Combined Air Operations Centre Torrejón celebrates the National Day of Canada

• CAOC's Commander highlighted Canada's commitment to the collective defense of the Alliance

Canadian Ambassador to Spain, Wendy Drukier, Canadian Military Representative to Supreme Allied Command Europe, brigadier general Darlene Quinn, and Canadian Defence Attaché, lieutenant colonel David Lauckner, led the delegation that visited the Combined Air Operations Centre this morning to commemorate Canada's National Day.

The delegation was welcomed by CAOC's  Commander, lieutenant general Fernando de la Cruz Caravaca. After a short briefing, they proceeded to honoured Canada's National Day with the traditional ceremony of hoisting the Canadian flag. In addition, general Quinn presented some decorations to Canadian personnel assigned to CAOC-TJ. In his speech, lieutenant general De la Cruz acknowledged the Canadian ambassador for the Canadian contribution to the CAOC's ongoing air policing mission to enhance airspace security on the Alliance's southern flank.

General de la Cruz underlined that CAOC will always fulfill its mission as a NATO Unit involved in the collective defense of our allies. The General concluded his speech by complimenting the awarded personnel, highlighting the inspiration that their example of service is an encouragement to the rest of CAOC's  community.

The Canadian Ambassador emphasized Canada's pride in their contribution to NATO and to the collective security of allied countries. The Ambassador also thanked Spain for its support to the NATO mission carried out by CAOC-TJ.

Combined Air Operations Centre 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).