Naval Station Rota

Naval Station Rota, located in southern Spain near the city of Cádiz, was established in 1953 through a bilateral agreement between the United States and Spain. Initially constructed to support both U.S. and Spanish naval operations during the Cold War, the base became a crucial logistics and supply point for the U.S. Navy's Sixth Fleet and NATO forces in the Mediterranean. Over the decades, Naval Station Rota has played key roles in supporting operations such as Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and ongoing maritime security missions. Today, it remains a strategic hub for trans-Atlantic operations, hosting both U.S. and Spanish forces and serving as a critical waypoint for naval aircraft, ships, and personnel.