The arrival of the USS Bulkeley demonstrates that the US alliance with Spain is firm and clear

NATO strengthens itself in Rota

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The USS Bulkeley (DDG, 84), replacing the USS Porter (DDG. 78) arrived this Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at the Rota Naval Base, at Pier 1. Admiral Michael Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations welcomed the scheduled rotation of the destroyers stationed at Rota, stressing that the alliance of the two Navies is firm and clear, given that Spain continues to be one of the United States' closest allies, particularly in the maritime aspect. "Thanks to shared capabilities, and working together at sea, defence will reach its highest level". 
 
The Arleigh Burke class ships, to which the four Rota-based units belong, have a crew of 280, a displacement of 8,400 tons, a length of 155 metres, and incorporate the ballistic missile protection functions of the Aegis Combat System into their combat system. They are currently the most combat-capable units in the US Navy's fleet. "It's a unique opportunity for Americans to live in a place like Rota," Admiral Gilday told the assembled media. On Wednesday, together with Spanish Admiral Eugenio Diaz del Río, Gilday reiterated the strength of the alliance between the two navies. 

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When asked by this correspondent if there was any reliability in the rumour about Morocco and possible pressure to offer its own permanent base, at the expense of the Rota Naval Station, Admiral Gilday assured that he did not know the details of the Moroccan government's intentions, and went on to exalt that the European country is not only a close ally, but that together with the United States it forms a "global economy that floats on water".

In this sense, Gilday, who has described the bilateral relationship with Spain as "strong as a rock", openly declared that the American Navy could not serve its intercontinental maritime interests without the cooperation of our Navy. 

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For his part, Spanish Admiral Eugenio Diaz del Rio stated that Rota will always provide support to US and NATO ships, contributing to the safety of US Navy and Air Force flights and passengers. "Our coastline is of great strategic importance because of the Balearic and Canary archipelagos and their dependence on maritime security".

In this way, the relationship between the two countries could be described as very close, where the economy depends on the sea.  "They will never find a port like Rota", concluded Admiral Eugenio Diaz del Rio in his speech. 

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Atalayar witnessed a simple ceremony to welcome the US Navy destroyer to the Rota Naval Base.

The "USS Bulkeley", whose arrival closes the first rotation of the units of this class in Rota, is part of the contingent that remains composed of the ships USS Roosevelt, USS Arleigh Burke, USS Paul Ignatius and the recently arrived USS Bulkeley. 

The presence of the four US Navy destroyers at the Rota Naval Base was authorised in 2012, within the framework of the Agreement on Defence Cooperation, signed by Spain and the United States on 1 December 1988. The arrival of these ships has made it possible to increase and improve interoperability with Navy units through continued participation in individual and joint training.

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According to Captain William Harkin of the USS Bulkeley, the presence of the destroyer has made his crew very happy about the deployment. 

Carmen Chamorro García, CIP and ACPE board of directors

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