Spanish Marines Patch — Embroidered Patch Infantería de Marina — The Oldest Marine Corps in the World Founded on February 27, 1537, the Spanish Infantería de Marina holds the distinction of being the oldest marine corps in continuous existence — a force that has projected Spanish power across the world's oceans for nearly five centuries. This patch represents a military tradition that predates every other marine force on earth. The Infantería de Marina was established by King Charles I of Spain (Emperor Charles V) in 1537 as the Compañías Viejas del Mar de Nápoles, the Old Companies of the Sea of Naples, to serve aboard the galleys and warships of the Spanish Empire. Spanish Marines fought at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571, served throughout the Spanish colonization of the Americas, defended against the English Armada in 1589, and fought in virtually every major conflict involving Spain over nearly 500 years. Today the Infantería de Marina fields approximately 5,500 personnel organized into a marine brigade, serving as Spain's rapid-reaction amphibious force within NATO and contributing to international operations from Lebanon to Somalia. Perfect For: Spanish Infantería de Marina veterans, military history enthusiasts, NATO amphibious warfare partners, and collectors of international military insignia. Nearly five centuries of service — the world's oldest Marines.
