Aeronaval exhibition before Felipe VI begins the events of the Day of the Army

USPA NEWS - The King of Spain, Felipe VI, chaired this Friday the Day of the Armed Forces events in the Granada town of Motril (southern Spain), where he boarded the Maritime Action ship (P-46) 'Furor' to pass aeronaval parade to the units of the Navy and the Army of the Air and Space participating in the exhibition. This Saturday, the monarch, accompanied by Queen Letizia, will preside over the central act of the week dedicated to the Spanish armed forces in Granada.

Upon his arrival at the Port of Motril, Felipe VI was received by the Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles; the Chief of the Defense Staff, the Chiefs of Staff of the three Armies and the General Director of the Civil Guard. Next, the King went to sea to attend the aeronaval review in which the ships LHD 'Juan Carlos I' participated from where honors were paid bridge to bridge, L-51 'Galicia' and L-52 'Castilla' ; the frigates (F-102) 'Almirante Juan De Borbón', (F-105) 'Cristóbal Colón', (F-81) 'Santa María', (F-82) 'Victoria' and (F-86) 'Canarias '; minehunters (M-32) 'Sella' and (M-33) 'Tambre'; and the ocean-going Civil Guard ships 'Rio Segura' and 'Rio Arlanza', which also paid tribute to the King.

Two helicopters 'Tiger' and 'Chinook' of the Army also participated in the parade; four Navy AV8B 'Harrier' fighters and four SH60F and SH60B helicopters; and four Eurofighter fighters, two D-4 'CN-235' maritime surveillance planes and four 'NH-90 Lobo' and 'HE-24 Sikorsky' helicopters from the Spanish Air Force. The Air Service of the Civil Guard contributed to the magazine a D-4 'CN-235' MP plane and three 'AS-365 Dauphin' and 'Eurocopter EC-135' helicopters.

After the review, the King returned to the port to then move to the Poniente beach, where he witnessed a dynamic exhibition that consisted of a paratrooper jump and an acrobatic demonstration by the Aspa Patrol, both from the Air and Space Army. Demonstrations of persecution and detention by Civil Guard units made up of the Maritime Service, the Air Service and the Special Intervention Unit; combat vehicles Leopardo 2E of the Armored Regiment 'Córdoba 10', Infantry/Cavalry Pizarro of the Infantry Regiment 'La Reina 2' and VAMTAC, in its ST5 version, the most advanced that currently exists in the Spanish Army, operated by personnel from the Battalion of Sappers X of the Army.

Finally, and in charge of the Navy, an amphibious demonstration of elements of the Tercio de la Armada of Spanish Marines took place with disembarkation of troops and mechanized means, while they received air support from two 'Harriers' from the 9th Aircraft Squadron, putting the close to the exhibition one of them with a pass and stationary flight.

Day of the Armed Forces

The Day of the Armed Forces is a meeting day between Spaniards, civilians and military, with the aim of accentuating the knowledge that society has of its Armed Forces. On this day, the work of the military who are far from their homeland is also recognized, in operations abroad, of those who are integrated into permanent surveillance, security and presence operations in areas of interest, highlighting values such as the spirit of service, discipline or a sense of duty.

“The military demonstrate Spain's commitment to international peace and security, participating with our allies in deterrence and security efforts, and projecting stability in those countries that are in conflict or that exceed their capacities to achieve the necessary security. so that their societies can develop their full potential with full freedom and normality," said the Spanish Royal House this Saturday.

The Day of the Armed Forces was established in 1978 when it was decided to hold an institutional act that would serve as a tribute to the Armies and the Navy, and to promote knowledge and their integration into society. It is always celebrated on the weekend closest to May 30, the day of San Fernando, patron saint of the Armies. This year, however, as that weekend coincided with the local and regional elections held in Spain on May 28, Armed Forces Day was delayed until June 3.