The Base of Rota in Cádiz has hoisted the flag of the United States for the first and only time this year to celebrate July 4th. This year, the holiday holds special significance as it marks the 250th anniversary of the North American country's Independence, an event celebrated worldwide and which resonates particularly at the Cádiz station, home to approximately 8,000 Americans, including military personnel and their families.
According to the bilateral agreement between the Kingdom of Spain and the United States of America on Defense Cooperation, which governs the shared use of the naval base, military installations are to be under Spanish command and only fly Spanish flags and command insignia. Spain's Flag Law further reinforces this rule, establishing the national flag as the sole one permitted on public military buildings and establishments of the Armed Forces and State Security Forces.
Although the US flag has been seen on other occasions at Rota alongside the Spanish flag, and with the exception of change of command ceremonies, today's hoisting is carried out with a special permit from the Spanish Navy and the base admiral, as an exceptional gesture of courtesy. The Rota Naval Station highlighted on social media the privilege of flying the United States flag, acknowledging Spain's invaluable support during their War for Independence 250 years ago.
Spain played a crucial role in the victory of this war, a fact being emphasized in celebrations in the USA, where the training ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano and other Spanish vessels are participating in commemorative events in New York.
The Base of Rota has been adorned with red, white, and blue colors to celebrate the Independence Fest, which included activities and music on San Fernando avenue. During the festivities, a fire broke out in a forest area, which was extinguished by firefighters and emergency services without major consequences.
