NAPLES, Italy –
U.S. Navy Divers continue work with the Italian Coast Guard to assess the Ports of Naples and Salerno for future visits by U.S. Navy ships, Jan. 25 – Feb. 11.
To highlight the maritime cooperation, Rear Adm. Anthony Carullo, Deputy Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, visited Italian Navy Capt. Vascello Aniello Cuiciniello, Commandant of the Marina di Napoli Headquarters, Feb. 4.
"This project builds upon the enduring ties between the U.S. Navy and the people of Naples," said Carullo. "We continuously work at sea with our Italian Navy and Coast Guard Allies to ensure security and stability in the Mediterranean. The Mediterranean Sea serves as the lifeblood for Italian culture and economy and we work to collectively provide protection."
U.S. Naval Forces Europe, N46 Engineering and Infrastructure Directorate coordinated with the Italian Coast Guard to conduct the U.S. 6th Fleet assessment of the Campania region. Naval strength and capability are vital to achieving maritime security, which is an essential component for regional stability and a thriving economy.
“Assessments like this are critical to building the relationships and knowledge needed to collectively conduct regular maritime patrols and ensure regional stability”, said Chief Warrant Officer-4 (CWO4) Chris Vollmer, from the NAVEUR N46. “It is also been a lot of fun getting to work in and on the water with the Italian Coast Guard here in Naples.”
Technical support during this assessment was provided by Sailors assigned to Construction Dive Detachment Bravo (CDD/B), a detachment of Underwater Construction Team (UCT) 1, from Virginia Beach, VA and staff personnel from Commander, Task Force 69 (CTF 69), Military Sealift Command Europe & Africa (MSCEURAF), Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Europe-Africa Field Office and Commander Navy Region Europe, Africa Central (CNREUAFCENT). The Naples Coast Guard Station provided security and logistic support during the assessment and were indispensable in making this happen.
The UCT CDDs are specially trained and equipped units within the Navy Expeditionary Combat Force that construct, inspect, repair and maintain ports, ocean facilities, underwater systems and general maritime infrastructure.
UCT is a key component of port damage repair operations during a disaster or contingency. The U.S. SIXTH Fleet Maritime Infrastructure Assistance Program (MIAP) ensures the ability to quickly restore key ports and maritime infrastructure by increasing the collective understanding and available engineering data before a there is a crisis. This project also enhances regional interoperability, disaster response capabilities and fosters new and enduring relationships in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations.
A part of CTF-68, the Naval Auxiliary Diving and Salvage ships (T-ARS) and Mobile Diving and Salvage (MDS) companies deliver unique marine salvage capabilities including diving, lifting, towing, off-ship firefighting, harbor clearance, underwater search and recovery, and underwater emergency repairs.
U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.