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| branch = [[United States Navy]]
| branch = [[United States Navy]]
| rank = [[Commander (United States)|Commander]]
| rank = [[Commander (United States)|Commander]]
| module = {{Listen|pos=center|embed=yes|filename=Opening Statement of Secretary Carlos Del Toro at FY2024 Navy and Marine Corps Budget Request Hearing.ogg|title=Carlos Del Toro's voice|type=speech|description=Del Toro's opening statement at a [[United States Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense|Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee]] hearing on the FY2024 Navy and Marine Corps budget request<br/>Recorded March 28, 2023}}
| module = {{Listen|pos=center|embed=yes|filename=Opening Statement of Secretary Carlos Del Toro at FY2024 Navy and Marine Corps Budget Request Hearing.ogg|title=Carlos Del Toro's voice|type=speech|description=Del Toro's opening statement at a [[United States Senate Committee on Appropriations|Senate Appropriations]] subcommittee hearing on the FY2024 Navy and Marine Corps posture<br/>Recorded March 28, 2023}}
| caption = Official portrait, 2021
}}
}}
'''Carlos Del Toro''' (born 1961)<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DD8BVZeVFP4C&pg=PA88 |title=Register of Commissioned and Warrant Officers of the United States Navy on Active Duty |date=October 1, 1990 |page=88 |publisher=Bureau of Naval Personnel |access-date=2021-06-12}}</ref> is a Cuban-American entrepreneur and retired [[United States Navy]] officer who serves as the 78th [[United States Secretary of the Navy]] since 2021.<ref>{{Cite news|date=December 14, 2012|title=Guantanamo says goodbye to last Cuban 'commuters'|work=AP News|url=https://apnews.com/article/archive-cuba-338a3b23ee3244c78f67216797207e24}}</ref><ref name=POL/>
'''Carlos Del Toro''' (born 1961)<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DD8BVZeVFP4C&pg=PA88 |title=Register of Commissioned and Warrant Officers of the United States Navy on Active Duty |date=October 1, 1990 |page=88 |publisher=Bureau of Naval Personnel |access-date=2021-06-12}}</ref> is a [[Cuban-American]] entrepreneur and retired [[United States Navy]] officer who serves as the 78th [[United States Secretary of the Navy]] since 2021.<ref>{{Cite news|date=December 14, 2012|title=Guantanamo says goodbye to last Cuban 'commuters'|work=AP News|url=https://apnews.com/article/archive-cuba-338a3b23ee3244c78f67216797207e24}}</ref><ref name=POL/> He is the second [[Hispanic American]] to serve as the Secretary of the Navy, after [[Edward Hidalgo]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Officer |first=Public Affairs |date=2021-08-11 |title=Congratulations to Carlos Del Toro, the 78th Secretary of the Navy {{!}} Association of Naval Services Officers |url=https://www.ansomil.org/congratulations-to-carlos-del-toro-the-78th-secretary-of-the-navy/ |access-date=2024-06-23 |language=en-US}}</ref>


== Early life and education ==
== Early life and education ==
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== Career ==
== Career ==
Del Toro was a [[White House Fellow]] in 1998–1999.
Del Toro was a [[White House Fellow]] in 1998–1999. Founded in 1964, the White House Fellowship is one of America’s most prestigious programs for leadership and public service. The Fellowship, awarded on a strictly non-partisan basis, offers exceptional young leaders first-hand experience working at the highest levels of federal government.


Del Toro served in the [[United States Navy]] for 22 years, retiring with the rank of [[Commander (United States)|commander]]. During his service, Del Toro served in the [[Office of the Secretary of Defense]] and special assistant to the director and deputy director of the [[Office of Management and Budget]]. He was also the commanding officer of the [[USS Bulkeley (DDG-84)|USS ''Bulkeley'']].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Losey|first=Stephen|date=2021-06-11|title=White House to Tap Former Destroyer Captain Carlos Del Toro as Navy Secretary|url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2021/06/11/white-house-tap-former-destroyer-captain-carlos-del-toro-navy-secretary.html|access-date=2021-06-11|website=Military.com|language=en}}</ref>
Del Toro served in the [[United States Navy]] for 22 years, retiring with the rank of [[Commander (United States)|commander]]. During his service, Del Toro served in the [[Office of the Secretary of Defense]] and special assistant to the director and deputy director of the [[Office of Management and Budget]]. He was also the commanding officer of the [[USS Bulkeley (DDG-84)|USS ''Bulkeley'']].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Losey|first=Stephen|date=2021-06-11|title=White House to Tap Former Destroyer Captain Carlos Del Toro as Navy Secretary|url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2021/06/11/white-house-tap-former-destroyer-captain-carlos-del-toro-navy-secretary.html|access-date=2021-06-11|website=Military.com|language=en}}</ref>


After retiring from the Navy, Del Toro founded SBG Technology Solutions, Inc., a program management and engineering firm that primarily works with government clients.<ref name=WH>{{Cite web|date=2021-06-11|title=President Biden Announces Seven Key Nominations|url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/06/11/president-biden-announces-seven-key-nominations/|access-date=2021-06-11|website=The White House|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=USNI>{{Cite web|date=2021-06-11|title=UPDATED: White House Taps Carlos Del Toro as SECNAV Nominee|url=https://news.usni.org/2021/06/11/white-house-taps-carlos-del-toro-as-secnav-nominee|access-date=2021-06-11|website=USNI News|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=White House to nominate Carlos Del Toro as Navy secretary|url=https://www.stripes.com/branches/navy/2021-06-11/White-House-to-nominate-Carlos-Del-Toro-as-Navy-secretary-1677191.html|access-date=2021-06-11|website=Stars and Stripes|language=en}}</ref> In 2007 Del Toro was the Democratic candidate to represent the 88th District in the [[Virginia House of Delegates]].<ref name=FLS1>{{Cite web|date=2007-02-07|title= Del Toro to challenge Del Mark Cole |url=https://fredericksburg.com/local/del-toro-to-challenge-del-mark-cole/article_0791f27d-6480-5060-9259-3d9cb69e6fd4.html|access-date=2023-07-25|website=Free Lance-Star|language=en-US}}</ref> He lost to Republican incumbent, [[Mark Cole]].<ref name=FLS2>{{Cite web|date=2007-11-07|title= Howell, Orrock, Cole are Winners|url=https://fredericksburg.com/local/howell-orrock-cole-are-winners/article_970239ca-859b-593a-998c-49f76922b4ec.html|access-date=2023-07-25|website=Free Lance-Star|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=VDE>{{Cite web|date=2007-11-07|title= 2007 House of Delegates General Election District 88|url=https://fredericksburg.com/local/howell-orrock-cole-are-winners/article_970239ca-859b-593a-998c-49f76922b4ec.html|access-date=2023-07-25|website=Virginia Department of Elections|language=en-US}}</ref> He served on the [[University of Mary Washington]] Board of Visitors from 2014 to 2018.<ref name=FLS3>{{Cite web|date=2014-07-19|title= Del Toro Appointed to UMW BOV After Tate Resigns|url=https://fredericksburg.com/users/login/?referer_url=https%3A%2F%2Frp.liu233w.com%3A443%2Fhttps%2Ffredericksburg.com%2Fnews%2Feducation%2Fdel-toro-appointed-to-umw-bov-after-tate-resigns%2Farticle_6248b495-8e25-50bd-8402-081062f0d6bc.html|access-date=2023-08-17|website=Free Lance-Star|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=UMW>{{Cite web|date=2023-08-17|title= UMW Board of Visitors Past Members |url=https://www.umw.edu/bov/members/past-members/|access-date=2023-08-17|website=University of Mary Washington|language=en-US}}</ref> From 2019 until 2021, Del Toro sat on the board of directors of the [[Stimson Center]], a Washington-based security think tank.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.stimson.org/2021/president-biden-nominates-stimson-board-member-for-secretary-of-the-navy/|title=President Biden nominates Stimson Board Member for Secretary of the Navy • Stimson Center|date=11 June 2021}}</ref>
After retiring from the Navy, Del Toro founded SBG Technology Solutions, Inc., a program management and engineering firm that primarily works with government clients.<ref name=WH>{{Cite web|date=2021-06-11|title=President Biden Announces Seven Key Nominations|url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/06/11/president-biden-announces-seven-key-nominations/|access-date=2021-06-11|website=The White House|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=USNI>{{Cite web|date=2021-06-11|title=UPDATED: White House Taps Carlos Del Toro as SECNAV Nominee|url=https://news.usni.org/2021/06/11/white-house-taps-carlos-del-toro-as-secnav-nominee|access-date=2021-06-11|website=USNI News|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=White House to nominate Carlos Del Toro as Navy secretary|url=https://www.stripes.com/branches/navy/2021-06-11/White-House-to-nominate-Carlos-Del-Toro-as-Navy-secretary-1677191.html|access-date=2021-06-11|website=Stars and Stripes|language=en}}</ref> In 2007 Del Toro was the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] candidate to represent the 88th District in the [[Virginia House of Delegates]].<ref name=FLS1>{{Cite web|date=2007-02-07|title= Del Toro to challenge Del Mark Cole |url=https://fredericksburg.com/local/del-toro-to-challenge-del-mark-cole/article_0791f27d-6480-5060-9259-3d9cb69e6fd4.html|access-date=2023-07-25|website=Free Lance-Star|language=en-US}}</ref> He lost to Republican incumbent, [[Mark Cole]].<ref name=FLS2>{{Cite web|date=2007-11-07|title= Howell, Orrock, Cole are Winners|url=https://fredericksburg.com/local/howell-orrock-cole-are-winners/article_970239ca-859b-593a-998c-49f76922b4ec.html|access-date=2023-07-25|website=Free Lance-Star|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=VDE>{{Cite web|date=2007-11-07|title= 2007 House of Delegates General Election District 88|url=https://fredericksburg.com/local/howell-orrock-cole-are-winners/article_970239ca-859b-593a-998c-49f76922b4ec.html|access-date=2023-07-25|website=Virginia Department of Elections|language=en-US}}</ref> He served on the [[University of Mary Washington]] Board of Visitors from 2014 to 2018.<ref name=FLS3>{{Cite web|date=2014-07-19|title= Del Toro Appointed to UMW BOV After Tate Resigns|url=https://fredericksburg.com/users/login/?referer_url=https%3A%2F%2Frp.liu233w.com%3A443%2Fhttps%2Ffredericksburg.com%2Fnews%2Feducation%2Fdel-toro-appointed-to-umw-bov-after-tate-resigns%2Farticle_6248b495-8e25-50bd-8402-081062f0d6bc.html|access-date=2023-08-17|website=Free Lance-Star|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=UMW>{{Cite web|date=2023-08-17|title= UMW Board of Visitors Past Members |url=https://www.umw.edu/bov/members/past-members/|access-date=2023-08-17|website=University of Mary Washington|language=en-US}}</ref> From 2019 until 2021, Del Toro sat on the board of directors of the [[Stimson Center]], a Washington-based security think tank.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.stimson.org/2021/president-biden-nominates-stimson-board-member-for-secretary-of-the-navy/|title=President Biden nominates Stimson Board Member for Secretary of the Navy • Stimson Center|date=11 June 2021}}</ref>


== Secretary of the Navy ==
== Secretary of the Navy ==
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In regard to the budget, Del Toro supported the Navy's plan to field 355 ships by 2030, but noted that the service would require more funds.<ref name=MT/> In regard to [[Taiwan]], Del Toro affirmed his commitment to the island's protection and stated that he would be "exclusively focused on the China threat" and seek to protect American security interests in the [[Indo-Pacific#Geopolitical_context|Indo-Pacific]].<ref name=TH>{{cite news |last=Khell |first=Rebecca |date=July 13, 2021 |title=Navy secretary nominee pledges to be 'exclusively focused on the China threat' |url=https://thehill.com/policy/defense/562762-navy-secretary-nominee-pledges-to-be-exclusively-focused-on-the-china-threat |work=[[The Hill (newspaper)|The Hill]] |access-date=July 31, 2021}}</ref> Del Toro also expressed an intention to focus on [[climate change]] and modernization efforts.<ref name=MT/><ref name=TH/><ref>{{cite news |last=Doornbos |first=Caitlin |date=July 13, 2021 |title=Biden's pick for Navy secretary tells senators he supports modernization over more ships in 2022 budget |url=https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2021-07-13/navy-secretary-del-toro-ndaa-china-taiwan-ships-2139936.html |work=[[Stars and Stripes (newspaper)|Stars and Stripes]] |access-date=July 31, 2021}}</ref>
In regard to the budget, Del Toro supported the Navy's plan to field 355 ships by 2030, but noted that the service would require more funds.<ref name=MT/> In regard to [[Taiwan]], Del Toro affirmed his commitment to the island's protection and stated that he would be "exclusively focused on the China threat" and seek to protect American security interests in the [[Indo-Pacific#Geopolitical_context|Indo-Pacific]].<ref name=TH>{{cite news |last=Khell |first=Rebecca |date=July 13, 2021 |title=Navy secretary nominee pledges to be 'exclusively focused on the China threat' |url=https://thehill.com/policy/defense/562762-navy-secretary-nominee-pledges-to-be-exclusively-focused-on-the-china-threat |work=[[The Hill (newspaper)|The Hill]] |access-date=July 31, 2021}}</ref> Del Toro also expressed an intention to focus on [[climate change]] and modernization efforts.<ref name=MT/><ref name=TH/><ref>{{cite news |last=Doornbos |first=Caitlin |date=July 13, 2021 |title=Biden's pick for Navy secretary tells senators he supports modernization over more ships in 2022 budget |url=https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2021-07-13/navy-secretary-del-toro-ndaa-china-taiwan-ships-2139936.html |work=[[Stars and Stripes (newspaper)|Stars and Stripes]] |access-date=July 31, 2021}}</ref>


On July 27, the Senate Armed Services Committee approved Del Toro's nomination, advancing him to the full [[United States Senate|Senate]].<ref name=USC/><ref>{{cite press release |author=<!--Not stated--> |title=SASC Advances Nominations of Del Toro, Cisneros, Miller, Karlin, Connor, 1,986 Military Promotions |url=https://www.armed-services.senate.gov/press-releases/sasc-advances-nominations-of-del-toro-cisneros-miller-karlin-connor-1986-military-promotions |location=[[Washington, D.C.]] |publisher=[[United States Senate Committee on Armed Services|Senate Armed Services Committee]] |date=July 27, 2021 |access-date=July 31, 2021}}</ref><ref name=DefOne>{{cite news |last=Kenney |first=Caitlin M. |date=July 29, 2021 |title=The Naval Brief: SecNav nomination advances; Masks return indoors; Wargaming fail; and more |url=https://www.defenseone.com/policy/2021/07/naval-brief-secnav-nomination-advances-masks-return-indoors-wargaming-fail-and-more/184141/ |work=Defense One |access-date=July 31, 2021}}</ref> On August 7, 2021, his nomination was confirmed by [[voice vote]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-08-07 |title=PN713 – Nomination of Carlos Del Toro for Department of Defense, 117th Congress (2021–2022) |url=https://www.congress.gov/nomination/117th-congress/713 |access-date=2021-08-09 |website=www.congress.gov}}</ref> He assumed office on August 9, 2021, and was ceremonially sworn in on August 24, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Carlos Del Toro |url=https://www.navy.mil/Leadership/Biographies/BioDisplay/Article/2725564/carlos-del-toro/ |access-date=2021-08-10 |website=www.navy.mil |language=en-US}}</ref>
On July 27, the [[Senate Armed Services Committee]] approved Del Toro's nomination, advancing him to the full [[United States Senate|Senate]].<ref name=USC/><ref>{{cite press release |author=<!--Not stated--> |title=SASC Advances Nominations of Del Toro, Cisneros, Miller, Karlin, Connor, 1,986 Military Promotions |url=https://www.armed-services.senate.gov/press-releases/sasc-advances-nominations-of-del-toro-cisneros-miller-karlin-connor-1986-military-promotions |location=[[Washington, D.C.]] |publisher=[[United States Senate Committee on Armed Services|Senate Armed Services Committee]] |date=July 27, 2021 |access-date=July 31, 2021}}</ref><ref name=DefOne>{{cite news |last=Kenney |first=Caitlin M. |date=July 29, 2021 |title=The Naval Brief: SecNav nomination advances; Masks return indoors; Wargaming fail; and more |url=https://www.defenseone.com/policy/2021/07/naval-brief-secnav-nomination-advances-masks-return-indoors-wargaming-fail-and-more/184141/ |work=Defense One |access-date=July 31, 2021}}</ref> On August 7, 2021, his nomination was confirmed by [[voice vote]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-08-07 |title=PN713 – Nomination of Carlos Del Toro for Department of Defense, 117th Congress (2021–2022) |url=https://www.congress.gov/nomination/117th-congress/713 |access-date=2021-08-09 |website=www.congress.gov}}</ref> He assumed office on August 9, 2021, and was ceremonially sworn in on August 24, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Carlos Del Toro |url=https://www.navy.mil/Leadership/Biographies/BioDisplay/Article/2725564/carlos-del-toro/ |access-date=2021-08-10 |website=www.navy.mil |language=en-US}}</ref>


=== Controversy ===
=== Controversy ===
In April 2023, the [[Military Religious Freedom Foundation]] shared a video of a town hall meeting where Del Toro made seemingly homophobic comments. When asked about combating [[Sexual orientation in the United States military|homophobia in the navy]], Del Toro said, "The battles that you face... they're defined by your choice to be homosexual." Del Toro's comments were criticized as [[Anti-LGBT rhetoric#Homosexuality as a choice or lifestyle|promoting homosexuality as a "choice"]], and also being oblivious to homophobia within the military. Del Toro later clarified that he was "an unequivocal supporter of the LGBTQ+ community," and was talking about "an individual's decision to share their sexual orientation."<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Ziezulewicz |first1=Geoff |last2=Dozier |first2=Kimberly |date=April 11, 2023 |title=Navy secretary: chaplain defined by 'choice' to identify as gay |url=https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2023/04/11/navy-secretary-chaplain-defined-by-choice-to-identify-as-gay/ |access-date=April 13, 2023 |website=Navy Times}}</ref>
In April 2023, the [[Military Religious Freedom Foundation]] shared a video of a town hall meeting where Del Toro made comments which some observers perceived as homophobic. When asked about combating [[Sexual orientation in the United States military|homophobia in the navy]], Del Toro said, "The battles that you face... they're defined by your choice to be homosexual." Del Toro's comments were criticized as [[Anti-LGBT rhetoric#Homosexuality as a choice or lifestyle|promoting homosexuality as a "choice"]], and also being oblivious to homophobia within the military. Del Toro later said that he had misspoken, was "an unequivocal supporter of the LGBTQ+ community," and was talking about "an individual's decision to share their sexual orientation."<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Ziezulewicz |first1=Geoff |last2=Dozier |first2=Kimberly |date=April 11, 2023 |title=Navy secretary: chaplain defined by 'choice' to identify as gay |url=https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2023/04/11/navy-secretary-chaplain-defined-by-choice-to-identify-as-gay/ |access-date=April 13, 2023 |website=Navy Times}}</ref>


== Personal life ==
== Personal life ==
Del Toro has a wife, Betty Del Toro. They have four children and three grandchildren.<ref name=WH/>
Del Toro is married to Betty Del Toro, with whom they have four children, along with three grandchildren.<ref name=WH/>


== References ==
== References ==
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[[Category:United States Naval Academy alumni]]
[[Category:United States Naval Academy alumni]]
[[Category:United States Navy officers]]
[[Category:United States Navy officers]]
[[Category:United States Secretaries of the Navy]]
[[Category:United States secretaries of the navy]]

Revision as of 08:47, 24 August 2024

For the artist, see Carlos del Toro Orihuela.
Carlos Del Toro
Official portrait, 2021
78th United States Secretary of the Navy
Incumbent
Assumed office
August 9, 2021
PresidentJoe Biden
DeputyJames Geurts (acting)
Meredith Berger (acting)
Erik Raven
Preceded byKenneth Braithwaite
Personal details
Born1961 (age 62–63)
Havana, Cuba
SpouseBetty Del Toro
Children4
EducationUnited States Naval Academy (BS)
Naval Postgraduate School (MS)
Naval War College (MA)
George Washington University (MPS)
Military service
Branch/serviceUnited States Navy
RankCommander
Carlos Del Toro's voice
Del Toro's opening statement at a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing on the FY2024 Navy and Marine Corps posture
Recorded March 28, 2023

Carlos Del Toro (born 1961)[1] is a Cuban-American entrepreneur and retired United States Navy officer who serves as the 78th United States Secretary of the Navy since 2021.[2][3] He is the second Hispanic American to serve as the Secretary of the Navy, after Edward Hidalgo.[4]

Early life and education

Del Toro was born in Havana, Cuba and immigrated to the United States with his parents as a child. He was raised in Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan. Del Toro earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from the United States Naval Academy in 1983.[3] Del Toro later earned a Master of Arts in national security studies from the Naval War College and also a Master of Professional Studies degree in legislative affairs from George Washington University.[5]

Career

Del Toro was a White House Fellow in 1998–1999.

Del Toro served in the United States Navy for 22 years, retiring with the rank of commander. During his service, Del Toro served in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and special assistant to the director and deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget. He was also the commanding officer of the USS Bulkeley.[6]

After retiring from the Navy, Del Toro founded SBG Technology Solutions, Inc., a program management and engineering firm that primarily works with government clients.[7][8][9] In 2007 Del Toro was the Democratic candidate to represent the 88th District in the Virginia House of Delegates.[10] He lost to Republican incumbent, Mark Cole.[11][12] He served on the University of Mary Washington Board of Visitors from 2014 to 2018.[13][14] From 2019 until 2021, Del Toro sat on the board of directors of the Stimson Center, a Washington-based security think tank.[15]

Secretary of the Navy

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin swears in Del Toro as the 78th secretary of the Navy at the Pentagon, August 24, 2021.

Del Toro's nomination as Secretary of the Navy was announced by President Joe Biden on June 11, 2021[7][8] and received by Congress on June 17.[16] Del Toro's nomination received praise from Armed Services Committee Chairman Jack Reed, who described the nominee as an "excellent selection."[17]

During a July 13 committee confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Del Toro received "mostly friendly" questions from senators, although some Republicans expressed concerns about the size and perceived inadequacy of President Biden's FY2022 defense budget and America's commitment and ability to defend Taiwan amidst rising US–China tensions and a recent American failure to defend the island nation in a military simulation.[18][19]

In regard to the budget, Del Toro supported the Navy's plan to field 355 ships by 2030, but noted that the service would require more funds.[19] In regard to Taiwan, Del Toro affirmed his commitment to the island's protection and stated that he would be "exclusively focused on the China threat" and seek to protect American security interests in the Indo-Pacific.[20] Del Toro also expressed an intention to focus on climate change and modernization efforts.[19][20][21]

On July 27, the Senate Armed Services Committee approved Del Toro's nomination, advancing him to the full Senate.[16][22][18] On August 7, 2021, his nomination was confirmed by voice vote.[23] He assumed office on August 9, 2021, and was ceremonially sworn in on August 24, 2021.[24]

Controversy

In April 2023, the Military Religious Freedom Foundation shared a video of a town hall meeting where Del Toro made comments which some observers perceived as homophobic. When asked about combating homophobia in the navy, Del Toro said, "The battles that you face... they're defined by your choice to be homosexual." Del Toro's comments were criticized as promoting homosexuality as a "choice", and also being oblivious to homophobia within the military. Del Toro later said that he had misspoken, was "an unequivocal supporter of the LGBTQ+ community," and was talking about "an individual's decision to share their sexual orientation."[25]

Personal life

Del Toro is married to Betty Del Toro, with whom they have four children, along with three grandchildren.[7]

References

  1. ^ Register of Commissioned and Warrant Officers of the United States Navy on Active Duty. Bureau of Naval Personnel. October 1, 1990. p. 88. Retrieved 2021-06-12.
  2. ^ "Guantanamo says goodbye to last Cuban 'commuters'". AP News. December 14, 2012.
  3. ^ a b "Biden to nominate Del Toro as Navy secretary". POLITICO. 11 June 2021. Retrieved 2021-06-11.
  4. ^ Officer, Public Affairs (2021-08-11). "Congratulations to Carlos Del Toro, the 78th Secretary of the Navy | Association of Naval Services Officers". Retrieved 2024-06-23.
  5. ^ Eckstein, Megan (2021-06-11). "White House to nominate retired commander, business leader Carlos Del Toro as Navy secretary". Defense News. Retrieved 2021-06-11.
  6. ^ Losey, Stephen (2021-06-11). "White House to Tap Former Destroyer Captain Carlos Del Toro as Navy Secretary". Military.com. Retrieved 2021-06-11.
  7. ^ a b c "President Biden Announces Seven Key Nominations". The White House. 2021-06-11. Retrieved 2021-06-11.
  8. ^ a b "UPDATED: White House Taps Carlos Del Toro as SECNAV Nominee". USNI News. 2021-06-11. Retrieved 2021-06-11.
  9. ^ "White House to nominate Carlos Del Toro as Navy secretary". Stars and Stripes. Retrieved 2021-06-11.
  10. ^ "Del Toro to challenge Del Mark Cole". Free Lance-Star. 2007-02-07. Retrieved 2023-07-25.
  11. ^ "Howell, Orrock, Cole are Winners". Free Lance-Star. 2007-11-07. Retrieved 2023-07-25.
  12. ^ "2007 House of Delegates General Election District 88". Virginia Department of Elections. 2007-11-07. Retrieved 2023-07-25.
  13. ^ "Del Toro Appointed to UMW BOV After Tate Resigns". Free Lance-Star. 2014-07-19. Retrieved 2023-08-17.
  14. ^ "UMW Board of Visitors Past Members". University of Mary Washington. 2023-08-17. Retrieved 2023-08-17.
  15. ^ "President Biden nominates Stimson Board Member for Secretary of the Navy • Stimson Center". 11 June 2021.
  16. ^ a b "PN713 — Carlos Del Toro — Department of Defense". congress.gov. United States Congress. Retrieved July 31, 2021.
  17. ^ Eckstein, Megan (July 11, 2021). "White House to nominate retired commander, business leader Carlos Del Toro as Navy secretary". Defense News. Retrieved July 31, 2021.
  18. ^ a b Kenney, Caitlin M. (July 29, 2021). "The Naval Brief: SecNav nomination advances; Masks return indoors; Wargaming fail; and more". Defense One. Retrieved July 31, 2021.
  19. ^ a b c Shane III, Leo (July 13, 2021). "Navy secretary nominee supports expanding fleet, but says more money is needed". Military Times. Retrieved July 31, 2021.
  20. ^ a b Khell, Rebecca (July 13, 2021). "Navy secretary nominee pledges to be 'exclusively focused on the China threat'". The Hill. Retrieved July 31, 2021.
  21. ^ Doornbos, Caitlin (July 13, 2021). "Biden's pick for Navy secretary tells senators he supports modernization over more ships in 2022 budget". Stars and Stripes. Retrieved July 31, 2021.
  22. ^ "SASC Advances Nominations of Del Toro, Cisneros, Miller, Karlin, Connor, 1,986 Military Promotions" (Press release). Washington, D.C.: Senate Armed Services Committee. July 27, 2021. Retrieved July 31, 2021.
  23. ^ "PN713 – Nomination of Carlos Del Toro for Department of Defense, 117th Congress (2021–2022)". www.congress.gov. 2021-08-07. Retrieved 2021-08-09.
  24. ^ "Carlos Del Toro". www.navy.mil. Retrieved 2021-08-10.
  25. ^ Ziezulewicz, Geoff; Dozier, Kimberly (April 11, 2023). "Navy secretary: chaplain defined by 'choice' to identify as gay". Navy Times. Retrieved April 13, 2023.
Political offices
Preceded by United States Secretary of the Navy
2021–present 		Incumbent
Order of precedence
Preceded byas Secretary of the Army Order of precedence of the United States
as Secretary of the Navy 		Succeeded byas Secretary of the Air Force
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