NAPLES, Italy – Students and teachers from the Ariano Irpino, Avellino, Italy-based Pietro Paolo Parzanese School toured the facilities of Allied Joint Force Command Naples, Nov. 28, 2016.
A total of 100 students and five teachers took part in the visit. The students were welcomed and briefed by Diana Sodano, JFC Naples community relations officer, about the structure, mission and goals of JFC Naples and were provided an overview of the headquarters. As part of the presentation, the students viewed a video about JFC Naples and its capabilities and received a video teleconference brief on the Joint Operations Center by its director, Italian Army Col. Maurizio Parri and the deputy, U.S. Air Force Col. Margaret Romero, who answered questions from the students.
The students were then greeted in person by JFC Naples Chief of Staff, Italian Army Lt. Gen. Luciano Portolano who answered questions from the students.
The questions ranged from military operations to the general’s career.
Portolano told the students that his academics and experience in combat theaters have enabled him to rise through the ranks. He also stressed that having seen combat first hand, his motivations are always to strive for peace and diplomacy before facing the rigors of war.
Following the meeting with Portolano, the students were given the opportunity to receive a presentation on the NATO Communication Information Systems Group (NCIS) 2nd NATO Signal Battalion activities by Italian Army Capt. Umberto Cervone and his staff.
The visit concluded with a walking tour of the base including the community center, gym, library and the pool, which provided the students with a better understanding of how NATO members live and work within their community.
The visit is part of the community relations campaign to establish a good cultural and social exchange with the external community and to strengthen the relationship with local and regional institutions.