The 'Incirlik' air base (Adana, Turkey), under the operational control of the Joint Operations Command (MOPS), has hosted the handover of troops in operation 'Support Turkey' (A/T), deployed in the country as part of NATO's Integrated Air and Missile Defence operation, 'Persistent Effort'.
At the ceremony of transfer of authority, the commander of the A/T XXI contingent, Lieutenant Colonel Fernando María García-Repáraz Pardo de Santayana, emphasised in his speech the pride of being able to continue contributing to the peace and security of an ally country and Spain's commitment to the Alliance. "Today we begin our mission in fulfilment of Spain's commitment to the Alliance, on our way to 10 years of uninterrupted operation," he stressed. He then encouraged the members of A/T XXI to fulfil their mission: "Your preparation, discipline and comradeship will allow us to successfully complete our mission. Spain expects a lot from us and we will not let it down”.
The ceremony was presided over by the head of J9 Operations Command (MOPS), Colonel Jesús Díaz Alcalde. In his speech, the Colonel highlighted the excellent work of the outgoing contingent and wished them all the best on their return home, and offered his best wishes to the incoming contingent in the fulfilment of their mission. He also praised the high level of effort and commitment shown by all the contingents of Operation A/T: ‘You are undoubtedly the best Guardians of the Sky’.
The event was also attended by military authorities from Turkey, Poland, Hungary and the United States.
Persistent Effort' operation
The Patriot Unit, deployed in Turkey, is part of Operation Persistent Effort, which also includes the Tactical Air Detachment (DAT) ‘Tigru’ in Romania, with the AN/TPS-43M radar, the UDAA NASAMS in Latvia, the UDAA NASAMS in Estonia (now fully activated) and the air detachments performing Air Policing missions, such as the DAT ‘Paznic’, currently located in Romania.
Spain's participation in protecting the eastern flank of Allied territory is a sign of Spain's commitment to the Alliance and another example of solidarity with our allies, with whom we share the values that underpin and protect democracy, freedom and global security.