Naval Station Rota Naval Station Rota Welcome to Naval Station Rota Welcome to Naval Station Rota, Spain - the Gateway to the Mediterranean Installation Information NAVSTA Rota plays a crucial role in supporting our nation’s objectives and defense, providing unmatched logistical support and strategic presence to all of our military services and allies. NAVSTA Rota supports Naval Forces Europe-Africa, 6th Fleet and COCOM strategic priorities by providing airfield and port facilities, security, force protection, logistical support, administrative support and emergency services to all U.S. and NATO forces. Situated on a 6,100-acre Spanish Navy base, NAVSTA Rota provides cargo, fuel and logistics support to units transiting the region, supporting U.S. and NATO ships with three active piers; U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force aircraft with a 670-acre airfield; and the largest weapons and fuels facilities in Europe, all located within a single, secure fence-line. Under the guidance of the Agreement on Defense Cooperation (ADC), the U.S. and Spanish navies work together and share many facilities.

The Kingdom of Spain is a very important ally to the United States for projecting military power into the Mediterranean, North Africa, and Middle East. We have significant shared security interests, and Spain has traditionally supported U.S. forces deployments and operations with U.S. forces departing Spain directly into international air and sea space. The vision of NAVSTA Rota is to continue to excel as an enduring, strategically-located naval installation, providing operational and logistical support to all tenant commands and transiting warfighters. Rota Naval Station - Military Living Rota Naval Station Address: 3rd Street & Enriquez Street. Quarter Deck Building 1, Rota (Cadiz), Spain 11520. Information Line: C-011-34-956-82-2222, DSN-314-727-2222. Main Base Police: C-011-34-956-82-2000. DSN-314-727-2000.

Main Installation Website: Main Base Location: Andalucia, Spain's southernmost self-governing region, which boasts 500 miles of beaches ("playas"), crystal blue seas, and rolling countrysides rich in sunflowers, olive trees and flourishing vineyards is home to NS Rota. Directions to Main Gate: On Spain’s Atlantic Coast, east of Portugal and west of Gibraltar on Spain’s Costa De La Luz. Accessible from A4 or E5 (Sevilla-Cadiz). From Sevilla, take A4 (E5) south approximately 104 km to exit 6. Take exit 6 northwest at El Puerto de Santa Maria. Proceed approximately 10 km to the intersection with CA 603 (toward San Marcos), then drive west approximately 9 km to the Puerto de Santa Maria Gate. Watch for the signs to “Base Naval.” The Main Gate (Rota Gate) and the visitor center is at the northeast side of City of Rota. NMC: Cadiz, 36 km south. Area Cost of Living: Very affordable. Spain is still one of the most affordable places to live or visit in Europe.

Main Base Population: 3,000 Americans, including military, civilians (300), and their families. Main Base Area Population: 28,000 in Rota, Spain. Base Social Media/Facebook: Child and Youth Registration and Referral Phone Numbers: C-011-34-956-82-1100. DOD Schools Phone Numbers: David G. Farragut Elementary School, C-011-34-956-82-4185/4187. Rota Middle/High School, C-011-34-956-82-4185/4187/4181. Sevilla Elementary/Middle School, C-011-34-955-84-8464/8355. Educational and Developmental Intervention Services (EDIS) Phone Numbers: C-011-34-956-82-4029.

School Age Care Relocation Phone Numbers: C-011-34-956-82-2839. School Liaison Office/Community Schools Phone Numbers: C-011-34-956-82-4444. Barracks/Single Service Member Housing Phone Numbers: C-011-34-956-82-2398. Beneficiary Counseling Assistance Coordinators Phone Numbers: C-011-34-956-82-3552. Boss/Liberty Program Phone Number: C-011-34-956-82-2527. Chapels Phone Numbers: C-011-34-956-82-2161, DSN-314-727-2161. Citizenship and Immigration Services Phone Numbers: C-011-34-956-82-2532/2531.

Civilian Personnel Office Phone Numbers: C-011-34-956-82-1643. Deployment/Mobilization Phone Numbers: C-011-34-956-82-3232/3231. Finance Office Phone Numbers CIV/DSN/FAX: C-011-34-956-82-3022/3061. ID/CAC Card Processing Phone Numbers: C-011-34-956-82-3011. Legal Services JAG Phone Numbers CIV/DSN/FAX: C-011-34-956-82-2531, DSN-314-727-2531. Loan Closet Phone Numbers: C-011-34-956-82-2398. Non-Appropriated Funds (NAF) Human Resources: C-011-34-956-82-1643.

PAO Phone Number: C-011-34-956-82-1680. Personal Financial Management Services Phone Numbers CIV/DSN/FAX: C-011-34-956-82-3232/3231, DSN-314-727-3232. Personnel Support Office Phone Numbers CIV/DNS/FAX: C-011-34-956-82-3022/3061, DSN-314-727-3061. Retiree Activities Office (RAO) CIV/FAX/EMAIL: C-011-351-295-57-1037, email: artnilsen@hotmail.com. Retirement Services (RSO) Phone Numbers/Email: C-011-34-956-82-3232/3231.

Transition Assistance Program Phone CIV/DSN/FAX: C-011-34-956-82-3232, DSN-314-727-3232. Transportation CIV/DSN/FAX: On Base Shuttle Bus: C-011-34956-82-2563/2564, DSN-314-727-2563/2564. Off Base Taxi: C-011-34-956-82-2929. On Base Car Rental: C-011-34-956-82-2675, DSN-314-727-2675. On Base Taxi (official business only): C-011-34-956-82-2244/2403. Off Base Taxi: C-011-34-956-82-2929.

Travel Office Phone CIV/DSN/FAX: C-011-34-956-82-2034, DSN-314-727-2034. Victim Advocate Services Phone Numbers: C-011-34-956-82-3232; SAPR Hotline, C-646-407-871. Household Goods/Transportation Office(Inbound) Phone Numbers CIV/DSN/FAX: C-011-34-956-82-1622, DSN-314-727-1622. Household Goods/Transportation Office(Outbound) Phone Numbers CIV/DSN/FAX: C-011-34-956-82-1623/1627, DSN-314-727-1623.

Housing Office/Government Housing Phone Numbers CIV/DSN/FAX: C-011-34-956-82-2398, DSN-314-727-2398. Housing Referral Office/Housing Privatization Phone Numbers CIV/DSN/FAX: C-011-34-956-82-2398, DSN-314-727-2398. Relocation Assistance Program Main Phone CIV/DSN/FAX: C-011-34-956-82-3232/3231. Relocation Assistance Program POC Phone CIV/DSN/FAX: C-011-34-956-82-3232/3231. Welcome/Visitor's Center Phone Numbers: C-011-34-956-82-2398. Child Development Center: C-011-34-956-82-1100.

Community Center: Community Center, C-011-34-956-82-2527. Emergency Relief Services Phone Numbers: Emergency Contact, C-011-34-956-82-2333/2222. Family Advocacy Program Phone Numbers: C-011-34-956-82-3232. Family Child Care/Child Development Homes Phone Numbers: C-011-34-956-82-3208. EFMP Enrollment Phone Numbers: C-011-34-956-82-3554. Family Center/Information: C-011-34-956-82-3232. Fax C-011-34-956-82-1709. New Parent Support Program Phone Numbers: C-011-34-956-82-3232/3231.

Spouse Education, Training, and Careers Phone Numbers: C-011-34-956-82-3232/3231. WIC Phone Numbers: C-011-34-956-82-2921. Youth Programs/Centers Phone Numbers: C-011-34-956-82-4252. Dental Clinic: C-011-34-956-82-3554. Medical Phone Numbers CIV/DSN/FAX: C-011-34-956-82-3554, DSN-314-727-3554. Veterinary Services: C-011-34-956-82-3149. Commissary Phone Numbers: C-011-34-956-82-2925/2580, DSN-314-727-2925/2580.

Exchange Gas Phone Number: C-011-34-956-82-3759, DSN-312-727-3759. Exchange Main Phone Number: C-011-34-956-82-2391, DSN-312-727-2391. Military Clothing: C-011-34-956-82-2697. Financial Institutions: Navy Federal Credit Union, C-011-34-956-82-2986. Bank/Currency Exchange: Bldg 52, Hours: 0900-1700 Mon-Fri, ext 2913. Currency exchange also available at clubs and NEX. Cambio machines located at PSD Bldg 52 and Pax Term - best rates. Postal Services: Bldg 3070, C-011-34-956-82-3105, DSN-314-727-3105.

Laundry/Dry Cleaning Services: Bldg 41, Hours: 1000-1700 Mon-Fri, 1000-1400, 1500-1700 Sat, ext 2559; Bldg 183, 24 hours daily, ext 2275. Places to Eat: Champions, C-011-34-956-82-2433/2066, Gateway Galley, ext 2032, Pizza Villa, ext 3212/3213, Subway, ext 3828, Baskin Robbins, ext 2151 and NEX Air Terminal Cafe (Taco Bell and KFC), ext 2331 are all nearby. Bowling: Pinz Bowling Center, C-011-34-956-82-2112. Fitness Center Phone Numbers: C-011-34-956-82-2565.

Golf Name and Phone Numbers: Rota Golf Course, C-011-34-956-82-2260. ITT/ITR: C-011-34-956-82-3101. Outdoor Recreation: Rota Naval Station Outdoor Recreation Services. MWR Phone Number: C-011-34-956-82-1517, C-011-34-956-82-1516. MWR Twitter: Outdoor Recreation Unique: Outdoor Recreation Services, C-011-34-95-956-82-1517. Outdoor Recreation Text: C-011-34-95-956-82-1517, MWR Outdoor Recreation offers indoor rock climbing, deep sea fishing, scuba diving, bike riding, horseback riding, surfing, canyoneering, equipment rentals and much more. Swimming Pools Name, Phone, and Text: Ocean and pool on base, Ocean off base. Theater On Base Name and Phone Number: Gateway Theater, Drive-In.

Things To Do: Base gate security is very strict. Commissary and NEX is unavailable to Retirees, main gate security access information, C-011-34-956-82-2610. Call ITT, C-956-82-3101 (from Spain outside Cadiz) for local tour information. Walking Trails: The Via Verde ‘Greenways’ are recreational areas for cycling, walking and horse riding. Customer Service Tourist information for the town of Rota, Cadiz, Spain Highlights of Rota Rota Rota, an ancient town, situated in a privileged position at the extreme north of the Bay of Cádiz. The town opens out to the Atlantic Sea and coastline, with two national parks behind: the Natural Park of the Bay of Cádiz and the Doñana. The old town inside its ramparts has almost a medieval atmosphere. Nearby is a major USA naval base, one of three in Spain established in the 1950s during the Franco era.

Rota is 41 kms from Cádiz, 163 kms from Algeciras, 25 kms from Jerez de la Frontera and 126 kms from Olvera. There is no rail service to the town but it can be reached by express coach and the nearest airport is at Jerez. Beaches Rota is not a major tourist centre but it does boast some very fine beaches. In all there are sixteen kilometres of beach. The major beaches are the Playa de la Costilla, Rompidillo, Playa de la Ballena and Punta Candor. The Playa de la Costilla and Punta Candor have both been awarded blue flags by the European Union for their high standards of cleanliness and facilities. Also being on the Atlantic coast Rota is a good venue for windsurfers. About town Rota is an ideal town to view on foot; stroll down its wide streets from Calle Italia, Garcia López and San Clemente arriving at the Palacio Municipal Castillo de Luna and the church of Nuestra Señora de la Expectación.

From there you can visit the harbour Deportivo Pesquero Astaroth and perhaps round off your walk with the fine view of the Bay of Cádiz to be seen from the Mirador or the Balcón de las Almenas. Walking through the centre of the town you will come across many interesting shops. A visit to the fish market at the harbour of Pesquero Astaroth is a must. Here you’ll see the shellfish and fish catches of the day at what is known as the most famous fish market on the Cádiz coast. Gourmets should also be sure to walk through the Plaza de Abastos where are displayed the horticultural, fruit and vegetable produce of the rich farmlands near Rota. Cuisine The Arab presence made a lasting impact on the cuisine of southern Spain. Rice, lemons, oranges, olives and vines were introduced, as well as many new vegetables and spices. Typical today are barbecued meats, sauces flavoured with cumin or saffron and sweets made from crushed almonds. Tomatoes and peppers are much used.

The region is famous for its grilled fish, especially sardines, deep fried calamares (squid) and fish baked in salt. Quality ham and pork are used widely in sausages. Tapas were invented in Andalusia and a wide variety of them is still served in Andalusia. Some of the best jamon Serrano (cured ham) comes from the mountains of Andalusia, in particular from Jabugo. Climate The climate in Rota is predominantly Mediterranean, with generally hot and dry summers and mild winters. The area is considered a year round destination. See all articles Discover the ancient coastal city of Cadiz Cadiz is one of Costa de la Luz' oldest & most impressive cities. Beautiful sunsets, white beaches, and historic monuments will take your breath away Bolonia beach, Costa de la Luz One of Spain's most beautiful and untouched beaches. Playa de Bolonia sits just next to Tarifa Cycling the Via Verde de la Sierra, Cadiz - Seville Cycling the award winning Via Verde de la Sierra makes a fantastic day out for the whole family.

Hidden Cádiz No.1- Castillo de Castellar A series of glimpses into some of the least known and most enchanting corners of Cádiz province. An informative guide to the town of Rota - Costa de la Luz, Cadiz | Andalucia.com Take me to: Rota Hotels | Rota Rentals Rota, an ancient town, stands at the extreme north of the Bay of Cádiz in a privileged position. The town opens out to the Atlantic and behind are two national parks, the Natural Park of the Bay of Cádiz and the Doñana. It is also a town of two extreme contrasts. The old town inside its ramparts has almost a medieval atmosphere. Nearby is a major USA naval base, one of three in Spain established in the 1950's during the Franco era. Rota is 41 kms from Cádiz, 163 kms from Algeciras, 25 kms from Jerez de la Frontera and 126 kms from Olvera. There is no rail service to the town but it can be reached by express coach and the nearest airport is at Jerez.

Rota is not a major tourist centre but it does boast very fine beaches. In all there are sixteen kilometres of beach. The major beaches are the Playa de la Costilla, Rompidillo, Playa de la Ballena and Punta Candor. The Playa de la Costilla, Punta Candor, Rompidillo, Playa de la Ballena and Puntalillo have all been awarded blue flags by the European Union for their high standards of cleanliness and facilities. Also being on the Atlantic coast Rota is a good venue for windsurfers. Rota is an ideal town to view on foot. Stroll down its wide streets from calle Italia, Garcia López and San Clemente arriving at the Palacio Municipal Castillo de Luna and the church of Nuestra Señora de la Expectación. From there you can visit the harbour Deportivo Pesquero Astaroth and perhaps round off your walk with the fine view of the Bay of Cádiz to be seen from the Mirador or the Balcón de las Almenas. Walking through the centre of the town you will come across many interesting shops. A visit to the fish market at the harbour of Pesquero Astaroth is a must.

Here you'll see the shellfish and fish catches of the day at what is known as the most famous fish market on the Cádiz coast. Gourmets should also be sure to walk through the Plaza de Abastos where are displayed the horticultural, fruit and vegetable produce of the rich farmlands near Rota. Ferry to Cadiz There is a modern high speed catermaran ferry which traverses across the bay to Cadiz. There are about 10 sailings a day. Here is a pdf timetable. Hover the cursor over Rota to see bigger map and click to go to the maps page. Airport Transfers Rota: a bit of America in Spain | In English | EL PAÍS Rota: a bit of America in Spain This year the US naval base celebrates its sixtieth anniversary The permanent stationing of four US warships as part of an anti-missile shield is slated for 2014 Compartir en Facebook Ampliar foto US military veteran Tom Brenan welcomes a recent newcomer to Rota.

CRISTÓBAL MANUEL EL PAÍS With its wide, bungalow-lined avenues, fast-food outlets, drive-in movies, baseball diamonds, and golf course, Rota naval base feels pretty much like small town America. Covering 2,300 hectares, and ringed by a 26-kilometer fence, it is home to 20,500 people: almost 9,000 Spanish navy personnel, 2,000 US military personnel and their families - 3,000 Spaniards and 2,000 Americans - along with 1,500 employees. It has its own port and airport, and over the sixty years since it was set up, it has played a vital role in the social and economic life of its host town of the same name, close to the historic Atlantic port of Cádiz. Rota naval base is about to take on a new lease of life: in October 2011 then Socialist Party Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero made the surprise announcement that NATO had selected the Spanish naval base as its main operating center for the sea-based component of the alliance's anti-missile shield.

Zapatero made the announcement during a visit to NATO headquarters alongside US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen. "Spain is a [NATO] member committed to the collective defence of Europe," Zapatero told a news conference, adding that the deal will "also guarantee the defense of our territory and the Spanish people." The base has played a vital role in the social and economic life of Rota A year later, on October 10, 2012, Defense Minister Pedro Morenés signed the deal. Under the terms of an agreement negotiated in secret, the United States will deploy 1,100 military personnel and 100 civilians to Rota to operate the defense system. Although the United States has not given details of the type of ships to be based at Rota, they are expected to be equipped with the latest version of Aegis, which was specially designed to provide protection against ballistic missiles. The US Navy has 18 ships with Aegis on board: 15 Arleigh Burke class destroyers and three Ticonderoga class cruisers. Both 6,500-ton classes have crews of 350.

The four vessels assigned to missile shield duties will be the first US Navy ships to have their permanent base in Spain. US ships that currently make port call visits to Rota are based in Italy. Although the Spanish Navy has four F-100 frigates also equipped with the Aegis system, it is not foreseen for the moment that they will also be deployed as part of the NATO initiative. Home to 20,500 people, it has an air reminiscent of small-town America When Zapatero made the announcement in October 2011, he said the deal would create 300 direct jobs, and a further 1,000 indirectly. It has since been announced that the 8.4 million euros-a-year maintenance contract for the four US warships will be put up for tender. "There are a great many factors to take into account when assessing the economic impact of the defense system," says Captain Scott C.

Kraverath, the commanding officer at Rota, "but the increase in personnel and the need for properties off the base will obviously have a positive effect on the local economy." Eva Corrales, the Popular Party mayor of Rota, is less diplomatic: "This was sold to us as a cure-all, but it's not going to be quite that. Nevertheless, Rota is the biggest employer in the area." The town of Rota has 29,125 inhabitants, 14,000 second homes, and 4,455 jobless, around a third of the workforce. José María Caravaca, a Spanish navy captain who has been stationed here for 26 years, estimates that the base generates around 400 million euros a year in terms of salaries and its links to some 700 businesses. ampliar foto One of the restaurants on the military base. C. M.

EL PAÍS But there will be no return to the days of the early 1980s when there were 16,000 Americans based at Rota, when nuclear submarines docked here and the town's population more than doubled in a decade - with many Americans marrying locally. "Thirty years ago, US personal earning, say, $1,000 a month had the spending power of what most Spaniards earned in three or four months," says Antonio Franco, a local councilor for the United Left. Ana María Expósito, the vice president of the local chamber of commerce, says that many local people came to depend on Rota. "My father was a waiter: he gave up his job in the village and went to work on the base, where he earned a third more. He now has a great pension. The base paid for my education, and that of my brothers. You won't find many people here with anything to say against the base." A regional grouping of environmentalists, labor unions and other organizations opposed to the continued presence of the US military on Spanish soil, says that it attracts little support locally.

It stages a march each year past the base, in which the United Left takes part, albeit with its own banner, saying: "Less servicing the military and more jobs." Manuel Carmona of the United Left says economic reality is hard to fight: "Round here saying no to the bases, to NATO, means 1,000 households with no income. This place drives the economy. What we want is proper compensation for the US presence. If they paid proper compensation for being here we could start to develop other sources of income, create new jobs. Because if the Americans decide to move the base to Gibraltar, then we would be left with nothing. But nobody wants to be seen to bite the hand that feeds them." You won't find many people here with anything to say against the base Manuel Jesús Helices, a local United Left councilor, explains that most people's goal in the town is to buy an apartment or house and rent it to the Americans on the base. "The base has killed our entrepreneurial spirit. We have grown dependent on them, and what's more, nobody will talk about it: it's taboo." Mayor Corrales describes the base as a "tax haven," pointing out that the Americans do not pay any local taxes.

She is currently embroiled in negotiations with Madrid, and wants the central government to pay compensation: "We cannot have a town within a town where one pays taxes and the other doesn't." Last week she was finally given approval to charge registration tax on vehicles brought onto the base from the United States. She hopes that the central government will overturn a ruling by the Supreme Court that the local council cannot charge property tax on non-military buildings on the base such as housing or restaurants, which Corrales says would bring in some 1.3 million euros a year. The battle to impose taxes on the base dates back to the 1980s. In 2002, the Supreme Court backed the town council saying that it could tax non-military activities. But no government since then has been prepared to act on the ruling and instead a change was introduced to the tax law extending the tax exemption to military establishments. In response, Rota town hall decided to stop paying the central government the equivalent of what it calculated it was losing in revenue from the non-tax-paying base. The Supreme Court's most recent sentence, in 2007, rules that Rota town council must pay the state almost 1.2 million euros.

ampliar foto A view of the Rota base from the beach. C. M. EL PAÍS The court's decision was based on changes to the tax law. "The base makes up 60 percent of Rota's economy," says the mayor, but "it generates tremendous dependency." Nothing can be built under the air corridor over the base, and nothing can go through the base. But locals insist that the base has been largely beneficial to the community. "When this was built there was nothing here. This land was used for growing tomatoes and pumpkins," says a senior Spanish officer. "In fact, when building started, they used donkeys to bring the stone." Rota also marked a turning point in the history of Franco's Spain, signaling the end of the country's isolation by the Allies for having initially supported Germany in the Second World War - despite its supposed neutrality - which saw it excluded from the Marshall Plan. The United States government took steps to normalize its political and economic relations with Spain between 1948 and 1950. In September 1950, President Truman signed a bill that appropriated $62.5 million for aid to Spain.

In the same year, the United States supported a UN resolution lifting the boycott on Franco's regime and resumed full diplomatic relations with Spain in 1951. Spain became an increasingly important link in the overall defense system of the United States against the Soviet Union. We've grown dependent on them, and nobody will talk about it: it's taboo" In 1953 Franco signed the Pact of Madrid, further symbolizing the Spanish regime's rehabilitation. It also marked the end of Spanish neutrality. The pact consisted of three separate, but interdependent, agreements between Spain and the United States. It provided for mutual defense, for military aid to Spain, and for the construction of bases there. The United States was to use these bases for a renewable ten-year period, but the bases remained under Spanish sovereignty. Although the pact did not constitute a full-fledged military alliance, it did commit the United States to support Spain's defense efforts. Furthermore, it provided Spain with much-needed economic assistance. During the first ten years of the pact, the United States sent approximately $1.5 billion in all kinds of aid to Spain. "We now have to swallow a bitter pill: a military accord with Franco's Spain.

Let's hope the medicine does more good than harm," wrote the New York Times in an editorial in 1953. Two years later, in 1955, the UN approved Spain's membership. In a visit by then US President Dwight D. Eisenhower to the Spanish capital in 1959, the two generals received warm public welcomes as they toured the city together. The visit further emphasized Franco's acceptance and the end of Spain's ostracism. Franco placed a high value on Spain's relationship with the United States for the prestige it conferred as well as for strategic reasons. This relationship continued to be a dominant factor in the development of the country's foreign policy. Spain is negotiating the inclusion and participation of its navy F-100 frigates in the US anti-ballistic missile defense system. Defense analysts say Spain will play a key role in the naval component of the defense shield, repositioning its foreign policy squarely within NATO and as a solid and reliable US ally.

Spanish military sources say frigates equipped with SPY-1 D radar and the same Aegis combat equipment that the US navy has to track ballistic missiles will only require a change of software to enable their integration into the anti-missile shield. What is unclear still is who will pay for the SM-3 interceptor missiles for the Spanish frigates, although this could be provided by the US as part of a broader military initiative for the pooling of NATO resources by the 28 allied member states known as Smart Defense, which aims to share costs and minimize the impact of defense budget cuts in the current economic crisis. Vessels equipped with the Aegis system can also operate land based Patriot missiles deployed by other allies. Spain and Norway are the only NATO members with this capability, although Norwegian frigates built by Spain have a somewhat inferior capacity. NATO hopes Spain's strong commitment will influence other countries to participate in one way or another in the US-led program. The war in Libya showed NATO that to reach desired efficiency levels in the face of new geo-strategic threats, European countries are obliged to share their capacities.

According to a leaked Spanish Defense Ministry report last year, "The Spanish Navy is in an advantageous position to achieve with moderate investment in the short term, a capacity equivalent to that of last generation US navy vessels and therefore capable of a quantum leap in its contribution to NATO's collective defense effort." Iran's long range nuclear weapon program is seen as the greatest threat affecting much of continental Europe. In political terms Russia's opposition to the US-Europe anti-missile defense shield deployment on the basis that it can deactivate its own nuclear arsenal - while the US keeps its own nuclear capability intact - is another factor which could resurface and lead to a serious confrontation with NATO, following Vladimir Putin's return to the nation's presidency. Spanish naval officer José María Caravaca dismisses fears that the increased military presence will make Rota a potential terrorist target. "The alert level of the base, far from increasing, has been lowered in recent years. Being part of a defense system like this increases our collective security.

There was no way we could say no to it." The naval base is now firmly a part of life in Rota, even if it's not what it used to be: for some local people it was their first exposure to rock music; it was the place to acquire condoms; American cigarettes; or jeans. "The base brought modernity," says Caravaca: "When we came here it was the first time that we saw female members of the military." He tells the story of when Manuel Fraga, Franco's former tourism minister and later head of the regional government of Galicia, visited the base in 1986 during the US bombing of Libya amid suspicions that the Spanish had provided support. Fraga reportedly commented afterwards: "There is nothing going on here: the only thing I have seen are a few Americans playing golf and three lovely looking black girls." Visiting Naval Station Rota, Spain - YouTube Visiting Naval Station Rota, Spain Want to watch this again later? Sign in to add this video to a playlist. Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. The interactive transcript could not be loaded. Loading... Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now.

Please try again later. Uploaded on Sep 25, 2010 Category Comments are disabled for this video. Autoplay When autoplay is enabled, a suggested video will automatically play next. Up next Visit Spain: Five Things You Will Love and Hate about Spain - Duration: 9:04. Wolters World 148,715 views 9:04 Welcome to U.S. Navy Boot Camp - Duration: 13:36. America's Navy 2,764,370 views 13:36 ROTA Y SU RELACIÓN CON LA BASE."Los Reporteros" 29 de Octubre de 2011 - Duration: 13:45. canalsur 3,637 views 13:45 Naval Station Rota Naval Station Rota 36deg/37min N 6deg/19min W Naval Station Rota, Spain is strategically located near the Straits of Gibraltar and at the halfway point between the United States and Southwest Asia.

Because of this ideal location, the base is able to provide invaluable support to both US SIXTH Fleet units in the Mediterranean and to USAF Air Mobility Command units transiting to Germany and Southwest Asia. Naval Station, Rota and its tenant commands are located within the boundaries of the 6,100 acre Spanish 'Base Naval de Rota.' Under the guidance of the Agreement for Defense Cooperation, the US and Spanish navies work together and share many facilities. The US Navy has the responsibility for maintaining the station's infrastructure, including a 670-acre airfield, three active piers, 426 facilities and 806 family housing units. The United States completes 25 September 2015 the deployment of a missile defense system in the Spanish province of Cadiz as part of its NATO ballistic missile campaign in Europe. The last ship in the campaign, the US guided-missile destroyer USS Carney, joined three other Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers currently deployed at the joint US-Spain Naval Station Rota. The three ships currently at the base are the USS Porter, USS Donald Cook and USS Ross.

Naval Station Rota provides support for US and NATO ships; supports the safe and efficient movement of US Navy and US Air Force flights and passengers; and provides cargo, fuel, and ammunition to units in the region. The Naval Station is the only base in the Mediterranean capable of supporting Amphibious Readiness Group post-deployment wash-downs. The base port also offers secure, pier side maintenance and backload facilities. Rota supports Amphibious Readiness Group turnovers and hosts Sailors and Marines from visiting afloat units. The base also provides Quality of Life support to Moron Air Base, ARG support sites at Palma de Majorca, NATO headquarters in Madrid and the Military Sealift Command's Maritime Prepositioning Squadron. Rota also supports NASA Space Shuttle missions, and ongoing operations in the European theater of operations. The mission of US Forces at Sigonella, Rota, and Souda Bay is to provide Command Control and Logistics Support to US And NATO Operating Forces. These three facilities are undergoing a transformation from Maritime Patrol Airfields to Multi-role "Hubs" providing crucial air-links for USAF strategic airlift in support of CENTCOM and Africa Area contingency operations.

Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 2 relocated from Rota, Spain, to Whidbey Island, Wash., effective 01 September 2005. The relocation of VQ-2's six aircraft and 450 Sailors to the United States was in keeping with the Navy's ongoing transformation of forces in Europe, and helped reduce costs and eliminate redundancies throughout its force structure worldwide. American facilities at the Naval Station, Rota, Spain are wide-ranging and diversified in their primary role of supporting the US SIXTH Fleet operating in the Mediterranean. From its inception in the early 1950s, the Rota Naval Base, located across the bay from Cadiz in southwestern Spain, has developed into one of the most modern, advanced naval installations in the world, which was the precept that guided its design. There are approximately 3,000 US military members, 3,000 command-sponsored family members, 250 US civilian workers and 1,250 Spanish employees on board.

After almost two years of surveys, negotiations and planning, the Mutual Defense, Economic Aid and Defense Agreements were signed by the governments of Spain and the United States on September 26, 1953. Construction of the Naval Base at Rota had already begun under the technical supervision of the Navy's Bureau of Yards and Docks. The installation now covers more than 6,000 acres on the northern shore of Cadiz, an area recognized for its strategic, maritime importance over the centuries. The base is used jointly by Spain and the United States. It remains under the Spanish flag and is commanded by a Spanish Vice Admiral. While the Spanish Navy is responsible for external security of the base, both Navies are charged with internal security. The US Navy maintains approximately 5,200 acres of the 6,000-acre complex. There are about 8,000 Americans in Rota, including military, civilians, and their families. The Commander, US Naval Activities, Spain is headquartered at Rota and is the area coordinator for all US Naval shore activities in Spain. His responsibilities include the planning, development, evaluation and coordination for services provided by these units in support of operating forces afloat.

He is also the Commanding Officer of Naval Station, Rota. In this capacity, he maintains and coordinates the overall security, upkeep and support features which ensure smooth operation of the installation. The Port of Rota is located southeast of the Gulf of Cadiz on the southwestern coast of Spain, about 55 nmi northwest of the Strait of Gibraltar. The port is situated on the northern shore of the Bay of Cadiz about 6 nmi north-northwest of the City and Port of Cadiz. The Port of Rota is a large deep harbor that can accommodate deep draft vessels even at mean low water. Carriers could be berthed at Pier 1 but movement would be restricted to times near high tide, current SOP is for carriers to anchor out. The harbor is well protected from wave action from the west, south and east by breakwaters and by the shore to the north. However, there is little protection from the wind, especially from the south and west. The harbor entrance is over 300 yards wide and opens to the south. Approach to the Bay of Cadiz is best from the west and southwest, turning on the harbor range approximately .2 nmi from the breakwater.

Minimum depths near turning point are about 46 ft and decrease to about 36 ft at entrance. There is no specified channel approaching the harbor entrance. The harbor can house numerous ships and provides ample turning space in the center harbor basin. All vessels except small vessels must have tug assistance when berthing. The limited number of USN tugs restricts berthing action to one ship at a time. Pilotage is compulsory, pilots board just outside the west breakwater. A large anchorage area with designated anchorages is located in a general southeastward direction from the breakwater. Distance to anchorages varies between 2000 and 7000 yards. A smaller anchorage area is located to the south and southwest of the light at distances of 500 to 730 yards. The harbor is well protected from wave action but provides little protection from winds, especially those from the south or west. Vessels with large sail areas require tug assistance to be held against Pier 1 during strong west wind events. Strong southeast (Levante) winds tend to pin ships to the main pier (Pier 1).

One recorded incident reports a tender being forced to remain at berth for 3 days during a strong Levante (40 kts). The anchorages are fully exposed to open ocean waves with only shoaling effects to dampen deep water sea or swell. Wave heights at anchorages run 70 to 90% of deep water wave heights when waves are from the south clockwise through west-northwest. Positioning anywhere inside the breakwaters provides protection from wave action. The harbor offers minimal protection from the major wind related problems. Exposure to wind and waves is essentially equal throughout the anchorage area. The port directory for Rota states that the average tidal range during spring tides is 9.5 ft with a maximum of 11.5 ft. The overall range is stated as 7.1 ft. Tidal currents can be as high as 1.5 kts during ebb tide with a west set. Note that deep draft vessel harbor entry/departure is limited to times near high tide. Reported minimum alongside depths at low-water are: Pier 1, 42.5 ft, and Fuel Pier 40 ft with 36 ft approach limits.

In winter, near zero visibility in dense fog may last until mid-day following frontal passage. In summer, on occasion, fog and low stratus develop after a couple of days of strong Levante winds. Although rare, low stratus and dense fog associated with a Gulf of Cadiz eddy may last for several days one established. Hazardous weather conditions are rare during the spring. Frontal activity decreases in frequency and intensity. Maximum sustained winds over water are likely to be in the 30 to 35 kt range. Levante winds are the only hazardous conditions of recurring threat in the Rota area. Locally the winds are southerly and gusty. On average, gale force events will occur a couple of times each year. Weaker events are common a couple of times each month. Levantes typically last for only a day, but strong events have been known to last for eight days. Maximum wind speeds occur in the afternoons. Levante winds typically drop off at night. Winds of moderate gale force are the primary threat. Fetch length to the southeast is limited to 6 nmi. Maximum wave heights expected are 4-6 ft. Small boat operations are likely to be curtailed.

Vessels with large sail areas are likely to be pinned against Pier 1. Levante events are associated with high pressure and strong low level inversions are common. Strong low level wind shear accompanies the inversion and can be a threat to low level flight. Anomalous radar and radio propagation is likely. Helicopters may lose radio contact at a few miles range. The winter frontal passage pattern is usually well established by the end of October. Normally, once the first frontal passage is experienced, the winter pattern is in control and the winter frequency of frontal passage is quickly established. Winter type wind, wave, visibility, thunderstorm and precipitation characteristics are also quickly established. Hazardous weather and high seas associated with frontal passages are the primary winter season problem. Frontal passages are frequent as indicated by the average 12 days of rain per month. The predominant air mass is maritime polar. The intensity and speed of movement of frontal systems varies in response to the eastern Atlantic ridge configuration and polar front jet stream strength. The most prolonged and severe weather generally occurs when a cut-off low develops to the southwest of Rota. This is typically associated with an Omega type blocking pattern. The average winter wind at the airfield is east at 7 kt.

However, severe weather will be associated with westerly winds. Over the water sustained westerly winds of 40 to 50 kts will be experienced during passage of strong frontal systems during all months of winter. The westerly winds associated with frontal passages will push vessels off Pier 1; tug assistance may be required to hold positions. Heavy swell will enter the area when west to southwest winds prevail. Early morning thunderstorm activity over water will occur during the time between passage of the surface front and that of the 500 mb trough. With slow moving systems thunderstorm activity may occur for 2 to 3 days running. The base remains under the Spanish flag and is commanded by a Spanish Vice Admiral. While the Spanish Navy is responsible for external security of the base, both Navies are charged with internal security. The Commander, US Naval Activities, Spain is headquartered at Rota and is the area coordinator for all US Naval shore activities in Spain. Responsibilities include the planning, development, evaluation and coordination for services provided by these units in support of operating forces afloat. Naval Station Rota maintains and coordinates the overall security, upkeep and support features which ensure smooth operation of the installation.

January is the coldest month of the year, with a mean daily maximum temperature of 61degF and a mean daily minimum of 43degF. The extreme low temperature of 25degF, however, was recorded in December 1970. Periods of near or below freezing temperatures can be experienced in November through March. These periods of extreme minimum temperatures are associated with outbreaks of polar/arctic air which reaches the Rota area from over Europe. Favorable conditions for extreme minimum temperatures include: north-northeast wind at 500 mb 500 mb height below 5647m clear skies and light northeast surface winds at night While not a concern on most days at Rota, wind chill--the cooling effect of temperature combined with wind--is a factor to be considered on cool, windy days during winter for personnel working in exposed locations During summer the diurnal variation of the land/sea breeze may be a factor in scheduling. The typical daily regime is the onset of sea breeze by late morning with maximum onshore winds of 10 to 15 kts by mid afternoon and dropping off after sunset occurs.

Levante wind speeds follow a similar diurnal pattern, however, over water strong events are likely to persist through the night. During winter the synoptic variations are of greater importance in scheduling. Frontal activity is quite frequent with about 40% of the days experiencing some form of unsettled weather. The Chief of Naval Operations deployed Submarine Squadron 16 to Rota, Spain, on Jan. 28, 1964, and embarked upon USS Proteus (AS-19). USS Lafayette (SSBN 616) completed its first FBM deterrent patrol with the Polaris missile and commenced the first refit and replenishment at Rota. During the early 1970s, the submarines assigned to Squadron 16 were completing conversion to the Poseidon missile. That transition was completed when USS Francis Scott Key (SSBN 657) returned to Rota on Jan. 14, 1974. Treaty negotiations between Spain and the United States in 1975 resulted in a planned withdrawal of Squadron 16 from Spain, and the Chief of Naval Operations ordered studies to select a new refit site on the East Coast.

The treaty with Spain was ratified by the US Congress in June 1976 and called for the withdrawal of the squadron from Spain by July 1979. Kings Bay, Georgia, was selected as that new refit site, and the site selected was announced by the Secretary of the Navy in November 1976. After 30 years as guardians of the gateway to the Mediterranean, the gatekeepers of Tactical Support Center (TSC) Rota stand relieved as of July 1999. Established in 1969, TSC Rota's location near the strategically vital Strait of Gibraltar made it the point man of Sixth Fleet's Mediterranean patrol. As Soviet surface and subsurface naval deployments to the area steadily increased throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, TSC Rota operations specialists provided the mission planning and support that enabled maritime patrol aircraft to conduct continuous surveillance and tracking of Soviet ships and submarines before, during, and after their transit through the Strait.

Data from these missions, analyzed by aviation systems warfare operators at TSC Rota, was then forwarded to Sixth Fleet commanders, providing them with critical intelligence regarding Soviet naval vessel's acoustic signatures, operating characteristics, and warfighting capabilities. TSC Rota personnel's crucial role as guardians and protectors of Sixth Fleet's front door earned them the moniker "Gatekeepers of the Med." With the collapse of the Soviet Union, TSC Rota's focus shifted to adapt to the evolving missions of Sixth Fleet. The unit became the focal point for the integration of Spanish naval forces into NATO, and it participated in numerous yearly exercises aimed at strengthening that relationship. Although a permanent unit has been deemed no longer necessary, nor cost effective, Sixth Fleet will still maintain area presence in the form of a Mobile Operations Control Center (MOCC). The MOCC, based in Sigonella, Sicily, can quickly deploy to Naval Station Rota to provide all the command-and-control functions of a permanent TSC. Naval Station (NAVSTA) Rota is home to a state-of-the-art Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS) air radar, the first such system used overseas in the Defense Department.

The new radar system replaced an aging analog system that used 1960s technology. The Federal Aviation Administration Flight Check was completed July 15, 2004, certifying the system for use after nearly four years of planning, installation and testing. The STARS radar allows the facility to simulate air traffic for training purposes whereas personel using the old system had to rely on actual flights. With built-in software, the digital STARS allows controllers the ability to simulate any number of inbound and outbound air traffic, and the target simulators perform with the same type of climb, descent and turn rates, with approach speeds of the actual type of aircraft it is simulating. This simulator has the ability to run a 200-aircraft training scenario with any type of military or civilian aircraft. The automated new system is not just a new radar screen and computer. The upgrade comes with new radar, refurbishing of the air tower, a new radar control facility, and a new communications suite and radios. The upgrade is part of the $75 million en route project that will expand the parking apron for wide-body aircraft and many more airfield improvements.

As of August 2004, the STARS radar was being used in only four other locations: in Norfolk, Va., Camp Pendelton, Calif., Patuxent River, Md., and Willow Grove, Pa. NEWSLETTER Naval Station Rota | Military.com Naval Station Rota Naval Station Rota Welcome to Naval Station Rota Rota was established in 1953, following the signing of an agreement for facilities use between the United States and Kingdom of Spain. The agreement required two years of surveys, negotiations and planning which led to ground breaking on the base in 1955. Some 10,000 concrete tetrapods, resembling large jacks, were carefully placed to provide a seawall to protect a large artificial harbor. Base News

Question: In which country is the city and naval base of Cadiz?
Answer: Spain