Naval Station Rota is located between the towns of Rota and El Puerto de Santa Maria, across the bay from the city of Cádiz.  The installation covers more than 6,000 acres and is a Spanish Naval Base, used jointly by Spain and the United States. It is commanded by a Spanish Vice Admiral and is home to the Headquarters for the Spanish Fleet. 

Because Rota is a Spanish Naval Base, you may find some things here a little different than at a U.S. military installation.  The Spanish Navy strictly controls entry onto Naval Station Rota. A valid vehicle pass and Spanish Identification card (or stamped orders) are required for entry into or exit from the Naval Station. 

A Naval Station Security civilian employee stands duty at the Puerto and Rota control gates to assist the Spanish sentries. They validate orders or issue and process base passes for military members, personnel on leave, retirees, widows, unaccompanied dependents, civilian components and dependents arriving to the base by land or via the Air Terminal.