Havana, September 6, (RHC), -- Cuban President Raul Castro granted the Antonio Maceo Order to the Playa Giron (Bay of Pigs) Air Brigade, which is responsible for the custody of the western region of the island, including its capital, Havana.

The Council of State, at the proposal of the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, granted the Antonio Maceo Order to the institution for its significant contribution to defense training and security of the homeland, as well as the historic missions it has successfully carried out, an official statement said.

This unit represents the courage, the firmness and spirit of sacrifice of its men and women, said General Juan Perez Gil, as he read the order imposing the distinction.

During the celebration for the 55th anniversary of the brigade, the Cuban president also toured the base's flight simulation complex, where he witnessed the advances of science and technology in function of the training of pilots and supporting staff.

The unit was founded on September 5, 1959 by Cuban Revolution leader, Fidell Castro, and it played a key role during the October Missile Crisis, the fight against bandits in Cuban mountains and the constant US violations of Cuban air space.

The ceremony was attended by high-ranking Cuban officers such as the first deputy minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, Army Corps General Alvaro Lopez Miera, Revolution Commander Guillermo Garcia, and other officials.