Service members, family members and civilians aboard Naval Station Rota received their college degrees during a graduation ceremony, May 5.

Family and friends gathered for the annual ceremony, hosted by Navy College Rota, to recognize 43 graduates on their accomplishments.

Capt. Michael MacNicholl, Rota commanding officer, expressed pride in the distinguished group of graduates receiving their degrees among nine different colleges before presenting each of them with a certificate of their feat.

"We are all proud of you," said MacNicholl. "Because you stepped outside of your comfort zone and challenged yourselves by setting a significant, yet achievable, goal to improve yourself personally through academic study. A college degree, no matter what field of study it is in, will improve your quality of life and those around you."

The commanding officer closed his opening remarks with a reminder for graduates to give thanks to their family, friend or co-workers who have supported their success throughout their journey.

Col. Eric Hook, 521st Air Mobility Operations Group commander, gave the closing remarks for the ceremony and mentioned a quote from Nelson Mandela as words of encouragement: "education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world."

The ceremony celebration included 24 associate degrees, 10 bachelor's degrees and seven master's degrees from nine different universities.

Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Bryan Nance, Air Operation Department's leading chief petty officer, who graduated with an associate degree in applied science from Central Texas College said he never thought he would get his degree so late in the game but said it is a good feeling inside for having received one.

"Even though it's just an associate degree and I'm 41 years-old now," said Nance, "you're never too late in getting a degree."

Others graduates such as Sgt. Julian Antonissen and his wife Megan Antonissen, who both graduated with an associate degree in criminal justice, and Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Darius Grays and his wife Camila Grays, who graduated with an associate degree in technical management, all felt a common sense of relief after conquering a balance of work, kids and school. They all mentioned that family was their motivation to keep pushing through.

"Between caring for the house, family, homework and finals... it's tiring," said Grays, "it's long but it's so worth it. I would do it again in a heartbeat."

Many others shared their joys on their achievements and celebrated with friends and family at the closing of the event.

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 CNIC in Navy Region EURAFSWA.

Just as a ship performs lines of operation, which provide a capability, Navy Region EURAFSWA bases perform the same eight lines of operation to provide capability to the fleet and joint and allied forces. These eight lines of operation are air operations, port operations, safety, security, Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR), Fleet and Family Services and what is called the core -- the fuels, water and power which keep the bases running. Through the lines of operation, installations are force multipliers, which maximize the combat capability of operational units.

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