President Enrique Peña Nieto landed in Guadalajara Monday to lead the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the founding the Mexican Air Force, and also to open new installations at the Military Air College in Zapopan.
Addressing a crowd of around 4,000, Peña Nieto acknowledged the vital role Mexico’s Air Force has played in providing assistance during moments of crisis, specifically mentioning their recent efforts in Guerrero and Baja California after the devastating passage of Hurricane Odile. He also commended their work in fighting organized crime.
The president used an extended metaphor to call for citizens to see the country as pilots do.
“You have the privilege of seeing Mexico from another perspective. It is your daily responsibility to fly above the earth and appreciate the diversity and grandeur of our country. That’s how Mexico should be seen, in all its splendor and potential. Mexico is a great and strong country that has decided to chang
e. We must see this process of transformation with a long-term perspective and trust that the benefits will be felt.”
The new installations at the Zapopan Air College cost around two billion pesos ($US133 million). They include 11 new buildings and the remodeling of nine more.
The Mexican Air Force was established in 1915 by President Venustiano Carranza and has played a key role in the history of the nation.
In 1923, military planes were instrumental in repressing an attempted coup by former President Adolfo de la Huerta. In 1938, President Lazaro Cardenas used the Air Force to put down another rebellion by the governor of San Luis Potosi.
A squadron of the Mexican Expeditionary Air Force served in World War II’s Pacific theater.
The 201 Squadron was attached to the 58th Fighter Group of the U.S. Army Air Forces (USAAF) during the liberation of the main Philippine island of Luzon in the summer of 1945. The pilots flew Republic P-47D-30-RA Thunderbolt single-seat fighter aircraft carrying out tactical air support missions.
The squadron consisted of 25 aircraft and had 300 airmen and supporting staff. Three pilots were lost in combat. It is the only unit of the Mexican armed forces ever to see overseas combat.
Monday’s event included a fly past by Air Force cadets and aerial maneuvers by more experienced pilots.