Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Zachary Shea | 190618-N-XO016-136 NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain (June 18, 2019) Rear Adm. Yancy Lindsey,...... read more read more
NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain (June 18, 2019) Naval Station Rota, Spain, held a change of command ceremony on the lawn in front of the installation’s headquarters building June 18.
Capt. David S. Baird relieved Capt. Michael D. MacNicholl as commander, U.S. Naval Activities Spain and commanding officer of Naval Station Rota during the ceremony attended by hundreds of guests including numerous distinguished visitors, American and Spanish service members, and family.
MacNicholl took command in June 2016 following the arrival of four Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers now permanently forward deployed to Rota. Under his command the installation invested heavily in infrastructure necessary to keep pace with the needs of operational forces. Projects included $120 million in utility upgrades and another $87 million in construction supporting port and airfield operations, telecommunications facilities and on-base lodging.
“I am very proud of the fantastic accomplishments of Team Rota,” said MacNicholl. “Our team is made up of not just Sailors but the civilians who serve – both Spanish and US. You have exceeded expectations and set the standard for excellence.”
During his tenure, MacNicholl often highlighted the ability of Naval Station Rota to project power and provide key strategic support to U.S., NATO and other partner nation forces. MacNicholl said the ability for the installation to meet that mission is founded upon the close cooperation of its more than 40 tenant commands and the enduring relationship with its Spanish hosts.
“The people of Rota and El Puerto de Santa Maria have made this tour feel like home. And my family looks forward to returning some day in the very near future – this place is special and will always be in our hearts,” said MacNicholl.
Upon taking command, Baird said he looks forward to continuing Rota’s record of excellence and building upon the close ties with the Spanish Navy.
“I am very excited to have the opportunity to experience life in Spain with my family and to build upon the exceptional work Capt. MacNicholl has done here in Rota,” said Baird. “Together with our Spanish partners, and all of Team Rota, we will continue to support fleet readiness and maintain presence in this strategically important location.”
Naval Station Rota enables and supports U.S., NATO and partner nation forces through six lines of operation which are security, port operations, air operations, safety, quality of life, and what is called the core. The core includes, fuel, water, power and information technology infrastructure. Through these lines of operation NAVSTA Rota maximizes the combat capability of U.S. and allied operational forces.
| Date Taken: | 06.18.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 06.18.2019 07:33 |
| Story ID: | 328050 |
| Location: | ROTA , ES |
| Web Views: | 491 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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