Spain and the United States: A Defense Partnership That Strengthens Us All

The relationship between Spain and the United States rests on shared democratic values, deep economic ties, and strong cultural connections. But one of the most important pillars of our partnership, often less visible to the public, is the close cooperation between our two countries in defense and security.

When I arrived in Spain as U.S. Ambassador in 2013, we marked the 60th anniversary of the U.S.–Spain Defense Cooperation Agreement, a milestone that underscored how long our countries have worked together to strengthen transatlantic security. Now over seven decades, this partnership has evolved into a cornerstone of NATO cooperation and a powerful example of how alliances rooted in trust, respect for international law, and shared democratic values help safeguard peace and stability.

During my time in Spain, I saw firsthand how this cooperation functions not simply as a formal agreement, but as a daily collaboration that protects citizens across Spain, Europe, and the broader NATO community.

Two key examples of this partnership are the naval base in Rota and the air base in Morón de la Frontera, these facilities reinforce Spain’s strategic importance and NATO’s ability to respond to emerging threats.

At Naval Station Rota, Spain and the United States finalized home-porting of four U.S. Navy Aegis-equipped destroyers as part of NATO’s ballistic missile defense system, which was increased to six destroyers in 2023. Positioned at the gateway between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, Rota plays a vital role in protecting allied nations from evolving missile threats.

This capability strengthens NATO’s collective defense while also contributing directly to the protection of Spanish citizens. By enhancing maritime security and missile defense across the region, the partnership at Rota helps safeguard millions of people throughout Europe and the Middle East.

Beyond its strategic importance, Rota has deepened operational cooperation between Spanish and American naval forces and generated meaningful economic benefits for Andalucía. The presence of these ships and their crews supports local jobs, infrastructure, and businesses, demonstrating how security cooperation and economic growth often go hand in hand.

Cooperation at Morón Air Base, near Seville, provides another powerful example of the strength of this alliance. In 2015, I worked closely with Spanish leaders to help finalize an amendment to the U.S.–Spain Defense Cooperation Agreement allowing a permanent U.S. Marine Corps crisis-response force to be stationed at Morón.

This agreement transformed Morón into a permanent headquarters of the U.S. Africa Command’s Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force (SP-MAGTF), reinforcing Spain’s strategic importance to transatlantic security. The unit is designed to respond quickly to humanitarian crises, evacuations, or security emergencies across North and West Africa.

Morón’s location makes it uniquely suited for that mission and contributes to stability in regions closely connected to Spain’s own security environment.

It is also important to recognize a principle that Spanish authorities have consistently emphasized: the bases remain under Spanish national sovereignty, and operations require explicit authorization from Madrid. During my time as ambassador, missions transiting from Spain were always carried out with respect, through close consultation and mutual agreement, reflecting the shared commitment of both countries to the broader interests of the alliance.

Throughout my tenure, I visited both Rota and Morón frequently. Those visits revealed the human dimension of this partnership.

One moment stands out in particular. In 2016, President Barack Obama visited Spain for bilateral meetings with the King and Prime Minister, the first visit by a sitting U.S. President in 15 years. During that trip, he also traveled to Naval Station Rota, marking the first time a sitting U.S. President had ever visited the base. It was a powerful symbol of the strength and strategic importance of the partnership between Spain and the United States.

Standing there with the president alongside Spanish and American service members, I was struck by the extraordinary collaboration taking place every day. Approximately 5,000 Americans are stationed there, living side by side with Spanish personnel and their families. Many are raising their children in Spanish communities, shopping in local markets, and forming friendships that extended far beyond the gates of the base.

Those relationships reflect something deeper than a defense agreement. They represented the trust that grows when allies work together day after day.

From the perspective of the United States, there has always been a profound sense of gratitude for Spain’s openness and partnership. The welcome extended to American service members and their families has created bonds that endure long after assignments end.

Today’s world remains complex and unpredictable. New challenges from geopolitical tensions to emerging technological threats require strong alliances grounded in cooperation and respect for international law.

Spain has consistently demonstrated leadership within NATO and the European Union by investing in collective security. The United States recognizes Spain as one of its most reliable and capable partners in Europe.

The agreements at Rota and Morón stand as enduring examples of what allies can achieve when they work together with trust, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to peace and stability.

They remind us that strong alliances are not simply about defense. They are about protecting the democratic values, human rights, economic opportunity, and international stability that allow societies to thrive and ensuring the safety of citizens on both sides of the Atlantic.

In that shared mission, Spain and the United States remain indispensable partners.