Benes Z. Aldana

Benes Zapanta Aldana (born 16 December 1969), is a retired United States Coast Guard captain and military lawyer who served as the Chief Trial Judge of the Coast Guard from 15 June 2016 until his retirement from military service in 2017. Aldana served as the first Asian Pacific (Filipino) American chief trial judge in U.S. military history. Aldana currently serves as president of the National Judicial College.

Early life and education Aldana was born in Angeles City, Philippines. When Aldana was ten years old, he immigrated to the United States along with his family after his father, a member of the United States Navy, was stationed in Maryland. His family then moved to Oak Harbor, Washington. He received a J.D. from University of Washington School of Law in 1994.

Bar Association activities

Throughout his military career, Aldana was an active member and leader in the American Bar Association (ABA). Aldana held positions on the ABA's Law and National Security Advisory Committee, the Rule of Law Initiative, the Commission on Diversity and Inclusion 360, ABA House of Delegates, ABA Standing Committee on Judicial Independence, and ABA ROLI MENA Council.

Personal life Aldana is married to Rowena Sevilla and has a son.