We would need augmentation, but we could provide the core for such a headquarters, and we would love to run such an operation. The Sub-Committee concluded the visit by travelling to the naval base at Rota, on Spain's southwestern Atlantic coast. The base, encompassing 2,240 hectares, is home to 16,000 military and civilian personnel from Spain and the United States, and it hosts Spain's only carrier battle group, a naval air flotilla, and an amphibious group. The United States is negotiating with Spain for a new five-year lease at Rota, including a plan for American investment to lengthen the runway at Rota and undertake port improvements. At Rota, Spanish navy officials provided an overview of their service and the role it could play in EU-led operations.
Naval officials say shortcomings lie in the areas of escorts and all-weather capabilities.
The member countries have offered Euromarfor a pool of 29 ships, including a carrier, from which the commander of an operation can select the force that he needs. Euromarfor is designated as a force available to the WEU and EU, and NATO or other international organisations which can draw on it for crisis management operations. In addition, Spain and Italy have formed a joint amphibious force, comprised of naval and landing force components. That amphibious force is available to Euromarfor, NATO or the EU for collective defence and non-Article 5 missions.