U.S. service members assigned to Naval Station Rota, Spain raised the U.S. flag aboard the Spanish Naval Base July 4 by special permission of the Spanish base commander.
U.S. Naval Station Rota is only permitted to fly the U.S. flag with specific permission from the Spanish base commander-in-chief due to the restrictions set in the Agreement for Defense Cooperation, the governing document between the United States and the Kingdom of Spain.
Hundreds of service members representing the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Army participated in the flag-raising ceremony.
“An event like this, held but once a year, speaks directly to the patriotism of each and every one of you – military and civilian alike,” said Capt. Scott Kraverath, Naval Station Rota, Spain commanding officer .
Kraverath added that it is extremely rare to have an opportunity to fly the 15-star flag.
“I love to see our nation’s flag flying, no matter the location,” said Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Paul Lembo. “ It’s extra special to be here for the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 and see the 15-star flag flying. This is definitely something that I will always remember.”
From 2012 through 2015, the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Army are commemorating the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and our national anthem, the “Star-Spangled Banner.” This was the first time Naval Station Rota has flown the 15 star-flag.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, July 4, 2012