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CNO Visits Naples, Engages With Forward-Deployed Sailors

11 January 2021

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Russ Smith traveled to Naples, Italy, Jan. 11 to meet with forward-deployed Sailors at Naval Support Activity Naples.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY NAPLES, Italy (Jan. 11, 2021) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, center, and his wife, Mrs. Linda Gilday, right center, observe as Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Allison Jones, assigned to the laboratory staff at U.S. Naval Hospital Naples, Italy, demonstrates how a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is processed at the hospital’s laboratory at Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy, Jan. 11, 2021. USNH Naples, the largest naval hospital in Europe, serves a diverse population of over 9,800 beneficiaries. Over 500 staff members at the main hospital, branch health clinic, and Navy Liaison Detachment in Landstuhl, Germany work tirelessly to keep warfighters in the fight and provide care for their families. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Trey Fowler/ Released)
SLIDESHOW | images | 210111-N-DO281-0110 210111-N-DO281-0110 NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY NAPLES, Italy (Jan. 11, 2021) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, center, and his wife, Mrs. Linda Gilday, right center, observe as Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Allison Jones, assigned to the laboratory staff at U.S. Naval Hospital Naples, Italy, demonstrates how a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is processed at the hospital’s laboratory at Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy, Jan. 11, 2021. USNH Naples, the largest naval hospital in Europe, serves a diverse population of over 9,800 beneficiaries. Over 500 staff members at the main hospital, branch health clinic, and Navy Liaison Detachment in Landstuhl, Germany work tirelessly to keep warfighters in the fight and provide care for their families. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Trey Fowler/ Released)
NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY NAPLES, Italy (Jan. 11, 2021) Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations, left, talks to Sailors during a guided tour of the U.S. Sixth Fleet maritime operations center onboard Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy, Jan. 11, 2021. U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa, 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, security and stability in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Debra Thomas/ Released)
SLIDESHOW | images | 210111-N- FB655-1028 210111-N- FB655-1028 NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY NAPLES, Italy (Jan. 11, 2021) Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations, left, talks to Sailors during a guided tour of the U.S. Sixth Fleet maritime operations center onboard Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy, Jan. 11, 2021. U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa, 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, security and stability in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Debra Thomas/ Released)
NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY NAPLES, Italy (Jan. 7, 2021) Adm. Michael Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations, left, observes the COVID-19 vaccination site at Naval Support Activity Naples Support Site, Italy, Jan. 7, 2021. U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa, 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, security and stability in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Trey Fowler/ Released)
SLIDESHOW | images | 210111-N- DO281-0001 210111-N- DO281-0001 NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY NAPLES, Italy (Jan. 7, 2021) Adm. Michael Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations, left, observes the COVID-19 vaccination site at Naval Support Activity Naples Support Site, Italy, Jan. 7, 2021. U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa, 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, security and stability in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Trey Fowler/ Released)
Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations, left, speaks with Corpsmen assigned to the Multi Service Ward at U.S. Naval Hospital Naples, Italy, about negative-pressure rooms used to treat potential coronavirus (COVID-19) patients at the hospital, Jan. 11, 2021. USNH Naples, the largest naval hospital in Europe, serves a diverse population of over 9,800 beneficiaries. Over 500 staff members at the main hospital, branch health clinic, and Navy Liaison Detachment in Landstuhl, Germany work tirelessly to keep warfighters in the fight and provide care for their families. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Trey Fowler/ Released)
SLIDESHOW | images | 210111-N-DO281-0115 210111-N-DO281-0115 NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY NAPLES, Italy (Jan. 11, 2021) Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations, left, speaks with Corpsmen assigned to the Multi Service Ward at U.S. Naval Hospital Naples, Italy, about negative-pressure rooms used to treat potential coronavirus (COVID-19) patients at the hospital, Jan. 11, 2021. USNH Naples, the largest naval hospital in Europe, serves a diverse population of over 9,800 beneficiaries. Over 500 staff members at the main hospital, branch health clinic, and Navy Liaison Detachment in Landstuhl, Germany work tirelessly to keep warfighters in the fight and provide care for their families. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Trey Fowler/ Released)

WASHINGTON - Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Gilday and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Russ Smith traveled to Naples, Italy, Jan. 11 to meet with forward-deployed Sailors at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples.

“This is a dynamic part of the world, and what you do day-in and day-out has strategic significance,” Gilday said. “Today China and Russia are rapidly modernizing their militaries to challenge the international order that has benefited so many for so long. But the work you do across the region from the High North to Cape of Good Hope alongside our allies and partners demonstrates our collective resolve to keep the seas free and open for all.”

During their trip, Gilday and Smith received operational briefs and toured the U.S. 6th Fleet headquarters. 

“This has been a year unlike any other,” Gilday said.  “It has required us to take extraordinary measures, to adapt, and lean in to support each other. Through it all, you answered the call. I am inspired by what you do every day; you have my profound thanks.”

Additionally, they toured U.S. Naval Hospital Naples, and observed COVID-19 vaccinations being administered to Sailors during the visit.

“COVID-19 will continue its attack until everyone is vaccinated and I encourage everyone to get inoculated as soon it’s available to you,” Smith said. “The CNO and I were fortunate to get our first shot last month and wholeheartedly believe in the expected results for all who participate. The COVID-19 vaccine ensures that we can continue to safeguard our national security capabilities, and am grateful to the staff at Naval Hospital Naples and all our DoD medical personnel that are helping to protect our health and bolster our mission readiness”

While in Naples, Gilday also announced his Navigation Plan to the Fleet at the Surface Navy Association National Symposium during virtual remarks.

“America is, and always will be, a maritime nation,” Gilday said.  “Ultimately, the strength of our Navy is measured by our ability to control the seas and project power ashore. These functions are timeless, and for 245 years, our Navy has carried them out to protect America, deter aggression, and preserve freedom of the seas. Our geography, combined with the intricate system of trade on the oceans sustains our way of life.  And decisive naval power underpins it all.”

NSA Naples is a host to approximately 8,500 personnel and more than 50 separate commands.

This visit marked Gilday’s second trip to the U.S. 6th Fleet since becoming CNO.

 

Quick Facts

For more information about the U.S. Navy Chief of Naval Operations, please contact the Public Affairs Office or visit: www.navy.mil/cno.

 

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