Students and teachers from Lucio Petronio High School, located in the Naples district of Pozzuoli, got a taste of NATO life during a March 26, 2018, visit to Allied Joint Force Command Naples. (Photo by German Air Force Master Sgt. Dennis Tappe)
NAPLES, Italy – Students and teachers from Lucio Petronio High School, located in the Naples district of Pozzuoli, got a taste of NATO life during a March 26, 2018, visit to Allied Joint Force Command Naples.
Event organizers said the visit of the approximately 100 students and faculty to JFC Naples is an example of NATO’s efforts to establish positive cultural and social exchanges with the external community and to strengthen the relationship with local and regional institutions.
Students were able to get an overview on the history, capabilities and missions of JFC Naples. Current topics, such as cyber security, were also touched on.
Italian Army Lieutenant General Luciano Portolano, the chief of staff at JFC Naples, welcomed the students and fielded questions.
"I was really surprised by the words of General Portolano, who gave us an overview on the current NATO functions in the peacekeeping missions all over the world,” said student Mary Palumbo. "I was wondering if NATO was an international organization only dealing with wars…I appreciate what NATO is doing in bringing peace and stability in several different places.”
After the visit to the main headquarters building, the students were offered a glimpse into the recreational and family benefits offered to troops at JFC Naples such as the community center, fitness center and pool.
"I was really keen to see the Joint Force Command headquarters once in my life,” said student Antonio Napolano. "I have seen the building several times from the outside perspective, but I have never been inside.”
Story by JFC Naples Public Affairs Office