Possible orders to ROTA, SPAIN

[lyssarie]

Hubby e-mailed me today from his underway to say he was offered orders to Rota, Spain.

He is E-4, so eligible for accompanied orders.. he said 3 years if I go, 5 years if I don't, and he would report in January. That the Navy would pay to move our belongings, etc.,

This is exciting and scary, all at once!

I know nothing about being stationed overseas.. anybody live there now, used to live there, and so forth? Did you/did you not like it and why? What's it like?

Any and all information you can give would be appreciated, especially about jobs for spouses, moving my dogs (I am VERY nervous about flying the oldest.. he gets so anxious).

[Anti M]

First go ahead and get your passport, do not wait for the Navy.  

You'll go through an overseas screening, which clears you for criminal and debt, and health screening.  You'll get immunizations.

I do like Spain, but have not lived there, just visits.  I would be very excited, though.  I spent a very long time in Japan and loved it.  

Have your husband get a welcome aboard packet sent to you right away.  Make sure he requests a sponsor.  

http://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnreurafswa/installations/ns_rota....

From a quick look at the site, you may be living off base.  That means a full pack out, so start thinning your household goods right away. On base voltage is 110, off base is 220.  

http://www.crikeymum.com/2012/01/youve-got-orders-to-rota-spainnow-...

Pets
Pets in base housing are limited to a maximum of two, either dogs and/or cats. All pets must be registered with the base veterinarian upon arrival and proof of registration must be provided to the Housing Office. Naval Station Rota has aligned its policy with the Spanish law: the ownership of certain breeds of dogs determined to be dangerous will require that the owner pass physical and psychological examinations. The law also requires that these dogs be muzzled and leashed when walking outside. The dogs will have to be licensed and are required to have a microchip inserted. Some of the dogs considered to be dangerous are Rottweilers, Staff Terriers, Pit Bulls, Bull Terriers, Akitas, and Tosa Inus, as well as dogs weighing more than 20 kilograms and having strong jaws. Members should check with their sponsor prior to shipping any large, potentially dangerous dog to this installation.

http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nhrota/Staff/Documents/Pet%20Clearanc...

[lyssarie]

Thank you, Anti M!

He has been in Norfolk, but I was still in the process of moving myself and all of our stuff there, so half is here and half is there... what is the best way for me to handle that? I think moving stuff from 2 places may be a problem..

Also, I was under the impression that it was a base of "ours", just on Spanish soil, however some of what I have read on my own says that it is a Spanish Naval base.. do you know how that might change the rules? I saw a picture on the NavSta Rota facebook page that was captioned they were rarely allowed to fly the American flag on base, for example.

[Anti M]

They will only move your stuff from one place, so you have to decide what goes where.  Find out if long term storage is still an option for stuff you don't want to take.  It used to be, but I know things can change.  Call PPO and ask.  

I think it is a joint base.  Every base overseas works with local laws on some things, it usually isn't bad.  

[meagan5220]

ahhh I am super jealous! lol :) I don't have many answers but I wanted to stop in and say whatever Airline you fly with make sure you do a lot of research as far as pets go. I know United Airlines is coming under A LOT of fire right now because they have had dogs die in their care from serious neglect. Instead of addressing the issues they seem to be more intent on trying to brush it under the rug. I know some other companies have some issues as well I just have been seeing a lot about United recently.

[gabriela]

I lived in Rota Spain for four years! I loved it! Its a small base. The community is very close knit and you know everyone if you get involved. I dont know much about jobs for spouses since I am not married. We have a dog and moving him to Spain was easy on the MAC flight though it is a very long flight so it is best to not move your dog in the summer time. I dont know what else to say but you should go. I loved it and love coming back to visit. Feel free to contact me if you have more questions.