President Sheinbaum Inaugurates Military Air Base at Air Force Day Ceremony

TULUM, Mexico — President Claudia Sheinbaum commemorated the 110th anniversary of the Mexican Air Force by inaugurating Military Air Base No. 20 at the Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport in Tulum. The ceremony took place on February 10, 2025, emphasizing the Air Force’s crucial role in national defense, disaster response, and public safety.

During the event, Sheinbaum praised the Mexican Air Force as a pillar of national defense, stating, ‘The Mexican Air Force is a cornerstone of our nation, defending sovereignty, ensuring security, and aiding citizens in times of crisis. Their loyalty and service to the people of Mexico are unwavering.’

The newly inaugurated Military Air Base No. 20 is strategically located within Tulum International Airport and aims to protect and monitor national airspace, support military operations in the southeastern region, and enhance disaster relief efforts in the event of natural catastrophes.

‘This base will strengthen our aerial security while also being available for public emergencies and environmental protection,’ Sheinbaum affirmed. The base is expected to facilitate rapid response to natural disasters and assist in ecological protection efforts.

Sheinbaum highlighted the historical significance of the Air Force, which originated in 1915 as part of the Aerial Squadron of the Constitutional Army during the Mexican Revolution. ‘The Mexican Air Force has continuously adapted and modernized, playing an integral role in disaster relief, environmental protection, and public security,’ she said.

Historically, the Air Force has been involved in significant missions, including aiding in the recent resurgence of Mexicana de Aviación. Sheinbaum noted, ‘The Mexican Armed Forces have loyally accompanied the people of Mexico in this phase of our history. They have always fulfilled their primary tasks: defending the sovereignty, integrity, and independence of our nation.’

The inauguration of Military Air Base No. 20 aligns with the government’s commitment to enhancing Mexico’s military aviation capabilities. Commander Oscar René Rubio Sánchez of the Mexican Air Force provided an overview of the military’s current objectives, emphasizing continued modernization and readiness for humanitarian missions.

Attending the ceremony were several high-ranking officials, including Governor Mara Lezama, Secretary of National Defense Ricardo Trevilla Trejo, and Secretary of the Navy Raymundo Pedro Morales Ángeles. Governor Lezama remarked on the strategic importance of the airbase for strengthening military capabilities in the state.

The event served as a national reflection on the role of the Armed Forces in Mexico’s history and future military evolution, alongside efforts for disaster preparedness and environmental protection.

As the ceremony concluded, Sheinbaum reaffirmed the government’s support for the military, stating, ‘A whole nation stands together. We are not alone in this mission. As long as we remain loyal to the people, the people will stand with us.’