Students from the town of Scordia, Sicily, visit Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella as part of a tourism educational course, fostering cultural exchange and strengthening ties with the local community.

NAS Sigonella hosted 30 students from the local community as part of their 200-hour tourism course, strengthening cultural relations and providing a unique experience for the students who are working towards careers in the hospitality and tourism industries.

The tour included visits to the fire department, MWR, naval logistics, an up-close look at the Predator and a demonstration by the U.S. Marines. Lt. Derrick Horne, a chaplain attached to the Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa 15.2 currently deployed to NAS Sigonella, remarked on the importance of this tour for the students saying, "The Sicilian people have graciously opened their country and shared their culture with us. It is an honor to be able to extend the same courtesy to them."

To date, the Sigonella-based Marines have completed 16 community service projects with 199 volunteers totaling 1,437 volunteer hours.

Last year, the town of Scordia and NAS Sigonella public affairs office concluded a partnership agreement with a view to enhancing ties. This year marks the inaugural tour to the base by the students. Many of the students pursuing a career in hospitality or tourism have a fascination and appreciation of American culture.

"The students were very enthusiastic and grateful for the opportunity to see the inside of the base, something that many Italians may never have the opportunity to experience. The cultural exchange part of the course and trip to the base was a dream come true for the students. They were impressed with how clean and well organized the entire base was and enjoyed experiencing what it meant to 'be American,'" said Angelo Burtone, president of the Pro Loco Tourist Office in the town of Scordia.

Upon completion of the course, the students will participate in a six month internship at a hotel and then enter the job market.

Each year NAS Sigonella coordinates base visits for hundreds of local nationals which provide a valuable opportunity to enhance cultural exchange and to foster positive relations with the local community.

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