Canadian ambassador to Spain participates in the commemoration of the country's National Day at the CAOC Torrejón

• The ambassador recognized the key contribution to the security of the southern flank of Europe carried out from the Centre

Canadian ambassador to Spain, Wendy Drukier, visited the Combined Air Operations Center to commemorate the country's National Day.

After a brief meeting between the ambassador and the CAOC TJ Commander, Lieutenant General Fernando de la Cruz, the ceremony was held, which included the traditional hoisting of the flag.

On the occasion of the ceremony, the most distinguished officer of the CAOC TJ, the Royal Canadian Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Carey Wortman awarded decorations to personnel of the Canadian Armed Forces established in Spain, attending the recognized merits.

Then, during his speech, Lieutenant General De la Cruz conveyed his gratitude to the Canadian ambassador for her country's contribution to the air surveillance mission carried out permanently by the CAOC to reinforce the security of the airspace on the southern flank of the Alliance. The general stressed that the CAOC will continue to monitor the airspace of responsibility, thus guaranteeing the security and interests of the allies. The general ended his speech by congratulating the decorated personnel and highlighting the encouragement that his example of service represents both for the Canadian Armed Forces and for the rest of the military.

The Canadian ambassador highlighted Canada's pride in its contribution to NATO and the collective security of the Alliance's member countries, especially in such a delicate context for global security. The ambassador also thanked to Spain for the support given to the Canadian community assigned to the CAOC.

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 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).