59th year, No. 30
serving the Nato, Naples and gaeta military community in italy
NSA Naples Conducts Change of Command By MCC Travis Simmons, NSA Naples Public Affairs
Capt. Douglas Carpenter, incoming commanding officer for Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples, salutes Capt. Scott Gray, outgoing commanding officer of NSA Naples, during a change-of-command ceremony at NSA Naples, July 24. Carpenter relieved Gray to become the 33rd commanding officer of NSA Naples. (Photo by MC3 Weston Jones)
Capt. Douglas Carpenter relieved Capt. Scott Gray to become the 33rd commanding officer of Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples during a change of command ceremony held in the base’s Capodichino Piazza, July 24. Rear Adm. John C. "Jack" Scorby Jr., commander of Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia, presided over the ceremony and offered his appreciation for Gray’s leadership and highlighted his accomplishments while in command, including four prestigious awards for the installation. “Capt. Gray has done an absolutely incredible job,” said Scorby. “He’s overseen millions of dollars’ worth of renovations and construction projects all designed to
Cmdr. Don Biadog Jr. gives an invocation during the Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples change of command ceremony, July 24. Capt. Douglas Carpenter relieved Capt. Scott Gray as the commanding officer of NSA Naples. (Photo by MCSN Mat Murch)
improve mission readiness and support the quality of life on our installations.” Scorby presented Gray with the Legion of Merit during the ceremony for his achievements. “When I arrived back in June of 2011, I quickly learned the phrase “see Naples and then die,” and frankly I quoted it in my change of command speech then, but I have to admit to you that I didn’t understand what it meant.” said Gray. “I get it now. The very essence of life is here in Naples. The food, the beauty, the rich culture, the chaos, but most importantly the people; it has been more than enough.” During his three years, renovations took place in the bachelor enlisted quarters, the food court was overhauled, base playgrounds received a facelift, a liberty center was created at the Support Site and an unmanned fitness cenwas opened at ter Capodichino. Sailors in Gaeta also saw their Navy Exchange double in size. “We have seen an improved quality of life for our families and single Sailors,” said Gray. Gray took time to thank those under his command and gave a special acknowledgement to the Italian employees who help maintain the stability in Naples. “Thanks to our dedicated civil servants and our local national employees, who serve as our continuity, keeping the base running while the military folks come and go,” said Gray. Scorby mentioned that seniority does not get you a command, but sustained superior performance does.
Friday, august 1, 2014
W hat ’ s I nsIde
USO Naples Hosts Summer BBQ at Capo Barracks Page 4
NCTS First Classes Help Prepare NES for New Year Page 10
See CHANGE OF COMMAND Page 6
US Naval Forces Europe Commander Visits USS Mount Whitney Adm. Mark Ferguson, commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, holds an all-hands call with Sailors aboard the U.S. 6th Fleet command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) in Gaeta, Italy, July 25. The visit marked the first time Ferguson had been aboard Mount Whitney since becoming commander. (Photo by MC2 Mike Wright)
By MC2 Mike Wright, USS Mount Whitney Public Affairs Adm. Mark Ferguson, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, visited the U.S. 6th Fleet command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) in Gaeta, July 25, for the first time since taking command. During an all-hands call with Sailors, Ferguson expressed his appreciation and gratitude for all the hard work they do on a daily basis. He also said he plans to spend more time with the crew in the near future. "The missions that Mount Whitney conducts are important,” said Ferguson. “I am proud of each and every one of you." While onboard, Ferguson toured department spaces, had a brief lunch with the ship’s commanding officer, Capt. Mark Colombo, and pinned two Sailors with their Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist pin. “It really made me feel good to have a four star admiral pin my Enlisted Surface Warfare qualification,” said Electronic Technician 3rd Class Rachel Stewart. “I will remember that moment for the rest of my life. It definitely gives me another story to talk with friends and family about.” Ferguson recently relieved Adm. Bruce Clingan as Commander, Allied Joint Force Command, Naples/ Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa. Mount Whitney, forward deployed to Gaeta, Italy,
operates with a combined crew of U.S. Navy Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. The civil service mariners perform navigation, deck, engineering and supply service opera-
tions, while military personnel support communications, weapons systems and security. It is one of only two seaborne joint command platforms in the U.S. Navy, both of which are forward deployed.
Military Family Welcoming Carnival Held at Support Site Page 13
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SUNDAY High 88 / Low 69 Clear