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History of Naval Station Rota

Rota History

In July 1951, President Dwight D. Eisenhower named a commission to visit Spain to explore the possibility of strengthening ties between the two countries.  That fall, the commission visited Spain and analyzed several Spanish military installations to see which would be appropriate for military cooperation.  

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 Bureau of Yards and Docks of the Navy.  The installation now covers more than 6,000 acres in an area recognized for its strategic and maritime importance over the centuries.

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.  Over the decades, the Naval Station has hosted a variety of ships, submarines, aircraft squadrons, and operational and support commands.

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 Commander, U.S. Naval Activities, Spain is headquartered at Rota and is the area coordinator for all U.S. Naval shore activities on the Iberian Peninsula.  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.