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The Combined Air Operations Centre in Torrejón celebrates Albania's 'Flag Day'.
Torrejón AB, Madrid
December 15, 2023
- The first secretary of the Albanian embassy in Spain together with Lieutenant General Sanchez de Lara celebrated the 111th anniversary of Albania's independence.
On the occasion of Albania's national day, the personnel of the Torrejón Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC TJ) gathered at the Unit's command building for a military ceremony; accompanying the Albanian representatives on their "Dita e Flamuriti", or "Flag Day", where the nation's independence is celebrated. For this purpose, the hoisting of their national ensign took place in the presence of the first secretary of the Albanian embassy in Madrid and all the personnel of the CAOC TJ on duty.
The first secretary of the Albanian embassy in Spain, Evi Sadushaj, has represented the NATO member nation since 2009. After the reception in the CAOC TJ headquarters building by Lieutenant General Sánchez de Lara, Commander of the CAOC TJ, and the relevant protocol greetings, both authorities then proceeded to a brief interview to discuss various current issues prior to the official ceremony.
In his speech following the flag-raising, Lieutenant General Sánchez de Lara underlined Albania's full involvement in NATO's Integrated Air and Missile Defence System and its desire to enhance its contribution to it. In addition, the CAOC TJ Commander also underlined the deep spirit of solidarity and mutual trust among Alliance nations, specifically mentioning the contribution of countries such as Greece and Italy to the defence of Albanian skies with their fighter aircraft on permanent alert.
First Secretary Evi Sadushaj, for her part, expressed her gratitude for the presence of the international contingent of the CAOC TJ at the celebration of Albania's 111th anniversary of independence and at the tribute to its flag. She also expressed her satisfaction with NATO's contribution to the defence of her nation and pride in the Albanian contribution to the Alliance, especially in these difficult times with the conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Finally, Flag Day commemorates Albania's independence from the Ottoman Empire, which took place on 28 November 1912 after a series of revolts forced the Turks to recognise the sovereignty of the Albanian people and the establishment of a formally republican government of their own, with Ismail Qemali as the initial leader and prime minister.
Combined Air Operations Centre Torrejón (NATO)
The main mission of the Torrejón CAOC, under the direct command of a Lieutenant General of the Spanish Air and Space Army, is to plan, direct, coordinate, supervise, analyse and report on air defence operations in Southern Europe, following the directives of the NATO Air Component Command on which it depends and with the resources assigned to NATO by the nations in peacetime.
The Spanish Armed Forces make an important contribution to the mission carried out by this centre. Some 120 Spanish military personnel serve in the CAOC itself as well as in the National Support Element and the NATO Communications and Information Agency Unit.
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