The Mexican Navy is one of the two independent armed forces of Mexico. The actual naval forces are called the Armada de México. The Secretaría de Marina (SEMAR) (English: Naval Secretariat) includes both the Armada itself and the attached ministerial and civil service. The commander of the Navy is the Secretary of the Navy, who is both a cabinet minister and a career naval officer. The Mexican Navy's stated mission is "to use the naval force of the federation for external defense, and to help with internal order". As of 2020, the Navy consists of about 68,200 men and women plus reserves, over 189 ships, and about 130 aircraft. The Navy attempts to maintain a constant modernization program to upgrade its response capability. Given Mexico's large area of water () and extensive coastline (), the Navy's duties are of great importance. Perhaps its most important on-going missions are the war on drugs and protecting PEMEX's oil wells in Campeche in the Gulf of Mexico. Another important task of the Mexican Navy is to help people in hurricane relief operations and other natural disasters. The Mexican navy is the largest navy in Latin America, the second largest in North America and the Americas after the United States. History The Mexican Navy has its origins in the creation of the Ministry of War in 1821. From that year until 1939 it existed jointly with the Mexican Army in the organic ministry. Since its declaration of independence from Spain in September 1810, through the mid decades of the 19th century, Mexico found itself in a constant state of war, mostly against Spain which had not recognized its independence. Therefore, its priority was to purchase its first fleet from the U.S. to displace the last remaining Spanish forces from its coasts. The Mexican Navy has participated in many naval battles to protect and defend Mexico's interests. Some of the most important battles were: Attempts by Spain to reconquer Mexico Takeover of the San Juan de Ulúa fort (1821–1825) The invasion of Cabo Rojo (1829) Battle of Mariel (February, 1828) The first French intervention in Mexico (The 'Pastry War') (November 1838 – March 1839) An entire Armada was captured at Veracruz Texan Independence (1836–1845) Texas Navy Yucatán Independence (1841–1848) Naval Battle of Campeche The Mexican–American War (1846–1848) The Second French Intervention (1862–1867) The Mexican Revolution (1910–1919) First Battle of Topolobampo Second Battle of Topolobampo Third