Rota Commanding Officer's Independence Day BBQ

The commanding officer (CO) of our base held a barbecue on July 4th night for the American Ward Room and some Spanish military and VIP's of the Spanish side of the base. He holds these events twice a year, at July 4th and Christmas and most, if they aren't traveling, attend. The Spanish usually attend in full force as its a fully catered meal including alcohol and its a big social event for the officers of the base. The CO holds the event in "Captain's Circle", a cul-de-sac where his house and other high ranking American officer's houses are located. Most homes in this cul-de-sac have commanding views of the harbor and ocean and are very spacious for our base's standards.
The barbecue was outstanding. It included crab legs with an engraved souvenir crab leg cracker, bbq ribs and chicken, corn on the cob, cole slaw and an open bar of tinto de verano, beer or wine. There was also a DJ and a contest for best festive hat which surprisingly, a lot of people, both American and Spanish, participated in.

Heading into the Captain's Circle. They have a big landscaped grassy area in the middle of the cul-de-sac. The event was held here instead of the usual spot, the CO's backyard, due to the high winds we have had the last few days.

Justin and some of his fellow officer friends.

Kurt (Justin's friend and fellow officer), me and Alicia (our neighbor and Drew's mom) after some great bbq. As you can see, Alicia was participating in the "hat" contest.

Me, Alicia and Tomasina (she is the one of the other base JAG's wife and our adjoining neighbor).

The front of the CO's house in the back center of the cul-de-sac. The ENTIRE backyard is a 180 degree ocean and harbor view.

The back of the CO's house. His patio has three separate patio tables and chairs for entertaining.

We stole a picture in the CO's backyard in front of his unspoiled view of the ocean.

Sadly, our flag had to come down last night. It was an emotional moment for Justin and me. We had to console each other as we took it down.