Adm. Michelle Howard, commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples, hosted a luncheon for Navy ombudsmen, their U.S. Air Force key spouses counterparts, as well as the Joint Forces Command (JFC) International Spouses Club (ISC) at her residence, in Naples, Italy, June 23, 2017.

Howard hosted the luncheon to show her appreciation to the ombudsmen and their counterparts who serve as links between command leadership and family members.

"Our NATO and U.S. families make many sacrifices to support their military members. On top of all that, we have family leaders who volunteer their time and energy to the greater military community," said Howard. "Their work is a key ingredient to the success of our commands, and deserves to be recognized."

Vice Adm. Christopher Grady, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, praised the spouse volunteers for the service they provide, saying that family readiness is key to operational readiness. Grady told the attendees that their support is essential to accomplishing the mission.

U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, headquartered in Naples, Italy, oversees joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners, to enable enduring relationships and increase vigilance and resilience in Europe and Africa.

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For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/.