• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

GTMO celebrates 100th anniversary

Story Number: NNS030227-01
2/27/2003

From Naval Media Center Broadcasting Affiliate, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba (NNS) -- A special ceremony was held Feb. 21 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the lease agreement between the United States and Cuba.

The lease, signed in 1903 by then President Theodore Roosevelt and Cuban President Estrada Palma, grants use of 45 square miles of land and water by the United States. A reaffirmation of the lease in 1934 stated that the United States pay $2,000 in gold each year - equivalent to $4,085 today.

"The lease is still in effect in terms of how we operate today," said Capt. Robert A. Buehn, base commander. Both the United States and Cuba must mutually consent to terminate the lease.

U.S. Naval Base, Guantanamo Bay (GTMO), is the oldest U.S. base overseas and the only one in a communist country. The Cuban-American relationship began in 1898 when U.S. Marines linked up with Cuban insurgents to drive back Spanish troops. This lead to the eventual liberation of Cuba from Spain.

"Since their arrival more than 100 years ago, Sailors and Marines at Guantanamo have served with distinction, making significant contributions to the defense of the United States, the cause of freedom, and the promotion of American values - values which are universal and which are reflected in the work of the men and women stationed here," said guest speaker, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Daniel W. Fisk.

Diplomatic relations with Cuba were cut in 1961, when Fidel Castro assumed leadership of Cuba. Many Cubans sought refuge on the base, and U.S. Marines began patrolling the base fenceline, and continue to do so today.

Family members and some employees were evacuated from Guantanamo in October 1962, during the Cuban Missile Crisis. President John F. Kennedy ordered a naval quarantine around the island until the Soviet Union removed its missiles.

"Nowhere was the tension of the Cuban Missile Crisis felt more acutely than it was here," said Fisk. "Some have said that Guantanamo Bay nearly sank under the weight of the increased troop presence during that time."

In the 1990s, the base became a haven for Haitian and Cuban refugees. At the height of the migration, the based temporarily housed more than 50,000 refugees. The base continues its role in planning for possible future migrations and in the control of illegal migration in the Caribbean.

"Equally significant, for more than 40 years, the U.S. base at Guantanamo has stood as an outpost of freedom, reminding all Cubans of the fundamental rights and freedoms we hope will one day be restored to them," said Fisk.

Since January 2002, the base was given an additional mission.

"You're at the forefront of the war against global terrorism," said Fisk. "The base is not only providing the 'least worst place' to detain and interrogate captured illegal combatants from the Taliban and al Qaeda, it is also providing logistical support to Joint Task Force Guantanamo."

Fisk didn't leave out GTMO families.

". . .(We) know well the stresses and hardships that come from overseas deployments, so I want to recognize the important contribution made to the base by the families who accompany the members of our military and civilian team to Guantanamo. You have our heartfelt appreciation for the sacrifices you are making to be here. Your presence - your support - is equally essential to the success of the mission performed by those assigned to this base," he said.

Students from the base high school concluded the ceremony with a re-enactment of the lease signing, and reading of the treaty's articles.