Taking over in Operation Support Turkey: a decade of solid commitment to collective security

•  The AT 23rd Contingent assumes responsibility for contributing to air defence in Turkey, thereby continuing NATO's Integrated Air Defence

The official handover ceremony for Operation Support to Turkey between contingents 22 and 23 took place at Incirlik Air Base, marking the start of a new six-month period of commitment and effort to protect allied airspace as part of NATO's Integrated Air and Missile Defence.

Once again, as in all missions and operations abroad, the transfer of command ceremony is the best symbol and demonstration of Spain's ongoing commitment to, in this case, the security of the Alliance's southern flank. The military ceremony was presided over by Colonel Juan Antonio Planet Guerrero, representing the Commander of Joint Operations Command (CMOPS), and was attended by military authorities from Turkey, Poland, Hungary and the United States, as well as representatives of the allied nations deployed at this base located in the town of Adana.

After the official honours, the contingent's flag was handed over, symbolising the transfer of authority between the outgoing and incoming contingent commanders, Lieutenant Colonels Pablo Gargallo Payá (AT XXII) and Luis Millán Burgos Sánchez (A/T XXIII).

Lieutenant Colonel Burgos then addressed those present, highlighting the importance of the mission entrusted to them and the honour of continuing to contribute to the security of an allied country. During his speech, he stressed that ‘we are taking on a responsibility that goes beyond the merely operational, being an active part of a collective effort that has been sustained for more than a decade,’ which highlights the cooperation based on mutual trust and a shared commitment to regional peace and stability.

Finally, a tribute was paid to the fallen of all times, in memory of those who gave their lives in the service of Spain: a heartfelt and emotional tribute to our comrades who, although no longer in our ranks, will always remain in our memory.

Operation Persistent Effort

The Patriot Unit deployed in Turkey is part of Operation Persistent Effort, which also includes the Tigru Tactical Air Detachment (DAT) in Romania with AN/TPS-43M radar, and the NASAMS UDAA in Latvia. Spain's participation in protecting the Alliance's eastern flank demonstrates its commitment to its allies and reflects our solidarity and shared core values of democracy, liberty and security.