Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John Basilone (DDG 122) arrived at its new homeport of Naval Station Rota, Spain, Oct. 14, joining forward-deployed U.S. naval forces operating in Europe.
Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John Basilone (DDG 122) arrives at Naval Station (NAVSTA) Rota October 14, completing the homeport shift from Mayport. As the “Gateway to the Mediterranean,” NAVSTA Rota provides U.S., NATO and allied forces a strategic hub for operations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. NAVSTA Rota is a force multiplier, capable of promptly deploying and supporting combat-ready forces through land, air and sea, enabling warfighters and their families, sustaining the Fleet and fostering the U.S. and Spanish partnership. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Drace Wilson)
John Basilone joins units assigned to Commander, Task Force 65 and Destroyer Squadron 60, supporting regional maritime security operations and routine training opportunities alongside NATO Allies and regional partners.
“Operating in the European theater provides our crews valuable opportunities to project combat power, maintain operational readiness, and defend the maritime approaches to the Homeland,” said Vice Adm. J.T. Anderson, commander of U.S. 6th Fleet. “We welcome USS John Basilone and look forward to the ship joining our forward-deployed units.”
“We are proud to welcome USS John Basilone and her crew to Team Rota,” said Capt. Charles Chmielak, commander of U.S. Naval Activities Spain and Naval Station Rota. “Naval Station Rota remains committed to providing the operational support our Sailors and ships need to remain ready, responsive, and prepared to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex security environment.”
Commissioned in late 2024, John Basilone is a multi-mission guided-missile destroyer capable of conducting air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and surface warfare operations. The ship officially transferred homeports from Naval Station Mayport, Florida.
The ship honors Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. John Basilone, who received the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942 and was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for bravery at the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945. Basilone was the only enlisted Marine in World War II to receive both decorations.
“Our crew is honored to bring Gunnery Sgt. Basilone’s legacy to Europe,” said Cmdr. T. Max Murphy, commanding officer of John Basilone. “We are eager to integrate into the Rota community, work alongside our Spanish hosts, and support America’s ability to deter and win future conflicts.”
Headquartered in Naples, Italy, U.S. 6th Fleet conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and partner forces, to advance shared interests and promote maritime stability in Europe and Africa.