New USO Unstaffed Center in Rota Offers Support to Sailors While in Port

The USO is consistently growing and expanding into new areas to bring support to service members no matter where they are in the world. To reach U.S. Navy sailors where they need it most, the USO recently opened a new unstaffed center at Rota Naval Air Station (NAS) right on the port.

“This communal living unit (CLU) is designed to support sailors assigned to ships undergoing maintenance,” said Southern Europe Area Operations Manager, Luisa Mazzella. “Offering a comfortable and welcoming space during their time onshore after long months at sea, this center will play a vital role in enhancing the sailors’ experience while they are working on the Rota pier.”

Over the course of just four days, a dedicated group of volunteers and three USO staff members worked to turn the empty space into a helpful center.

A Vision Takes Shape

The journey to opening the center began with a clear vision: to create a welcoming environment where sailors could unwind, connect with one another and recharge after their time underway. The USO team started planning by mapping out the ideal layout for the space. The vision consisted of three distinct areas within the center: a dining area, a gaming and entertainment space and a cozy nook to host the USO Reading Program. This design caters to the diverse needs of sailors, offering something for everyone.

USO staff and volunteers started the renovation with the basics: a containerized living unit (CLU), a couch and a microwave. The real transformation began on day one with a trip to the nearest IKEA, where the team spent hours selecting furniture, décor and other essentials to bring their vision to life. Nine carts and four dollies’ worth of items later, two vans were filled to the brim and the team returned to the port to begin the setup.

“The vision for the center, like all USO centers, was a home away from home feeling,” said Haley Holland, USO Rota Center Operations Specialist. “As the center finally started to come together, it was so fulfilling seeing all the areas transform to a functional space!

Having volunteers from the ship who would be using it and watching their expressions each time new furniture or décor was put out was unforgettable. Being part of this project was incredibly rewarding, knowing the space would have a lasting impact on the sailors who would soon use it.

Building the Center

The effort was truly a community effort, with five volunteers from USO Rota and 10 volunteers from the USS Paul Ignatius playing a crucial role in the process.

On the second day, the team began assembling the furniture and painting the walls a calming blue. One volunteer even brought his large roller toolbox, complete with four different toolkits, ensuring that every piece of furniture was expertly assembled. Another volunteer used a power saw to build a wooden accent piece to hang on the wall.

“When you look out the window of the unstaffed center at Rota you see an industrial landscape,” said Western Europe Area Operations Manager, Lisa Wease. “However, when you look just beyond the working components you see the American flag gracefully flying on the back of the USS Paul Ignatius. This visual was a reminder of the people we serve at the USO. Now, the sailors will have a place to give them the comforts of home and just outside the window they can see freedom flying.”

Day three was all about the final touches. Volunteers spent the day hanging artwork, arranging furniture and ensuring that everything was perfectly in place. Displaying USO signage throughout the center also helped to reinforce the center’s identity, mission and USO presence.

Opening Day

By the time opening day arrived, the center was ready to welcome its first visitors. USO staff members shopped for snacks, drinks and a celebratory cake, which they decorated themselves with red and blue icing. The excitement was palpable as sailors began to arrive, ready to explore the new space that had been created just for them.

For two particular service members, the opening of this center became a personal achievement. Sonar Technician, STG1 Britney Barnes, who has been in the Navy for 13 years and volunteered all four days, was thrilled to see the space come to life.

I was really excited when I heard the USO needed volunteers,” she said. “I was ready to volunteer because the USO has always been there to help us. The center looks beautiful and it’s really nice coming off the ship to a place where we can thoroughly relax and enjoy.

Navy Counselor, NC1 Lavonne Rollins, who has served for 14 years and also volunteered every day with the USO, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of the center for sailors, especially those on their first tour.

"Having a space like this, with camaraderie like this, is very important for our sailors,” she said. “Especially our first-term sailors and our fleet returnees. We need spaces like this, safe places, so we have time to unwind and relax, especially after being underway for such a long time.”

As sailors continue to arrive in Rota, they can take comfort in knowing that there’s a place just for them at the USO, where they can find a sense of community, camaraderie and the support they need during their time away from home and loved ones.