NAVSTA Rota
NAVSTA Rota PCS Guide
Military Base History
NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain (April 29, 2025) Rear Adm. Doug Verissimo, top-right, commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic (AIRLANT), and Force Master Chief Jimmy Hailey, top-left, AIRLANT’s Force Master Chief, meet with Capt. Teague Suarez, the commanding officer of Naval Station (NAVSTA) Rota,...
Naval Station Rota (NAVSTA Rota) was established in the early 1950s as a joint Spanish-American naval base. Its original mission was to serve as a strategic logistics and support hub for U.S. and NATO naval forces in the Mediterranean.
The base’s location near the Strait of Gibraltar made it a critical point for controlling access between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
Construction began in 1953 after the signing of the Spanish-American Defense Agreement. The base expanded rapidly, adding airfields, piers, and support facilities.
Over the decades, NAVSTA Rota hosted a range of units, including U.S. Navy destroyers, submarines, and maritime patrol aircraft. The base also supported U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps elements, as well as Spanish military units.
During the Cold War, NAVSTA Rota played a vital role in U.S. and NATO operations, supporting surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and rapid deployment missions.
The base was a key logistics stop for U.S. forces transiting to and from Europe and the Middle East. In the post-Cold War era, Rota has adapted to new missions, including supporting operations in the Balkans, the Middle East, and Africa.
Today, NAVSTA Rota remains a crucial logistics and force-projection platform for the U.S. Navy and NATO. It supports ballistic missile defense ships, logistics operations, and multinational exercises.
The base has retained its original name, "Naval Station Rota," since its establishment, reflecting its enduring partnership with Spain and its strategic maritime mission.
Major Units & Training Programs
NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain (April 29, 2025) Rear Adm. Doug Verissimo, commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic, center, speaks with Sailors assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 79, during a visit to the squadron, April 29, 2025. Verissimo, along with Force Master Chief Jimmy Hailey,...
Major Units
Naval Station Rota (NAVSTA Rota) Command
Serves as the primary support installation for U.S. Navy and NATO forces in the region, providing port facilities, logistics, and operational support for ships, aircraft, and personnel transiting the Mediterranean and surrounding areas.
Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) Detachment Rota
Supports U.S. Navy airborne reconnaissance and surveillance operations in the European and African theaters, providing critical intelligence and communications relay for fleet operations.
Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) Detachment Rota
Provides construction, engineering, and contingency support for U.S. and allied operations across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
U.S. Marine Corps Security Force Detachment Rota
Responsible for the physical security and protection of strategic assets and personnel on base, as well as rapid response to security threats.
Training Schools
Naval Station Rota Indoctrination Program
Overview
Introduces newly arrived personnel to base operations, safety procedures, and local area orientation.
Course Length
1 week
Who Attends
All newly assigned military personnel and dependents
Arrival & In-Processing
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Welcome to NAVSTA Rota! Arriving at a new base can be a big transition, so preparing your documents and understanding the check-in process will help make your move smoother. Review the following steps to ensure your arrival and base access go as smoothly as possible. For more details, visit the official NAVSTA Rota website.
NAVSTA Rota's main gate is the primary entry point for all personnel and visitors. The main gate operates 24/7, ensuring access at all hours. All adults must present a valid Military ID, CAC, or dependent ID to enter. State driver's licenses must comply with the REAL ID Act for base access; non-compliant IDs may require additional documentation. Expect 100% ID checks at all times and random vehicle inspections as part of the base's strong security posture. To sponsor visitors or family members, visit the Visitor Control Center to request a temporary pass. Sponsors must be present and provide valid identification for themselves and their guests.
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PCS Orders (multiple copies)
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Military ID/CAC
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Passports (for all family members, if applicable)
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Marriage Certificate
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Birth Certificates (for dependents)
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Social Security Cards
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Vehicle Registration & Insurance
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Medical and Dental Records
NAVSTA Rota offers a robust sponsor program to help new arrivals settle in. To request a sponsor, contact your gaining unit or the Command Sponsorship Coordinator prior to your move. Your sponsor will provide local information, answer questions, and assist with in-processing steps.
Formal in-processing for NAVSTA Rota is conducted at the Welcome Center, located near the main gate for easy access upon arrival. The Welcome Center operates Monday through Friday, 0800–1600. Key steps include Personnel check-in, Finance, Housing, Medical, and Unit-specific briefings. Plan for in-processing to take 2–3 business days, depending on your arrival time and required appointments.
The Visitor Control Center (VCC) is located just outside NAVSTA Rota's main gate. The VCC is open Monday through Friday, 0700–1700. Services include issuing visitor and contractor passes, DBIDS registration, and processing guest sponsorship requests. All visitors must be sponsored by an authorized base member and present valid identification.
PCS & Relocation Essentials
Movers load a service member’s household goods into a moving truck at a residence in Pacific Grove, Calif., May 11.
A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) to NAVSTA Rota requires careful planning. Start by reviewing your orders and contacting your local Transportation Office to discuss move options. Most service members choose between a Household Goods (HHG) shipment, where movers pack and ship your belongings, or a Personally Procured Move (PPM), also known as a DITY move, where you handle the move yourself for potential reimbursement. Use the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) at move.mil to schedule your shipment, track progress, and manage documents. DPS is essential for initiating and monitoring your move. NAVSTA Rota is an OCONUS (Outside Continental United States) location, so expect additional steps like overseas screenings and passport requirements. You are entitled to Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) for up to 10 days when departing your last CONUS duty station, and Dislocation Allowance (DLA) to help offset PCS costs. Check with the base Transportation Office for any Rota-specific guidance, such as customs forms or local housing procedures. Plan ahead for overseas shipping times and unique requirements for Spain.
Temporary Lodging Information
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance
PCS Tips
- Request a sponsor as soon as you receive orders.
- Complete your overseas screening early to avoid delays.
- Keep passports, orders, and medical records with you during travel.
- Understand Spanish customs requirements for household goods.
- Plan for longer shipping times to Spain—pack essentials in your luggage.
- Contact the Rota Housing Office before arrival for guidance.
- Check pet import rules and book flights for pets well in advance.
Important Forms & Links
Access the Defense Personal Property System to manage your move.
Official source for per diem, TLE, and DLA rates.
Guidance and checklists for every step of your PCS.
Base-specific arrival information and resources.
Schools & Childcare
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On-Base Schools
Rota Elementary School
Rota Middle High School
Childcare Options
Child Development Center (CDC) Rota
School Age Care (SAC) Program
Youth Center Rota
Local Schools
Colegio Almirante Espinosa
Sagrado Corazón de Jesús
British School of Cádiz
Space-A Travel & Passenger Terminal
Terminal Contact Information
Terminal Location
NAS Rota, Spain Passenger Terminal.
Please verify the exact building number, operating hours, and directions upon arrival or by contacting the terminal directly using the information provided.
Terminal Amenities
Waiting Area
Comfortable seating with charging stations and Wi-Fi access.
Snack Bar/Vending
Light snacks, drinks, and vending machines available during terminal hours.
Family Room
Designated space for families with children, including play area and seating.
USO Lounge
USO lounge offers refreshments, entertainment, and travel assistance.
Space-A Eligibility & Signup
For detailed Space-Available (Space-A) travel eligibility requirements and the most current sign-up procedures for flights from NAS Rota, Spain, please refer to the official Air Mobility Command (AMC) website or contact the passenger terminal directly.
Information can typically be found regarding travel categories (DoD Categories I-VI), necessary documentation (e.g., CAC, leave forms, dependent IDs), and any specific local policies.
Official AMC information may be available here: Naval Air Station Rota Passenger Terminal
It's always recommended to confirm details well in advance of your intended travel dates.
Common Destinations
Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy
Flights can fill quickly during summer PCS season—arrive early and have flexibility in your travel plans.
Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, USA
Prepare for customs processing; bring snacks for long flights and layovers.
Ramstein Air Base, Germany
High passenger demand—monitor flight schedules and be ready for last-minute roll calls.