• Military Menu                       

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

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

U.S. Naval Activities Spain, Naval Station Rota, Welcomes New Commanding Officer

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080628-07
Release Date: 6/28/2008 8:51:00 AM

By Lt. Mike Morley, Naval Station Rota Public Affairs

ROTA, Spain (NNS) -- U.S. Naval Activities Spain and Naval Station Rota received a new commander during a change of command ceremony, June 27.

Capt. William F. Mosk relieved Capt. Earl K. Hampton Jr. as commander, U.S. Naval Activities Spain and Naval Station Rota. Hampton served in these positions since June 2005.

U.S. Ambassador to Spain, Eduardo Aguirre Jr. congratulated Hampton on his service. He explained that Hampton's efforts in maintaining close relationships with their Spanish Navy counterparts, builds upon a rich tradition of mutual support which both countries enjoy today.

Spanish Navy Rear Adm. Jose Maria Pelluz Alcantud, admiral in chief of Base Naval de Rota and commander of the base, complimented Hampton's leadership skills, his humanity and his compassion.

"You have worked jointly and efficiently with me on matters large and small. [You are] an essential part in the good relations between the Americans residing in Rota, the Spanish people in general and those working and living on the naval base in particular."

Hampton thanked the men and women of Rota for their efforts and their service.

"Every day for the past three years, I thank God we have such bright and talented people who have volunteered to serve their country. You have demonstrated great professionalism, loyalty and spirit for this base, our Navy and our nation, and the results speak for themselves," Hampton said.

Mosk thanked Hampton and the men and women of the base of approximately 3,000 U.S. personnel, noting that he was impressed with their efforts in ensuring Naval Station Rota remains an enduring and strategically vital base into the 21st Century. He praised Hampton for his leadership.

"Capt. Hampton, you have done nothing short of a remarkable job," Mosk said. "You've set the bar extremely high. Thanks for turning over a great command."

Mosk, a native of Southern California, is a 1985 graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles with a degree in economics. A former naval flight officer and naval aviator, he flew the P-3B and P-3C Orion aircraft, including combat missions in support of Operation Allied Forces in 1999. Mosk reports to Rota from U.S. Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk, where he served as current operations officer responsible for maritime homeland defense and defense support of civil authorities.

Hampton, a 1981 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, is a P-3C Orion naval flight officer. Hampton reports to the U.S. Pacific Command, Pearl Harbor in July.

For more news from Naval Station Rota, visit www.navy.mil/local/rota/.