grove. During his tenure, he became the last officer to hold the rank of air commodore and the first to attain the rank of General of the Air, to which he was promoted on 23 January 1935.
His administration contributed to the consolidation of the Air Force's organisational structure and the development of its operational capabilities. On 30 April 1937, the Air War Academy was established to provide advanced professional education for Air Force officers.
In 1936, Aracena organised the first concentration of aviation units at El Bosque Air Base. The exercise included a simulated aerial attack on Santiago, demonstrating the operational capabilities of the institution.
Aracena remained in command until 1938 and retired from active military service on 6 January 1939. He was succeeded by General Armando Castro López.
Later life and legacy
Aracena died in Santiago, Chile, on 2 May 1972, aged 80.
Several institutions and geographical features have been named in his honour. Diego Aracena International Airport, serving the city of Iquique, bears his name, as does Capitán Aracena Island in southern Chile. The Chilean Air Force also established a decoration named after him in recognition of distinguished service to the institution.