The General Command of Melilla and the Base ‘Alfonso XIII’ have today received the visit of the Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, who has held several meetings with personnel of the different units operating there, composed of 3,200 soldiers of the Land Army.
Under the command of Major General Luis Saez Rocandio are the Legion’s Third ‘Great Captain’ No. 1, the Regular Group of Melilla No. 52 (one of the most decorated of the Earth Army) and three regiments of cavalry, artillery and engineers, as well as a logistics unit and, as support, it also has a battalion of maneuvering helicopters.
At the ‘Alfonso XIII’ Base, Minister Robles, accompanied by JEME, Army General Amador Teachat, met with personnel from the different units who perform tasks on their vehicles and combat systems. There he congratulated a lieutenant of the Alcántara 10 Regiment, whose unit has instructed Ukrainian soldiers in the handling of the combat car ‘Leopard’ 2 A4.
“It is a satisfaction to see the essential work done by the units that are here, training the Ukrainian military, in yet another manifestation of Spain’s solidarity and commitment to work for peace,” the minister said in her words of thanks for her work, adding that Melilla is proud, like her, of her Army.
In addition to participating in operations both on national territory and abroad, the military units of Melilla are responsible for the presence, surveillance and deterrence in the islands and rocks of Spanish sovereignty (the archipelago of Chafarinas, the rock of Vélez de la Gomera and rock and islands of Alhucemas).
In this regard, the head of Defense has pointed out that “missions like this are essential for the security and sovereignty of our country”, especially in the current geopolitical situation. A job that Robles wanted to thank especially because it is often done in conditions of isolation, loneliness and with adverse weather.
The visit, which was attended by the Delegate of the Government in the autonomous city, Sabrina Moh, included a tour of the historic room of the Mixed Artillery Regiment 32, a meeting with relatives of deceased in the units.