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CNSL Visits Rota Ahead of First Destroyer

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS140124-15
Release Date: 1/24/2014 10:33:00 PM

By Morgan Over

ROTA, Spain (NNS) -- Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic (SURFLANT) Rear Adm. Pete Gumataotao visited Naval Station Rota today ahead of the arrival of four Arleigh Burke-class destroyers that will be permanently forward deployed to the region by the end of next year.

USS Donald Cook (DDG-75) will be the first ship to arrive in Rota as part of the strategic plan announced by the Secretary of Defense Oct. 5, 2011.

'Since I took over in August, I've been anxious to come out here to see the work we have completed up to this point,' said Gumataotao. 'I came here to ensure that I better understand the facilities and all the support agencies that are available to keep the ships ready.'

Gumataotao visited people, buildings and pier facilities which will provide support for the four destroyers, as well as quality of life locations including single Sailor and family housing, the Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC), and the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Fitness Center.

'There has been a lot of work done here by everyone, including the host nation. It starts with Capt. Greg Pekari, base commander here. All of the attention will ensure the success of those ships in conducting the incredible mission that they are doing,' Gumataotao said.

To ensure the installation is well prepared for the arrival of Donald Cook, Gumataotao also met with supporting commands. These included Navy Regional Maintenance Center as well as Destroyer Squadron 60, which will provide command and administrative support to the destroyers.

'Not only are you [NAVSTA Rota] all prepared, I feel the energy here. There's a sense of excitement. I got excited just walking around meeting people. The folks that were showing me the facilities ... they're great.'

The importance of the continued relationship between the United States and the Kingdom of Spain did not go unnoticed by Gumataotao. With a relationship that was established more than 60 years ago, he said 'I think the relationship that we have with Spain has been awesome.'

During his visit, the SURFLANT commander gathered information to allay concerns of Norfolk and Mayport Sailors who may be anxious about making the transition to Rota.

'I'd be excited to come here. I would love to come back here as a Sailor and that's the signal that I will send. I'm going to go over there [to Norfolk and Mayport] and look at those Sailors and their families and say, 'Oh my gosh, you all should be excited in many ways,'' Gumataotao said. 'And I will be better postured to answer their questions because I can actually say that I was there and I saw it. This will be something that I hope many folks will speak highly of when they're done with their tour here.'

Gumataotao thanked the Rota community as well as base representatives for the teamwork and effort put forth to station the ships here.

'My kudos to the entire team because the partnership that I've seen on building to where we're at now has been phenomenal. There are so many folks that I met today. Their attitude was awesome and it all starts with attitude. They're very excited to welcome all four of my ships.'

The Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are multi-mission ships that will perform a myriad of tasks, including the full spectrum of maritime security operations, bilateral and multilateral training exercises, NATO operations and deployments and NATO missile defense.