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U.S. Navy Admiral Stuart B. Munsch, Commander of Allied Joint Force Command Naples (JFC Naples) and Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa, accompanied by Italian Army Lieutenant General Rodolfo Sganga, Chief of Staff of JFC Naples, visited the Military Academy of Modena on 23 April 2025.

U.S. Navy Admiral Stuart B. Munsch, Commander of Allied Joint Force Command Naples, addresses cadets and staff during a leadership engagement at the Military Academy of Modena, Italy, on 23 April 2025. (Photo provided by Military Academy of Modena)

The visit underscored the longstanding relationship between JFC Naples and the Italian Military, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening Allied capabilities, professional military education and operational cooperation. Italy remains a vital contributor to NATO’s collective defence and crisis management efforts, with close collaboration ensuring interoperability and mutual support across Alliance missions.

During the visit, Admiral Munsch and Lieutenant General Sganga met with participants of the Academy’s 204th “Volontà” and 205th “Fierezza” courses. Addressing the Second Lieutenants and cadets, Admiral Munsch delivered remarks underscoring the pivotal role of leadership in military command, emphasising that true leadership stems from responsibility, vision and service, qualities anchored in trust, competence and the pursuit of collective success.

The visit also afforded Admiral Munsch the opportunity to tour the Academy’s historic museum and view renovated facilities including modernised sports, educational and accommodation infrastructures. These improvements underline the Academy’s commitment to delivering an advanced training environment for future leaders of the Italian Army and Carabinieri.

(LEFT) U.S. Navy Admiral Stuart B. Munsch, Commander of Allied Joint Force Command Naples, receives a gift from Italian Army Rosa Zurino, Chief Students 205th Fierezza Course, at the Military Academy of Modena, on 23 April 2025. The gift highlights the strong ties between JFC Naples and the Military Academy, symbolising shared commitment to leadership, education and defence. (Photo provided by Military Academy of Modena)

(LEFT) U.S. Navy Admiral Stuart B. Munsch, Commander of Allied Joint Force Command Naples, speaks with Italian Army Second Lieutenant Chiara Lombardi during the visit to the historic museum of the Military Academy of Modena, Italy, on 23 April 2025. (Photo provided by Military Academy of Modena)

(RIGHT) U.S. Navy Admiral Stuart B. Munsch, Commander of Allied Joint Force Command Naples, accepts a commemorative gift from Italian Army General Davide Scalabrin, Commander of the Military Academy of Modena, on 23 April 2025. The presentation underscores the enduring partnership and shared values between NATO and Italy’s future military leaders. (Photo provided by Military Academy of Modena)

Admiral Munsch praised the Military Academy of Modena’s longstanding tradition of excellence in officer education and highlighted the critical importance of collaboration between military institutions in reinforcing national and international defence and security.

Founded in 1678 as the Royal Academy, the Military Academy of Modena today provides university-level education and initial military training to future officers. Graduates achieve degrees in fields such as Strategic Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmaceutical Technologies and Law, preparing them for leadership roles within Italy’s armed forces and the wider NATO community.