Apr 17 2024

JFC NAPLES CELEBRATES NATO 75

JFC Naples, Italy celebrated the NATO 75th anniversary with 2 unique events on 8 and 9 April 2024. A concert co-hosted by Admiral Stuart B Munsch, Commander JFC Naples and Professor Gaetano Manfredi, Mayor of Naples, as well as a formal reception held on the USS Mount Whitney hosted by Admiral Munsch.

In the oldest opera house in the world, the beautiful San Carlo Theatre, which dates back to 1737, hundreds gathered for an evening of music highlighting the depth of friendship and interoperability of our member nations and the special and long standing relationship between Naples and NATO. Welcoming remarks were given by both Admiral Munsch and the Mayor of Naples.

"My command is the longest-standing NATO headquarters in a single community, which has been here since 1951. Naples has always been close and connected to NATO" said Admiral Munsch. Prof Manfredi also talked of this relationship “this was a fundamental event to show the strong relationship we entertain with all the European countries and all the countries in the Atlantic Alliance”.

The concert was held at the beautiful and historic San Carlo Theatre.

I believe that the presence of so many countries represented in the ensemble that played at the San Carlo Theatre this evening is very symbolic of NATO's unity. And it tells us that we are truly all part of NATO

It was a truly special evening where the US Naval Forces Europe band welcomed 11 additional musicians from across the Allied nations to join them, Adm Munsch said "I believe that the presence of so many countries represented in the ensemble that played at the San Carlo Theatre this evening is very symbolic of NATO's unity. And it tells us that we are truly all part of NATO". Also on stage was ‘That’s Napoli’ a live show choir and musical ensemble directed by maestro Carlo Morelli, and guests were treated to an exclusive performance of ‘Defend Every Inch; #WEARENATO’ composed by Dr. and Chief Musician Christopher Buchanan, produced to commemorate this significant milestone. Admiral Rob Bauer, Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, also attended the event, alongside several other national and international military and diplomatic representatives.

The following day in the port of Naples, guests including military and diplomatic representatives from across the Alliance and Admiral Sir Keith Blount, Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe were welcomed on board the United States Navy 6^th Fleet flagship, the USS Mount Whitney, for a formal reception. Speeches and interviews were given by Admiral Bauer and Admiral Munsch.

The USS Mt Whitney played host to a formal reception and several visits.

Admiral Bauer’s message was clear, when asked about the threat posed by Russia “Russia is the main threat to NATO” he continued “if we were to be attacked we have to be ready. This is why we have changed all our military plans, adapting them to the new situations. An exercise like Steadfast Defender is very important: 90,000 soldiers ready to defend every inch of our territory". he continued "We are the world’s strongest alliance and not because we fought, conquered or destroyed. We are the strongest alliance simply because we have committed to maintaining peace for our peoples and to defending every inch of allied territory".

We are the world’s strongest alliance and not because we fought, conquered or destroyed. We are the strongest alliance simply because we have committed to maintaining peace for our peoples and to defending every inch of allied territory

The USS Mount Whitney crew normally based in Gaeta, also welcomed Italian news agencies, groups of children from the US Support Site schools as well as families from JFC Naples and students from Italian Military Academies during interactive tours across several days. These visits reinforced the bonds of friendship between NATO Allies and the Nations that host them.

Watch the video below for footage of the events.