The Naval Station Rota community kicked off the 35th annual National Night Out celebration with a parade which lead to various law enforcement exhibitions Aug. 7, 2018.

The National Night Out program was introduced by the National Association of Town Watch in 1984 and is celebrated among law enforcement organizations and the community to strengthen partnerships and camaraderie.

“National night out is supposed to be an event where we get together as a community to celebrate our community and, more importantly, get a chance to interact with some of those first responders that support us in our communities,” said Capt. Michael MacNicholl, Naval Station Rota commanding officer. “Living overseas; it’s even more critical when you look at where we live because we rely on each other a little bit more and get to know each other a little bit more. We have to work together as a community where you live on base or off base: you’re part of the neighborhood and our community.”

From the Captain's Circle to Sea View Pines Park, parade participants tossed candy to cheerful onlookers as they passed by.

The event included free food, music as well as numerous exhibits and activities interlaced with educational information about the organizations' role on the community.

“About 35 years ago this started where 2.3 million folks in 23 states came out in one night to support the local law enforcement and it’s grown since then,” said MacNicholl. “Since that time period what you see now is a nationwide event with about 38 million people participating in it.”

Numerous organizations, including U.S. and Spanish security, Spain's Guardia Civil and local police collaborated to showcase machinery, equipment and vehicles used in everyday operations. Children had the opportunity to explore fire trucks, don heavy explosive ordnance disposal accessories and enjoy a demonstration of military working dogs in action.

"It’s very important to show that all of law enforcement is not bad law enforcement,” said Chief Master-at-Arms Leroy Williams, lead event coordinator. “We’re looking to show the community how much we really care about our community. How much we care about the local relationship that we have with the United States and the Spanish which brings us all together."

Naval Station Rota enables and supports operations of U.S. and allied forces and provides quality services in support of the fleet, fighter and family for Commander, Navy Installations Command in Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia (EURAFSWA).

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

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

More Details