Members throughout the Rota, Spain, community gathered together to promote security, community partnerships and overall neighborhood camaraderie, during the 32nd annual National Night Out, Aug. 4.

National Night Out was created in 1993 by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW). NATW is a non-profit crime prevention organization dedicated to the development and promotion of crime prevention in communities across the nation.

The annual community-building campaign, coordinated by Chief Master-at-Arms Robert Sanchez and Chief Master-at-Arms Jorge Ontiveros, encouraged creating relationships within the community that can make neighborhoods safer, better places to live.

"National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community, and provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances," said Sanchez. "More than 16,000 communities across all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases world-wide participate in this relationship-building event."

The base security department organized and led the night, which included 18 different organizational displays and demonstrations by Naval Station Rota's Fire Department, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 8, Coastal Riverine Squadron 4, military working dogs, tenant commands, support services assigned to the base, and local Spanish police departments.

Chief Master-at-Arms Kenneth Pratt said one of the goals of the event was to help make children not be afraid of the police.

"We want them to be used to law enforcement as kids, so when they are adults, they are not afraid of any police interaction," he added.

The night began with a parade from Captain's Circle to Seaview Pines and attendees learned about the local first-responders and what they do for the community.

"National Night Out has been going on for 32 years and the reason behind it is to bring the community together with local law enforcement, so people in the community get to know who their first-responders are," said Tony Guyette, Rota's physical security officer.

Capt. Greg Pekari, commander, U.S. Naval Activities Spain, said that the event was an outstanding success that will benefit Sailors and family members, as well as the local community.

"It was a great turnout and beautiful evening," he said. "National Night Out is an opportunity, not only to come together as one community, but an opportunity to recognize our local first responders because a lot of people work together to keep the community safe, both on and off base."

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