Combined Air Operations Centre Torrejón celebrates Slovenia’s National Day

• CAOC TJ Commander was accompanied by the Slovenian ambassador to Spain, Robert Krmelj

The Slovenian Ambassador to Spain, Robert Krmelj, visited Combined Air Operations Centre Torrejón (CAOC TJ) this morning. He was welcomed by the Centre’s Commander, lieutenant general Fernando de la Cruz Caravaca.

After signing in the Book of Honour, the National Day of Slovenia was commemorated with the traditional hoisting of its national flag.

During his speech, lieutenant general De la Cruz expressed his gratitude to the Slovenian representative for his country's contribution to the security of the airspace on the southern flank of the Alliance.

Meanwhile, the Slovenian ambassador underlined his country's commitment to the common goal of guaranteeing the security of the Alliance countries, thanking the staff of the centre for the joint work carried out by all nations towards that common goal.

CAOC Torrejón

The main purpose of CAOC Torrejón, commanded by a Spanish Air Force lieutenant general, is to plan, direct, coordinate, supervise, analyse and report on air defence operations in southern Europe, of the assigned assets to it in peace, following the directives of NATO's air component.

The Spanish Armed Forces are making an important contribution to the mission conducted by this facility. Roughly 120 military personnel are assigned to the CAOC itself, as well as to the National Support Element (NSE) and the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA).