Ernesto Horacio Crespo

Ernesto Horacio Crespo (8 December 1929 – 6 March 2019) was an Argentine Brigadier General (Lieutenant General) and former Chief of Staff of the Argentine Air Force.

Early life

In 1982, Crespo, who was the commander of the Fourth Air Force Brigade at the time, was tasked with creating, deploying, and commanding the South Air Force (Spanish: Fuerza Aérea Sur). This military organization coordinated both Air Force and Argentine Navy air units during the Falklands War, playing a crucial role in the conflict.

From 1985 to 1989, Crespo served as Chief of Staff of the Argentine Air Force under President Raúl Alfonsín. During the Carapintadas conflict within the Argentine Army, Crespo's leadership was instrumental in maintaining the Air Force's support for the democratic government.

During his tenure, the Condor Program, a missile development initiative, was publicly revealed. The program was later discontinued in the early 1990s under President Carlos Menem due to political pressure from the United States.

Death

Ernesto Horacio Crespo died on 6 March 2019. His death marked the end of a distinguished career in the Argentine military, remembered for his strategic acumen and commitment to national defense.