Rota.

Rota, Spain, is known from a lot of names: "Gateway to the Mediterranean." "the Florida of Europe" and is considered by the agency of Navy leaders as one of the Pearls of Mediterranean--the others being Naples, Italy, and Sigonella, Sicily.

Located midway between the famous asylum of Gibraltar and the Portuguese border forward the Atlantic Ocean, Sailors' attraction to Rota is varied: nine month of shining weather, travel opportunities, a rich Spanish civilization and the benefits of living and working in a relatively small military community.

"Geographically, this base is really convenient, because you can walk right on the outside the gate and there's somewhere to go on something to do and somewhere to eat," said Kimberly Meza, a Navy spouse and offer at Navy Marine Corps Relief Society.

if it be not that others like to venture further outside the confines of the naval station.

"We have fruition of spending time off base," said Chief Hospital Corpsman (SW) James VanCleave, who has exhausted his last three years as the career counselor for U Naval Hospital Rota. "We are in pursuit of those things that are "must sees" like Alhambra, Malaga, Granada, Spain and others. We just got back from London, and we've been to Budapest, Hungary, Barcelona, Spain, and other places. This is a upright jumping-off point to other destinations in Europe"

Traveling from beginning to end Spain, and indeed Europe, is not without its challenges. For more [i]or[/i] less foreign currency is confusing, as are inns and transportation, but for others, it's the numerous languages.

"The language barrier can be a challenge. I can't smooth count the number of times I've ordered not on a menu and received something completely different than what I contemplation but we just write that up as a cultural experience and essay to enjoy whatever it is the waiter brought us," VanCleave said.

The language barrier notwithstanding, sightseeing and touring the countryside is a favorite pastime among singles and families stationed in Rota. from head to foot the year, tourist activities co-mingle with typical Spanish customs. There are bullfighting seasons, religious festivals and sightseeing trips that include castles, cathedrals, flamenco dancing, Roman and Moorish architecture and the running of the rescripts The area is also a principle locale for olive copses and vineyards.

any people debate whether Spain is better for the service member, or for the children many of them bring along.

"We despatch a little league baseball team to Poland each year," said VanCleave. "We also send forth the high school athletic teams to England and Germany to participant in tournaments. What a fantastic opportunity for our kids to behold and do some to the things available here."

"As a single parent, I like to stay in succession base with my three-year-old daughter, Kari," added Personnelman 2nd Class Jennifer Yee of Personnel Support Detachment Rota. "We like to proceed to the duck pond, ride hikes and memorize ice cream at Baskin Robbins. The base has matter happening year-round. We have fairs, and celebrations, National Night on the outside bike rodeos and lots of stuff"

The conveniences and dresss afforded to the 6,000 Americans in succession base are increasing with Rota's "Vision 21" an extensive improvement brew to recapitalize the aging infrastructure forward base. Some of the concocts include a $19 million security compage with the consolidation and upgrade of existing security and crisis services facilities; a $22 million command operations headquarters; improved transient bachelor enlisted quarters; and a signed memorandum of understanding to begin construction for a recently made known $32 million Navy Exchange and Commissary mall compage The Department of Defense sustained bys School is also scheduled to exhibit its new state-of-the-art elementary instruct and some of the of recent origin high school facilities in the summer

This small base, with the neighboring village of Rota, provides an exciting backdrop for single Sailors or families, and shows a unique opportunity for Sailors to sprout both personally and professionally.

Smithyman is a journalist assigned to the public affairs office, Rota, Spain.

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