United States, arriving.
The Sailors on the destroyer Ross got a visit from the commander in chief Sunday, as President Obama made a stopped at Naval Station Rota, Spain, on his return trip from the NATO summit in Warsaw.
At an all-hands call later in the day after his tour of the ballistic missile defense-capable warship, Obama said his trip was about reaffirming the U.S. commitment to Europe's security.
"So on my visit to Europe, what I have been trying to communicate, what I have been wanting to focus on, is America's relation to Europe and the fact that our commitment will not change," Obama said. "We have an enduring commitment to the transatlantic alliance and to our allies in Europe because you are central to our security and we could not have a more important alliance or a better set of friends than those of you here in Europe.
"That includes a strong and unified Spain, one of our closest allies. The alliance between our countries is rooted in shared values, of democracy, and pluralism and open markets and our shared commitment to freedom."
Ross is one of four BMD-armed destroyers forward-deployed to Rota as part of the European missile defense network. A Navy missile defense site came in late 2015 in Romania and a second site is planned for Poland.
Obama also made sure to thank sailors, airmen and Marines stationed in Spain for their work.
"To all the Americans who are here," Obama said, "I know it's not easy serving far away from home. Although I must say if you gotta be away from home, this is not a bad place to be. But even in a place as beautiful as this, you're missing holidays and birthdays and family reunions. But each and every day you stand up for our country and you do it with honor, you do it with courage, and you do it with commitment."
Watch the full speech below:
David B. Larter was the naval warfare reporter for Defense News.
