On Wednesday, February 6, 2013, His Royal Highness Prince Felipe of Asturias traveled to the Base Naval de Rota in the Cádiz province to participate in the farewell ceremony of the newly decommissioned aircraft carrier, Príncipe de Asturias.
According to the Spanish royal court during today’s ceremony the prince gave a speech. Here is what he had to say:
“Today is a special day for all of us and especially for me as Prince of Asturias. On this last visit aboard the ship there is pride and excitement yet sadness, but also the satisfaction. Pride in being a member of our Armed Forces and to wear the uniforms and to be part of this brilliant chapter in the history Spanish Navy now ends. It is emotional to dismiss our flagship and inevitably some sadness in saying goodbye to a ship that takes a beloved part of each of us. “
I also want to pay tribute to the many Spanish who have done their duty, that against all odds with total dedication, forward, with effort, with confidence, that have made his life a commitment with the honor and service to the nation, and they are an example that we should always look to honor and proudly pronounce the name of Spain.”
