The Minister of Defense visits the 9th Infantry Regiment ‘Soria’ and the Canary Islands Command Headquarters

The Minister in the Regiment ‘Soria’ training (Photo: MINISDEF)

The Minister´s Arrival at the Canary Islands Command Headquarters (Photo: MINISDEF)

The Chief of the MCANA presents a gift to the Minister (Photo: MINISDEF)

The Minister of Defense, María Dolores de Cospedal, takes a work visit to the Canary Islands, to get to know first hand the units deployed on the Islands.  Yesterday, on the 19th of July, she visited the 9th Infantry Regiment ‘Soria’, based in the Port of Rosario (Fuerteventura) and the Canary Islands Command Headquarters (Santa Cruz de Tenerife).

Upon arrival at the larger island, the Head of Defense was received by the Army Chief of Staff, Army General Francisco Javier Varela and by the Canary Islands Command Chief, Lieutenant General Pedro Galán.

After receiving the orderly honors, Cospedal inspected the facilities of the barracks and had the occasion to meet with the staff of the unit.  As a continuation, she went on to the ‘Lieutenant Colonel Venezuela’ barracks, in El Matorral, where she witnessed training activities conducted by Regiment personnel, including combat in urbanized areas and shooting practice.   I´ve been able to witness excellent preparation, and I´ve seen high motivation which helps us to appreciate how our Armed Forces defend our country”, the Minister confirmed.

Conscience of the efforts which are expected for this type of preparation, speaking from the Canary Islands, Cospedal wanted to transmit to the Spanish population to be aware of the extremely important role the Army plays in defending the freedom and security of the Spanish people.  She also made reference to the extensive history of the 9th Regiment ‘Soria’ which is the oldest unit entity in the world with more than 500 years of service.

In the afternoon, the Minister of Defense visited the Canary Islands Command Headquarters on the island Santa Cruz of Tenerife.  After, in Captaincy, Cospedal received orderly honors under the responsibility of the 49th Infantry Regiment ‘Tenerife’ composed of a Squadron of Engineers, the Regiment Flag, band and music, and the Infantry Company.  She then attended a presentation by the Lieutenant General Galán regarding the deployment and capabilities of the Canary Islands Command.