Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC TJ) celebrates United Kingdom’s National Day

• The British Ambassador to Spain attended the ceremony

The United Kingdom's Ambassador to Spain, Hugh Elliot visited Combined Air Operations Centre Torrejón in Spain.

The Ambassador was welcomed upon arrival at CAOC by the commander of the unit, lieutenant general Fernando de la Cruz Caravaca. After sharing impressions, the United Kingdom's National Day was commemorated with the traditional hoisting of the country's flag.

In recognition of the merits of British personnel assigned to the CAOC, the British ambassador awarded decorations of various kinds during the military ceremony.

In his speech, lieutenant general De la Cruz acknowledged the British Ambassador for the contribution of his country to the CAOC's ongoing air policing mission and other activities to enhance airspace security on the Alliance's southern flank. Likewise, the Commander conveyed his appreciation to the decorated personnel.

The UK Ambassador thanked the organization of this ceremony in commemoration of his country’s National Day in which the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II was highlighted. The ambassador also valued Spain's commitment to NATO, proved over 40 years since its accession, as well as the support provided as host nation to the British community assigned at the Centre.

After the official visit, the Ambassador held a meeting with the British staff assigned to the CAOC, thanking them for their contribution to the mission carried out by the Unit.

Centro de Operaciones Aéreas Combinadas de Torrejón (OTAN)

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 following the directives of NATO's air component command with the assigned assets by NATO in peacetime.

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).