Serving the nato, naples and Gaeta military community in italy
58th year, no. 22
NSA Remembers Midway
Friday, June 7, 2013
W hat ’ s I nsIde
New SACEUR Visits Sailors in Naples Page 4
Capt. Scott Gray, commanding officer of Naval Support Activity Naples, left, Command Master Chief Charles Collins and command chaplain Cmdr. Phil Pelikan render honors during a wreath-laying ceremony for the 71st anniversary of the Battle of Midway. (Photo by MCSN Luis R. Chavez Jr.)
By MCSN Luis R. Chavez Jr., Navy Public Affairs Support Element-East Detachment Europe
Service members, distinguished guests and other community members gathered at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples for a Battle of Midway commemoration ceremony, June 4, in honor of those who lost their lives during the significant battle. The ceremony, which included a wreath laying and a speech from Capt. Scott Gray, commanding
officer of NSA Naples, marked the 71st anniversary of one of the most prominent naval battles of World War II, which created a shift of power between the Japanese and U.S. naval forces. “The Battle of Midway is considered the very paradigm of the spectacular reversal of military force by a weaker force,” said Gray. “The Midway victory was a pivot point; it placed the United States in a position to check the growth of Japan in the Pacific.” Nearly six months after the attack on Pearl Harbor, a small
fleet of U.S. forces defended against and defeated four carriers of the Japanese navy during the Battle of Midway, which issued the Japanese one of their most prominent losses in naval history. “Though the Japanese force was on the move, though it had the momentum, American forces had what mattered most, selfless warriors of character and courage,” said Gray. “These were desperate times for our country and they stepped up and steeled their resolve.”
Through memorial and commemoration ceremonies we can remember those throughout history who gave their lives through selfless acts of honor, fidelity and integrity that have shaped our nation. “This celebration is important to make sure that we always remember where we came from, those who came before us, and to honor their memory and keep track of the significant events that make us who we are today,” said Cmdr. Robert Barbee, executive officer of NSA Naples.
US and Italian Military Bands Perform at Capo
See US and Italian Military Bands Page 7
Pages 10-11
Frocking Ceremonies Held for Naples Sailors Page 13
Weekly Crime Report Review what happened between May 30 and June 5.
By MC1 Travis Simmons, NSA Naples Public Affairs
A joint concert by the Italian army band, Fanfara dei Bersaglieri, and U.S. Naval Forces Europe (CNE) Band took place June 5 at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples. The Italian band made a grand entrance to the Capodichino square by running in while playing the march of the Bersaglieri, “Flick Flock.” “The quality and the presentation of the band was absolutely phenomenal, not to mention that they play their instruments as part of their performance,” said Capt. Scott Gray, commanding officer of NSA Naples. “It just made it all the more impressive.” After playing each other’s national anthems, the bands performed three songs each to a crowd of more than 300 hundred community members.
The Naples High School Class of 2013
Page 5
FRIDAY High 82 / Low 61 Clear
SATURDAY High 81 / Low 61 Clear
The Italian army band, Fanfara dei Bersaglieri, plays the "The Star-Spangled Banner" during morning colors at Naval Support Activity Naples, June 5. The band performed a few songs alongside the U.S. Naval Forces Europe Band after playing each other's national anthems. (Photo by MC1 Travis Simmons)
SUNDAY High 79 / Low 57 Clear