American and Spanish service members marked the 30th anniversary of the Agreement of Defense Cooperation between the Kingdom of Spain and the United States during a ceremony held aboard Naval Station Rota, Spain, Nov. 29.

Capt. Michael MacNicholl, commander, U.S. Naval Activities Spain, and Spanish Vice Adm. Torres Piñyero, admiral of Logistics Support Bay of Cadíz, presided over the event held on the base’s airfield before a formation of Spanish and American service members.

"As we mark the 30th anniversary of the Agreement of Defense Cooperation we are reminded of the common values that unite us: respect for the principles of democracy personal freedom and the rule of law,” said MacNicholl. “Our shared values and goals will continue to guide our course as we ensure peace, security and prosperity for many years to come.”

The agreement, signed Dec. 1, 1988, governs the defense partnership between the Kingdom of Spain and the United States, though the military relationship is actually much older having been originally established in 1953.

“It has been 65 years since the construction of the U.S. stations in Spain and 30 years since the signing of the current agreement,” said Piñyero. “I wish for the future to bring us at least as many more years serving together for the peace, stability and the security of our towns and the international community.”

Today, Spanish and U.S. forces cooperate on numerous operations across Naval Station Rota including base security, airfield operations, port operations as well as facilities and infrastructure maintenance. Speaking at the event, MacNicholl said cooperation between the two countries is critical to both countries shared goals.

“Together we conduct far-ranging operations that enable us to project power when needed and ensure our mutual safety and security. We can only do this through trust, practiced teamwork and commitment to one another,” said MacNicholl.

The event included a wreath-laying and salute to service members who have given their lives in the line of duty as well as a traditional Spanish military song in tribute to the fallen. A parade of the military formations concluded the event.

Naval Station Rota sustains the fleet, enables the fighter and supports the family by conducting air operations, port operation, ensuring security and safety, assuring quality of life and providing the core services of power, water, fuel and information technology.

Get more information about the Navy from US Navy Facebook or Twitter.

For more news from Naval Station Rota, Spain, visit www.navy.mil/.