ROTA, Spain –
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile Destroyer USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) pulled into Naval Station Rota, Spain, March 23, 2019 for a scheduled port visit.
This port visit serves as a logistics stop after the ship’s transit across the Atlantic Ocean, and further demonstrates the enduring relationship between U.S. and Spain as NATO allies.
“Spain is the first stop in the beginning of our journey,” said Cmdr. Christopher J. Schwarz. “We’re here to refuel, conduct maintenance and get supplies in order to sustain upcoming maritime security efforts.”
Following Rota, Gonzalez is scheduled to continue its deployment supporting maritime security efforts and participating in exercises with allies and partners in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations. Sailors aboard Gonzalez will participate in training evolutions to strengthen areas in watch standing, damage control, and warfighting.
U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.