King Felipe of Spain took part in the celebrations for the 75th anniversary of the “Méndez Parada” Military Paratrooper School, which belongs to the Spanish Air Force, but trains personnel for all military branches.
His Majesty travelled via helicopter from Madrid to the Alcantarilla Air Base in the Murcia region; upon arrival, he was welcomed by the President of the Autonomic Community of Murcia Region, the Chief of the Air Force and the Chief of the Air Base and director of the school.
The King was received with all the honours that belong to the Chief of the Armed Forces, with the subsequent review of the troops. He then stood in the Royal Box, from where he listened as the Colonel Director read the school’s order of the day from the 15th of August 1957, the first day of operations in the facility.
Second Lieutenant Vicente López Cabrera then received, from the hands of Lieutenant General Pedro José García Cifo, a commemorative homage for his distinguished career as a paratrooper. This was followed by a short speech, after which the Air Force anthem was played, and there was a tribute to those who gave their lives for the country.
It was then time for a practical demonstration of all the training that is done in the school: from an aerial show to a military parade on foot, King Felipe also got to observe some 120 paratrooper jumps and a show from the acrobatic air force.
Before returning to Madrid, King Felipe also held a brief meeting with veteran paratroopers from the Army, Navy, Civil Guard and National Police. The monarch also unveiled a plaque commemorating the event.
The “Méndez Parada” Military Paratrooper School was founded on the 15th of August 1947 and currently offers 11 classes that range from basic paratrooper training to classes specialising in different techniques, all of which can be used to create a more effective combat force.
