• Military Menu                       

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

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Congressional Delegation Visits Naval Station Rota

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060607-09
Release Date: 6/7/2006 5:05:00 PM

By Lt. Mike Morley, Naval Station Rota Public Affairs

ROTA, Spain (NNS) -- Six members of a Congressional Delegation met with constituents from their home states June 2 at Naval Station Rota, Spain.

The delegation enjoyed a two-day stop in Rota on the return leg of an eight-day, six-country trip, having met with government officials and toured military bases throughout the Middle East and Europe.

“It’s been said before that what makes America great is our men and women in uniform projecting the goodness which is America, our caring, loving, helpful society that wants only the best for countries around the world,” said U.S. Rep. Robin Hayes, from North Carolina. “That’s an irresistible force for people around the world. Every person in uniform has an intense knowledge of what it means to be an American, and we thank all of you for doing your part in projecting America’s personality to the world, and for keeping our country safe.”

During the trip, the delegation visited military and government leaders in Jordan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bahrain, Pakistan, Belgium and Spain. U.S. Rep. Richard Keller of Florida characterized the U.S. service members they met as, “an amazing compilation of men and women who are serving our country very, very well.”

According to U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas, the trip gave the delegates a renewed appreciation for freedom.

“In Jordan, for example, just to go into a restaurant or hotel, you have to go through security and a metal detector,” Cuellar said. “One of the reasons we don’t have to do that in the United States is because of our men and women in uniform, taking the fight to terrorists in their home countries.”

The trip was also a time to express appreciation for the service military members provide.

“Any time you have the opportunity to stop at a military installation and say ‘thank you’ to the men and women serving our country, that is at the top of our list,” said Miller. “As members of the House Armed Services Committee, we have oversight on spending, construction and on the roles of our men and women in uniform. This is my third trip to Rota, and it changes for the better every time I come here,” he said, noting several construction projects underway.

U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina, a retired Army National Guard officer, had lunch with four Rota Sailors from South Carolina, during which he discussed Rota’s contributions to the war on terrorism.

“Rota is strategically located, eight hours from the east coast and eight hours from the Middle East,” Wilson said. “I’ve also traveled through Africa and seen the instability there firsthand, so I know how valuable Rota is to the stability of that continent.”

U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee of Texas had a special message for everyone at Rota. “9-11 changed our minds about the world, but it didn’t change the commitment, dedication, passion and excellence of our personnel in uniform. Each one of you in Rota is part of a strategic plan for the U.S. – you’re a key element to our security and make an important contribution to the safety and security of the American people. We’re proud of the sacrifices you and your families make.”