U.S. Consul General of Naples Lends a Helping Hand in NASSIG COMREL

U.S. Consul General of Naples Lends a Helping Hand in NASSIG COMREL

By MC1 Kegan E. Kay, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella and her tenant commands conduct over 200 community relations projects a year throughout Sicily. Recognition of the base’s efforts have travelled far and wide, even drawing the attention of the U.S. Consulate General of Naples.

Marking her first visit to Sicily, both personal and professionally, U.S. Consul General Mary Avery took the opportunity to participate in a community relations event and conduct an official visit to NAS Sigonella. Jan. 28.

“Supporting the bases is really important to our mission at the Consulate General,” said the Consul. “I’m here to visit Sigonella as well as Catania to connect with the important local contacts who support our activities here. I think it’s a really great opportunity to showcase volunteerism that is such an important part of American culture and American values. It’s the way we give back to the communities that support our presence here.”

Avery started her visit by speaking with Antonio Raspanti, Bishop of Acireale, and Father Marcello Pulvirenti, the priest of the Church of Jesus and Mary, before joining the Sailors and Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Africa 20.1 (SPMAGTF-CR-AF 20.1) and the Sacred Military Constantine Order of San Giorgio - Delegation of Sicily, in cleaning the church.

“I think it’s a great activity and I’m really happy to do it with the Marines and with the Constantine Order of St. George,” said the Consul. “Places like this in Italy just need so much care and work and it’s such an on-going responsibility for Italy to protect its patrimony. It feels really good to give back and to help Italy do that with all the beauty they have here.”

Dressing out in a protective suit for painting, Avery joined the others in removing rust from the church’s entry gate before providing the gate with a fresh coat of paint.

Following her participation in the community relations project, Avery conducted an official visit of NAS Sigonella where she received command mission briefs from NAS Sigonella, SPMAGTF-CR-AF 20.1, and NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance.

Following the briefs, the site visit was rounded out with a base tour and a meet with greet with Patrol Squadron (VP) 4 and the U.S. Air Force’s 7th Reconnaissance Squadron.

“The U.S. Consulate appreciates the close working relationship we enjoy with NAS Sigonella in our efforts to further strengthen the U.S. - Italy security cooperation,” remarked Avery about the base and it’s various mission sets.

NAS Sigonella’s strategic location enables U.S, allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required to ensure security and stability in Europe, Africa and Central Command.