NS Rota dates since 1953. It is the result of a Spanish dictator’s work. Francisco Franco decided to improve the Spanish relationships with the United States, half a century after the bloody war. The new connections were meant to improve the local economy. He provided the Americans with one of the most strategic points on the Spanish map, well known in the history for previous operations – Cadiz.
The first important submarines joined the base in 1964. By 1980, multiple equipments were brought there, not to mention about the significant improvements. Some of the submarines left, while new ones were joining in a continuous replacement process. The base reached its peak in 1980, when it hosted over 16000 troops and their families, plus a few permanent squadrons. After the end of the Cold War, the popularity dropped a little, as well as the area covered. For instance, the station only covers 5200 acres these days and hosts not more than 4000 citizens.
The first important submarines joined the base in 1964. By 1980, multiple equipments were brought there, not to mention about the significant improvements. Some of the submarines left, while new ones were joining in a continuous replacement process. The base reached its peak in 1980, when it hosted over 16000 troops and their families, plus a few permanent squadrons. After the end of the Cold War, the popularity dropped a little, as well as the area covered. For instance, the station only covers 5200 acres these days and hosts not more than 4000 citizens.