NAPLES, Italy –
As part of an ongoing partnership with the Defense Security Cooperation Agency’s (DSCA) Humanitarian Assistance Program and the U.S. Mission to Italy, the U.S. Navy provided the second of three donations of medical equipment and supplies to local Italian communities during a ceremony at the local Naples hospital Ospedale del Mare June 25.
Appearing on a panel beside Campania Region President Vincenzo De Luca and U.S. Consul General Mary Avery, Adm. James G. Foggo III, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, officially presented the donation of medical equipment and supplies to the host nation partners.
“It gives me great pride to offer these medical supplies to Naples,” said Foggo in Italian. “We are also providing critical medical equipment and supplies to local hospitals in Gaeta and Sicily, replenishing depleted stocks that were used during the battle with the Coronavirus.”
The donation, valued at approximately $337,000 and offered as part of the $100 million Italian assistance package announced at the end of March by President Donald J. Trump, included medical equipment and supplies such as ultrasound machines, medical aspirators, monitors, triage resupply packs, medical vacuums, and a medical vaporizer.
The donation is expected to have an immediate and lasting impact.
“The United States stands by our friends and allies, especially when a joint effort is needed,” said Avery. “Both the U.S. and Italy have been hit hard by the pandemic, but we stand by each other and we face this global challenge together.”
De Luca praised the partnership and reemphasized the special and long-time friendship between the two nations.
“This is a nice gesture of solidarity and a signal of great attention,” he said, “which further strengthens the friendship between our region and the United States.”
Foggo expressed admiration for the frontline healthcare workers and first responders, whose persistent dedication led Italy through the worst of the pandemic.
“I want to commend all of the brave medical workers here for their vital role in the fight against the virus,” he said. “Your valiant efforts saved many lives.”
U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet continue their missions of conducting maritime operations in Europe and Africa, even as they seek ways to help fight the coronavirus and recover from the impact it has had.
Forces stand ready throughout the two theaters, and command leadership remains committed to taking every measure possible to protect the health of forces, as well as local residents. Warships, submarines, and aircraft continue their patrols to deter and defend against threats to U.S., NATO, and partner nations.
“Our two great nations have a deep and enduring bond,” said Foggo. “We have been allies for more than seven decades. We came together in April 1949 and formed the NATO Alliance, the most powerful and enduring alliance the world has ever known. Today we together stand in solidarity, just like we have for decades. Just like we will in the future. We are true friends, true allies.”
For questions contact commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs, at CNE-C6FPAO@eu.navy.mil.