Visit of the U.S. Ambassador in Spain to the Combined Air Operations Centre Torrejón

• After a working meeting, the delegation has participated in the flag-raising ceremony in commemoration of the U.S. National Independence Day

The U.S. Ambassador in Spain, Julissa Reynoso, has visited the Combined Air Operations Centre to commemorate the U.S. National Independence Day.

Upon her arrival to the Centre, the ambassador was welcomed by the Commander of the CAOCT, the Lieutenant General Juan Pablo Sánchez de Lara. The Lieutenant General has held a working meeting with the U.S. representative before the military ceremony. Afterwards, the commemoration of the U.S. National Independence Day has taken place, comprising the traditional flag-raising ceremony. During the ceremony, the authorities present have addressed some words to the event participants.

The Lieutenant General Sánchez de Lara has expressed his gratitude to the U.S. ambassador for her visit and participation in the military ceremony. He has also acknowledged the effort made by her country to contribute in the Air Policing mission that is permanently conducted, under the command of the CAOCT and with the aim of reinforcing airspace defence in southern Europe.

Besides, the Commander of CAOCT has highlighted the relevance of the commitment and solidarity of NATO’s members in enhancing transatlantic ties, which are stronger than ever, especially after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. These ties, he claimed, are more visible with the celebration of the NATO Summit taking place in Vilnius, Lithuania.

During her speech, the U.S. ambassador recalled Spain’s direct contribution to the U.S. Independence, emphasising shared values in the defence of freedom and democracy that characterise both nations. She has also remarked the strength of the Alliance thanks to the commitment of its member countries and, above all, the members of its armed forces. In the particular case of Spain, the ambassador recognised the solidarity showed during the evacuation of Afghan civilians and European personnel in Sudan, as well as with the Ukrainian people.