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Sailors Learn About The Move to Spain

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS130617-15
6/17/2013

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Dusty Good, CNSL Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to the guided-missile destroyers USS Donald Cook (DDG 75), USS Ross (DDG 71) and USS Porter (DDG 78) and their families attended briefings on what life is like in Rota, Spain, prior to their upcoming move, June 12 - 13.

Naval Surface Force Atlantic and Naval Station Rota held the event, which included presentations and discussions. The materials featured a wealth of print and video resources to guide Sailors and families through the homeport change and their move to Spain. In addition to nearly a dozen briefings, the visiting Rota leaders met with the transitioning people to answer questions and address their concerns.

Ross and Donald Cook will transition to Rota next year with Porter and USS Carney (DDG 64) arriving in 2015.

"The four ships we are moving to Rota are going to be a very important part of our national security," said Rear Adm. Brian L. Laroche, deputy commander, Naval Service Force Atlantic. "These ships are going to be on the forefront of our national commitment to NATO and the European Phased Adaptive Approach."

Sailors want to know how their families are going to be taken care of in the transition process.

"This is phase two of our four-phased approach of outreach for the Sailors and families who are moving," said Chief Mass Communication Specialist Mikel Bookwalter, event co-coordinator, NAVSTA Rota deputy public affairs officer.

Twenty Rota briefers met with Sailors and families and provide them the critical information they need to know to prepare for the move. Barbara Peters, Rota school liaison officer, provided parents information about child care and on and off base schooling options.

"My favorite part of this is helping families be prepared to go without the nervousness and the fear of the unknown," said Peters.

The briefers met individually with curious Sailors, spouses and children to answer questions at booths set up expo-style. Information was given about housing, changes to pay and benefits, and services provided at the hospital.

The ships' leadership, including representatives of the Family Readiness Group, joined Sailors, spouses and children also spent time with their visitors to learn about Rota life.

Laura Rees, whose husband serves on the USS Ross (DDG 71), was grateful for the opportunity.

"This is extremely helpful," said Rees. "It gives me a lot of ease knowing people seem really relaxed and eager to help you and give you all the information you need."

The Naval Station Rota Morale Welfare and Recreation staff discussed what they had to offer. Sailors also learned more about the Spanish culture, and about the communities outside the base.

Diego Vasquez Baglietto, Rota national representative, welcomed Sailors and family members. He shared information about the Rota culture and passed out posters and calendars.

"The Navy has had a strong presence in Rota for over fifty years," said Baglietto. "The Seabees built my school."

Baglietto also wanted Sailors to know the people of Rota look forward to sharing their culture and appreciate the strong impact the Sailors have on the local economy.

Beginning next year, the four Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyers will forward deploy to Rota to provide enhanced ballistic missile defense, a direct reflection of our commitment to the region. These multi-mission destroyers will execute a wide range of duties including maritime security operations, bilateral and multilateral training exercises to enhance security of the European region.