Feb 17 2020

ADMIRAL JAMES FOGGO AWARDED THE TITLE OF 'COMMENDATORE' OF THE ORDER OF MERIT OF THE ITALIAN REPUBLIC

Story by Diana Sodano PAO JFC Naples

NAPLES, Italy – Admiral James Foggo, Commander of Allied Joint Force Command Naples and U.S. Naval Forces Europe/Africa, has been awarded the title of COMMENDATORE (Commander) of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in a ceremony held at JFC Naples’ Headquarters on 17 February 2020. It was presented by Lieutenant General Roberto Corsini, Counselor to the President of the Italian Republic for Military Affairs.

The Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (OMRI) is a prestigious mark of recognition by the Italian Republic and was conferred on Admiral Foggo on behalf of the President of the Italian Republic, His Excellency Sergio Mattarella, who is the Head of the Order which is based in Rome and has a Chancellor and 16 members.

This award is particularly meaningful to me since I have such a deep connection with Italy

commented Admiral Foggo after the ceremony, “My father’s first cousin, Captain James Anderson, gave his life in 1944 near Gradara, Italy after more than a year in the Mediterranean theatre of war. His blood was spilled on Italian soil, a powerful reminder of how connected we are and our long history of fighting together to ensure freedom.

“My time in Italy has been incredibly rewarding, not only because of the warmth of the Italian people, the beauty of Napoli, and the world’s best pizza – it has been defined by the incredible men and women here, at JFC Naples.

This award belongs to all of you – your hard work and tireless pursuit of excellence have truly enabled us to achieve greatness!

concluded Admiral Foggo.

“Commendatore” is one of the honorary titles of the Orders of Merit . The award is granted to those who are found to deserve the gratitude of the Republic for their exceptional contribution to the integration and engagement of their organisation with the civic, cultural and professional life of Italy. Admiral Foggo has been deemed by the Order to have demonstrated outstanding sensitivity, generosity and commitment to the Italian Republic and its people.

Lieutenant General Luciano Portolano, Commander of the Joint Force Operational Command (COI) and former JFC Naples’ Chief of Staff also attended the ceremony.

Story by Allied Joint Force Command Naples Public Affairs Office

Today Admiral James Foggo, Commander JFC Naples awarded the highly prestigious title, ‘Commendatore of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic’ by Lt Gen Roberto Corsini, representing Italian President, HE Sergio Mattarella at JFC Naples.

“Italy has been an incredible ally…we are stronger together and this alliance is enduring” – Adm James Foggo on receipt of the ‘Commendatore of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic’.

Receiving the award of ‘Commendatore of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic’, Adm Foggo paid tribute to the staff of JFC Naples, during his speech.