NAPLES. The 75th anniversary of the NATO Allied Joint Force Command Naples (JFC Naples) was celebrated during a ceremony at its Headquarters, in Lago Patria, Italy.
Admiral George M. Wikoff, Commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples and Commander U.S. Naval Forces Europe and U.S. Naval Forces Africa hosted the event.
General Luciano Portolano, Italian Chief of Defence, and Mr François‑Marie Gougeon, Deputy Assistant NATO Secretary General for Defence Policy and Planning attended the ceremony.
Admiral Wikoff described the anniversary as a moment of reflection on the command’s enduring role: “It is a great honour to mark this milestone with our Allies, our Italian hosts and the local Neapolitan community. For 75 years, this headquarters has served NATO from Italy, and that longevity speaks to trust, continuity and shared purpose. Our mission has evolved, but our core responsibility has remained constant: maintaining peace through the deterring effect of unity”.
He added: “Today, JFC Naples leads NATO’s operational work across Southern Europe, the Western Balkans, the Middle East and Africa. We stand ready to deter and defend every inch of Allied territory, and we do so on the foundation of generations of personnel, families and Italian communities who have supported this headquarters. NATO is strongest when Allies stand together, and that has been true here for 75 years”.
The Italian Chief of Defence General Luciano Portolano, who also conveyed the Italian Minister of Defence Guido Crosetto warmest regards, highlighted in his speech: “As former JFC Naples Chief of Staff, it is a great honour to take part in the 75th Anniversary of the establishment of this Operational Headquarters and to celebrate not only the history of this Command, but also of the deep and enduring bonds between NATO and Italy“.
“The current international security scenario is going through a phase of profound transformation. Italy is proving its commitment increasing defence spending and, above all, standing as the leading European contributor of forces throughout all the operations of the Alliance. We have always made a significant contribution and we have played a very tangible role on the ground in support of regional stability. In addition, our strategic interests are also closely connected with the Southern Flank of the Alliance, with the Middle East and the Balkans, from where many of the challenges and threats to Europe and the Mediterranean area originate. In these areas, JFC Naples plays a paramount role, and for all the challenges and efforts carried out to a credible deterrence, I would like to commend Admiral Wikoff and his staff.“
Gen. Portolano concluded “No matter how the international balance of power may change… the founding principles of NATO remain unwavering. What does change is the distribution of weights within the Alliance, through an increasingly important and responsible role played by European Allies; and it is to this Alliance, firm in its values and capable of adapting itself, that Italy will continue to offer its utter contribution.“
JFC Naples has maintained close ties with the Campania region throughout its history, from its early years in Bagnoli to its current home in Lago Patria.
Today, the headquarters leads the NATO Mission Iraq, commands the Kosovo Force (KFOR), and supports NATO’s engagement in Africa through the NATO Strategic Direction South Hub.
©RIPRODUZIONE RISERVATA