Navy, Coalition Partners Honor Vets of World War II Sicily Landing

SIGONELLA, Sicily (NNS) -- Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station (NCTS) Sigonella Sailors and coalition partners from Sweden, Canada, and Italy attended the World War II Landing Memorial in Gela, Sicily, July 10, to honor 39 service members of the 82nd Airborne Division who lost their lives there 68 years ago.

The July 10, 1943, allied invasion of Sicily was codenamed Operation Husky and was the largest amphibious operation of World War II in terms of size of the landing zone and the number of divisions put ashore.

The ceremony marked the first time that coalition partners were able to attend the event.

"It's a pleasure to be here to commemorate the re-entry into world democracy after the success of Operation Husky," said Col. Alain Pelletier, commander, Task Force Libeccio. "This was a coalition operation just as we are doing again here today."

Sweden and Canada are among the countries operating aboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella in support of Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR.

"It is a great honor to be invited and to participate in this ceremony," said Col. Fredrik Berman, commander of Swedish FL02 detachment. "I think it's important to show our respect."

On the eve of the memorial, U.S. and coalition partners were met by ceremony organizers from the Gela Kiwanis Club for a tour of historic sites in Sicily, including stops at the Regional Archaeological Museum of Gela, the World War II Landing Museum and the palace where Gen. George Patton made his headquarters after the landing. The ceremony began after the traditional holy mass where Gela Mayor Angelo Fasulo addressed the audience.

"Today, we want to remember the sacrifices of those heroes that gave their lives for democracy and peace," Fasulo said.

The ceremony then made its way to Ponte Dirillo, the site of the monument inscribed with the names of all 39 Americans who died 68 years ago. Wreaths were laid at the monument by Sailors from the Italian navy and NCTS.

"When Col. Gavin and his men landed on Sicily 68 years ago today, they merely did what they were trained to do; they marched to the sound of the gunfire," said Cmdr. Bruce Black, NCTS commanding officer. "We are seeing the same thing in our coalition partners today. Sicily once again finds itself at the crossroads of the effort. The successes being had by the coalition partners involved in Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR would not be possible without the support of Sicily."

As part of the ceremony, former 82nd Airborne member John Hoffpauir, performed a role call for those who gave their lives and concluded it with the traditional shout of "Airborne!"

For more news from Naval Air Station Sigonella, visit www.navy.mil/local/nassig.