Álvaro de Bazán the Elder

Álvaro de Bazán, called the Elder (1506–1558), was a Spanish admiral and shipbuilder, General-Captain of the Galleys of Spain for Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor.

He was a successful naval commander and ship designer, innovating in the design of galleons and galleasses. He worked extensively to expand and modernize the Spanish fleets to counter the threat of the dominant Ottoman Navy, as well as the new threats in the Atlantic. Along with the Genoese Andrea Doria, he was the main shipbuilder of Charles V's reign.