Robert Irvine, celebrity chef and host of numerous television shows, visited Naval Station Rota as part of a two-day USO Entertainment tour, July 26.

Irvine actively visits military service members through various programs or events including the USO Entertainment tour program, which he has participated in four times in 2015.

Irvine spent a day in the life of Sailors assigned to various units around Naval Station Rota. He began his day working out with the Marines of Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team Company Europe.

"I have traveled the world visiting the men and women who wear the cloth of our nation," said Irvine, "and I have an appreciation for the teamwork, loyalty and integrity that the military brings to us as a group of people. The loyalty and teamwork of the military is really something special to see in person."

Upon completion of the physical training, Irvine said he needed to take a nap for a half-hour, because it was one of the hardest workouts he's ever done.

Later in the day, he visited guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78), met the crew and had lunch with them on the mess decks. Then it was off to meet with the service members of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 8, where he received a demonstration on how to locate and dispose of explosive devices. After that, he met the Seabees of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133.

"The best part is spending time with the service men and women and their families," said Irvine, "because you get to understand their life and why they joined and it's really interesting. We want to let them know that we care."

Irvine said he and his team works with the military about 150 days each year.

"Our military stands the watch 365 days a year around the world," said Irvine, "and I want to make sure the American public doesn't forget about them, their families or the veterans that have served."

Irvine concluded his visit with an event involving volunteer cooking challenges to teach and entertain the audience. Volunteers cooked various dishes alongside Irvine and enjoyed the unique flavors.

"The best part of cooking is seeing the smile on people's faces once they've eaten your food," said Irvine. "It's very personal. It's like giving them a piece of yourself."

Irvine has been cooking professionally for over 25 years in addition to working as a cook at age 15 in the British Royal Navy for 10 years.

He's had the opportunity to serve thousands of service men and women in the military through several programs, including his own nonprofit organization The Robert Irvine Foundation.

For his volunteer service, Irvine was named Honorary Chief Petty Officer of the Navy by Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Mike Stevens, and awarded the Bob Hope Award for Excellence in Entertainment and Service of our Service Members by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, among other awards for his participation and volunteerism to the service members of the military.

Irvine will continue his USO Entertainment tour with stops in Sigonella, Sicily and Naples, Italy.

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.

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