Unidad Militar de Emergencias celebrates 21st anniversary

The Spanish Military Emergency Unit (UME) celebrated its 21st anniversary with a military ceremony held at the Conde de Gazola Base in Ferral del Bernesga. The event, which also honored the unit's patron, Nuestra Señora del Rosario, was presided over by the UME Chief of Staff, Colonel Alberto Salas Méndez.

Since its official creation in 2005, the UME has grown to include more than 3,500 personnel who have participated in approximately 800 missions. The unit serves as a specialized first-response force for emergencies that exceed local capacities. Notable deployments include the COVID-19 pandemic, the October 2024 DANA weather event, major summer forest fires, and earthquake relief in Venezuela.

The Ministry of Defense issued a message of gratitude to the unit, while the UME emphasized its role as a “last line of defense” between life and the despair caused by catastrophes, calling for national unity during times of tragedy.