Posted on 02/06/2004 7:20:52 PM PST by blam
I stopped by Rota a few times coming and going back in the arly '70s but never had the opportunity to leave the base. It was nice and sunny but also hot and dusty. My most vivid memory of the place is the purchase of two pairs of elegant leather boots which, sadly, ended up being a size too small.
Years later, I still love Spain, having hit Barcelona and Valencia a few times by sea and Barcelona by rail. We visited Spain about four years ago and started out in the south (a week in a beautiful RCI timeshare in Torremolinas) where we visited Seville, Cordoba, Segovia, Malaga, Gibraltar, etc. but had the good sense to avoid the "lure" of the ferry to Morocco. I'm not keen on surrendering my passport to a tour captain named Abdul, thank you.
We then went north to Madrid, spent four days there and then on to points north where my wife had served as a missionary many moons ago. What a beautiful country filled with wonderful people. Great Semana Santa (Holy Week/Easter) processions and a wonderful rail system. A clean country, too, overall.
But I never could understand why their seemed to be an ongoing competition for the national title of "The Filthiest Public Restroom in Spain." The winner hands down was an otherwise awesome cathedral in central Madrid, with runners-up in many otherwise fine restaurants.
We'd like to see our adopted home-away-from-home before the Islamo-Spanish Civil War begins. Hell, the Muslims already are fixin' to rebuild the Grand Mosque in Segovia as a major step toward the Islamic "reclamation" of Spain.
We're going back for a week this year -- Allah willing (if'n ya git my drift) -- disguised as it were as a Greek and an Icelander and wearing amulets made from Spanish soap (Lavanda Puig) to ward of the gypsies which still plague the land after so many centuries.
In these troubled times I only wish that I could bring along my two German friends as well -- two very high-caliber gentlemen named Herr Heckler and Herr Koch. They don't eat much but can be very loud and assertive at times, but they do speak a universal language.
I wonder if the no-nonsense la Guardia Civil' still pack understated 9's....... 8~)
McMonica's? ("Have it Your Way"). Or perhaps Saint Humpty of Napoli.
"My first Med Cruise was in 1959 on Forrestal and Humpty Dumpty was there then. My last Med Cruise was in 1983 aboard Nimitz and Humpty was still there, but she obviously wasn't the same woman."
Say it ain't so, oldsalt!! 8~{
(Disclaimer: "I'll only say this once. I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Dumpty.")
Deployed twice to the Med from Camp Lejeune (Marines) back in the mid-'60's. On the second cruise (early '66) our ship stopped at Rota on the way over ... prior to hooking up with 6th Fleet in the Med. Remember it somewhat, but it didn't leave an indelible impression.
The flag ship of the 6th Fleet during that era was the USS Springfield stationed at Villefranche (between Nice & Monaco) on the French Riviera. Now that was great duty ... She was later replaced by the USS Little Rock that moved the home port to Italy, just north of Naples.
Wife and I spent last summer in Seville (her hometown) as a retirement gift to ourselves. Was mildly surprised to see the Guardia had a fair complement of females. They no longer wear the fascist-looking forest green uniforms with patent leather hats, Sam Browne belts, etc. In fact they look almost "civil". Pistols, from what I could see, appeared to be Astra A-series (Sig knockoffs).
The Moroccans were flooding southern beaches in unbelievable numbers, and being caught and turned back by the hundreds almost daily. Risking all for a chance to sell sunglasses and imitation Rolex watches in tent kiosks. Some southern areas (Almeria for one) seem to have more Moors than Spaniards.
The ancient Spanish curse, "me cache en los Moros", can still be heard! Above all the cerveza CruzCampo is still great! And the women? Stunning!
Regards, Carlos
LDP = Landing Personnel Dock = Carries Marines and landing craft. The Well Deck is partially flooded, the stern gate is opened, and the landing craft go out and go in to dock.
I think that picture of the USS RR was when it was on its shakedown cruise. It wouldn't be fully manned, nor have aircraft embarked.
I suspect the planners are looking closely at Rota's new staging area as well as their port facilities and air field. IIRC, the staging area was built up in the last few years, solely as a staging/forward positioning area for contingencies in that part of the world.
Strategically, Rota is the perfect location for controlling access to the med. With sea access just a short distance west of Gibraltar, plus their air facilities, they are in position to be the gatekeeper.
"Some southern areas (Almeria for one) seem to have more Moors than Spaniards."
I must talk with my German relatives who bought property there - as tax refugees:)
I hope all those Navy guys get off the base to meet and marry a Spanish woman. They look nice and are smart. Smart enough to let a man think he runs things, while they know otherwise. LOL!
"My name's not Joe,
I don't want to buy a Rolex,
and I don't want to tour the cameo factory!"
I was stationed at NAVSUPPACT (NSA) Naples (1968-70)in Agnano, which was near the Navy Hospital. Humpty Dumpty used to sit on the wall along with her friends on the road leading into the crater. We organized a party and asked her to hand out autographed pictures of herself to the guests. She refused stating that she would rather give them oral gratification than humilate herself with pictures. Even Humpty had standards.
One afternoon I asked on of the "Hey-Joes" if he wanted to buy a watch. When he expressed interest and curiosity, I told him to be on my ship's quarterdeck at midnight for the mid-watch.
. He knew what I meant, and after he unleased a high-pitched torrent of Italian profanity at me, I asked him to translate. He busted up laughing, dutifully obliged, and impressed me with how expressive the Italian language can be.
Quite educational, I must say, and almost as funny as the ancient business establishment signs (or repros thereof) gracing the streets of Pompeii.
Oh, my. Flashbacks coming on. Craving a six-ounce bottle of Coca Cola...........
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.