27 February, 2016 by Juan Carlos Díaz Lorenzo

Marine Infantry Celebrated Its 479th Anniversary

The Marine Infantry of the Spanish Navy commemorated yesterday the 479th anniversary of its creation. All units of the Corps, including the Marine Infantry School “General Albacete Fuster” (EIMGAF) and the “Mar Océano” Company of the Royal Guard, held a military parade, during which the royal decree attesting to their antiquity, dated 1537 under the reign of Charles I, was read, and a heartfelt tribute was paid to all those marines who, throughout history, gave their lives serving Spain “by land and by sea.”

As is tradition, during this celebration, the ceremony of transmitting the historical and spiritual legacy of the Corps was also held. This act, where the oldest serving marine hands over to the most recently assigned marine in each locality the royal decree confirming the Corps' antiquity, symbolizes the transmission of the historical and moral legacy of the marines from generation to generation and the maintenance of their spirit.

The events took place in Madrid, San Fernando, Ferrol, Cartagena, and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The general commander of the Marine Infantry (COMGEIM), General Jesús M. Vicente Fernández, who attended the ceremony in San Fernando, delivered words of congratulations for the significant anniversary to all marines, words that were read at the military events held in all geographical areas.

Throughout the week, all units have held sports competitions, conferences, and concerts both inside the barracks and in auditoriums of the localities where they are located in coordination with civil authorities.

During these 479 years, the Spanish Marine Infantry has demonstrated that it is an organization in constant transformation, having adapted to the demands of the 21st century without renouncing its traditions. Currently, the Corps provides an essential and exclusive capability to the Armed Forces. Its naval nature and expeditionary character, as well as its specialization in amphibious operations and force projection, make it a highly effective force anywhere, in any climate, and in all types of crises.