Spanish military deployed in Norfolk gather to celebrate the Spanish National Day

• The celebration underscored the transatlantic link and appreciation of the United States as host nation.

The Spanish military stationed in Norfolk and its vicinity celebrated National Day on 12 October, together with the authorities of the international community. The event was presided over by Vice Admiral Ignacio Céspedes, who in his speech highlighted the importance of this date in the history of the world and the Spanish legacy on American soil, emphasising the historical ties between the United States and Spain.

Furthermore, Spain's commitment to the Alliance and its members was emphasised, highlighting the relevance of the transatlantic link and the gratitude to the United States as host nation, represented at this event by the Commander of Joint Force Command Norfolk and Commander of the US Navy's Second Fleet, Admiral Daniel Dwyer.

The celebration of National Day also contributes to strengthening ties of comradeship, camaraderie and friendship with the rest of the international military community deployed in and around Norfolk, as well as with the Spanish civilians who carry out different professional activities in Hampton Roads, by making them both part of it.

Spain is represented at the only two NATO Headquarters on the other side of the Atlantic, one primarily dedicated to planning the Alliance's future capabilities and the other to protecting the transatlantic link.

Currently, the total number of Spanish military personnel in this area is thirty-one members of our Armed Forces, officers and non-commissioned officers of the Army and Navy who are deployed both at the aforementioned NATO Headquarters and in positions more related to bilateral collaborations, such as the US Joint Staff J7 Directorate, the Centre of Excellence for Sea-based Operations and the US Army Doctrine Command.