Description An enduring monument to the ongoing defense partnership between the United States and Spain, Naval Station Rota celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2003. Located near the Strait of Gibraltar in Spain’s southernmost region of Andalucia, the base has been dubbed the ‘Gateway to the Mediterranean’ by the U.S. Navy, a clear indication of its strategic importance to American interests abroad. Naval Station Rota was built during the early years of the Cold War and has provided critical support to the U.S. Navy’s Sixth Fleet for than five decades. Occupying 6,100 acres along the northern shore of the Bay of Cadiz, the base is home to more than 3,000 active military personnel and numerous tenant commands, including the acclaimed VQ-2 Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron, which has played a vital role in recent U.S. military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. This medallion is dedicated to the Military and Civilian personnel, past and present, who have proudly served this great Naval Station. The coin is minted in a brass alloy and given an antique bronze finish. Each coin measures 1 3/4 inch (44mm) in diameter. This is a surplus NWTM item. Packaging may vary.
