Minister Robles Visits the Operations Command and Connects with Spanish Forces Deployed Abroad

The Minister of Defence conveyed her pride in the 4,500 men and women deployed abroad and highlighted that Spain is a reliable and committed partner that consistently works for peace and the preservation of the international legal order

The Operations Command (MOPS) today hosted a visit by the Minister of Defence, Margarita Robles, who met with its commanders to discuss the current status of Spanish Armed Forces operations abroad.

The meeting was attended by the Commander of the Operations Command (CMOPS), Lieutenant General José Antonio Agüero Martínez; the Commander of the Joint Special Operations Command (MCOE), Major General Ángel R. Herrezuelo Pérez; the Chief of Staff of the Operations Command, Vice Admiral Enrique Núñez de Prado Aparicio; the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Brigadier General Javier Betolaza Méndez; as well as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Support, Brigadier General Miguel Ángel Sáez Nievas.

Subsequently, the commanders, together with the Minister, connected via videoconference with several contingents deployed abroad in order to receive updates on the current situation of these operations and the status of their contingents.

Connections were established with the Force Commander of NATO’s Multinational Brigade Task Force in Slovakia (MN BDE TF SVK), Colonel José Manuel Sánchez Arribas; Commander David García García, Commanding Officer of the frigate Canarias, currently operating off the coast of Somalia as part of Operation Atalanta; and Lieutenant Colonel Fernando García Aller, Commander of Tactical Air Detachment Vilkas, deployed in Lithuania to strengthen the defence of Allied airspace.

The Minister of Defence stated that this visit forms part of the regular meetings she holds to gain first-hand insight into the day-to-day activities carried out by the Spanish Armed Forces in their missions. She highlighted her pride in the 4,500 men and women deployed abroad. She stated, “Spain is a reliable and committed partner that always works for peace and for the preservation of the international legal order.”

The Operations Command also hosted the students of the 54th National Defence Course of the Spanish National Defence College (CESEDEN). The students attended a briefing on current overseas operations delivered by a military analyst, spoke with Minister Robles and were present during the videoconference with deployed forces. During the connection, they were able to exchange views with the commanders of the contingents and forces and conveyed their appreciation for the service they provide to Spain’s security from abroad.