Robert Gibbons Hodgson

Vice Admiral

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1955

Vice Admiral Robert Gibbons was born in Valparaíso on August 4, 1955. He entered the Naval Academy "Arturo Prat" in 1971 and was commissioned Ensign in 1975, being then appointed to TS "Esmeralda" to take the Instruction Cruise.

As Ensign, during the month of February in 1976 and through February 1978, he was assigned to Puerto Williams to form part of the Torpedo Lighter Flotilla Command, as Pilot and after as Executive Officer in PTF "Tegualda".

As Lieutenant junior grade, by the end of February 1978 and through 1979, he took up Specialty Courses at the School of Weapons and Naval Aviation School, where he majored in Naval Aviation. As of 1980 to 1982, he was assigned to the HQ Commander in Chief of the Third Naval Zone, filling the position of Head, Air Naval Group N°2 Logistics Department.

On promotion to Lieutenant, he was assigned to Air Naval Group N°1 from 1983 to 1984. As of January 1985 to February 1988, he was commissioned in AO "MONTT", where he filled duties as Chief, Weapons and Operations Department. In 1988, he took up the General Staff Course at the Naval War College. Upon graduation, he was appointed to Air Naval Group N°2 in the Third Naval Zone.

As Lieutenant Commander, since 1989 to 1991, he fulfilled as Executive Officer and Safety Officer of Air Naval Group N° 2 in Punta Arenas. In 1992 he was appointed Commanding Officer LSM-90 "ELICURA". By the end of his one-year term of office, he was assigned to the HQ Commander in Chief of the Fleet, where he served as Fleet Aviation Officer.

As Commander the year 1994, he accomplished his second year at the Naval War College, where he graduated as Staff Officer. Then, during the first semester in 1995, he served as Professor of the mentioned College. He was then assigned to the Chilean Naval Mission in Washington and attended the courses of the Naval Command College, US Naval War College. Upon completion, he became Professor of the JMO Department of the mentioned College until the month of July 1997. Having returned to Chile in 1998, he was appointed Commanding Officer of LST-95 "Chacabuco".

Upon promotion to Captain, in 1999, he followed the Higher Command Course in the National Academy for Politic-Strategic Studies ANEPE. On August the same year, he was assigned to the Navy Directorate of Education to serve as professor of the Naval War College. In December 2000 and through December 2001, he was appointed Commander of the Chiloé Naval District. On December 2001, he was Commanding Officer of AO-53 "Araucano" until December 2002, when he handed over his position and assumed duties as Chief of Staff at the Naval Aviation HQ, duty he filled until mid December 2003. On December 15, 2003, he was appointed Deputy Director, Directorate General of Personnel, position held until December 10, 2004, date when he also took over as Deputy Chief General Staff of the Navy.

He holds a Master's degree in Naval and Maritime Sciences with a major in Strategy from the Naval War College as of 1995 and in 1997 he earned his Master of Arts, with a major in International Affairs (Master's Academic Degree), from the Salve Regina University.

As from the 10th December 2004, he took office as Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Navy. On the 28th March, 2005 he was conferred the rank of Commodore. On June 17, 2005, the Supreme Government promoted him to Rear Admiral.

On 18 December 2007, he assumes as Commander in Chief of Naval Zone First.

On 18 December 2008, he assumes as Director General Navy Personnel.

On 1st January 2009, the Supreme Government promoted him to Vice Admiral.

Rear Admiral Gibbons is married to the former Lorraine Mac-Lean and they have three children, Cedric, Elaine and Hilary.