The King's visit commenced at 9:30 AM with a tour of the Aircraft Flotilla, the Survival Center, and the Internal Security Training Center of the Navy. These facilities are vital components of the military complex in Cádiz, highlighting the base's strategic importance.

During his time there, Felipe VI gained firsthand insight into the operations of the Aircraft Flotilla, primarily based at the aerodrome, which is a cornerstone of the Navy's embarked air units. He also visited the Internal Security Training Center, inaugurated in 2013, which serves ship crews, Navy units, US vessels, and personnel from other bodies such as the UME, the Royal Guard, and civil protection institutions.

This tour unfolds during a particularly sensitive time for the Rota Base, following weeks of strained relations between the Spanish Executive and the US administration. Washington has issued warnings about a potential reassessment of troop presence at facilities like Rota, stemming from disagreements on arms collaboration, although recent days have shown signs of easing tensions.

Uncertainty surrounds the base's future; despite being nationally owned, it is considered strategic for both Spain and the United States, hosting units from both countries and playing a critical role in international operations. The royal visit underscores the head of state's institutional role in defense and diplomacy, as the Rota Base once again garners attention for its strategic relevance and the global context.

The monarch's engagement with this military installation is ongoing, having visited the base on several occasions, including in 2009, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2019, when he toured the Operational Headquarters (ESP OHQ) for the European Union's Atalanta anti-piracy operation. His most recent visits were in 2021 and 2022, to observe the Flotex-22 exercise, which showcased the Navy's operational capabilities.