Courtesy Photo | Marines and Sailors with the second iteration of SP-MAGTF Africa 14 move an antique...... read more read more
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CATANIA, Italy - Approximately 20 Marines and Sailors with the second iteration of SP-MAGTF Africa 14 partnered with Sailors aboard Naval Air Station Sigonella, Catania locals, and local dignitaries. The service members cleaned and rearranged items inside the Ursino Castle, which is located in the heart of downtown Catania, Italy, July 24.
The Ursino Castle was originally built in the 13th century as one of the royal castles of Emperor Fredrick II, king of Sicily. The castle was considered unconquerable and therefore had an important military role, however over time it lost its military role and became a prison. Though the castle has survived the elements for centuries, shortage of funds has prevented regular maintenance of the castle.
“In Italy we have a very large archeological heritage, unfortunately, due to a lack of funding, the local authorities don’t have the personnel or resources to clean it or move things inside,” said Dr. Alberto Lunetta, NASSIG community relations officer. “Two months ago the directors of the heritage office launched an appeal with the local media saying that they needed support to do that, so we thought it was a good idea to have the Marines help them out.”
The detachment of service members climbed up and down flights of stairs, carrying everything from priceless paintings and cumbersome sculptures to buckets of debris. Through scorching sunlight and dark rooms they toiled, never asking for a break, only eagerly searching for more to be done.
“We’re not new to doing this type of thing,” said Lt. Col. William C. Stophel, the commanding officer of SP-MAGTF Africa 14. “We participate in a lot of events like this in the states, so it makes sense to have the Marines [and Sailors] help out in the community while we are here.”
The chairman of environment of Catania, along with the presidents of two rotary clubs came out to thank the Marines and Sailors for their dedicated work.
Students from Rotaract and Interact Catania Ovest worked as translators between the Marines and locals.
“[Working in the castle] was great,” said Sgt. Dane Summerfelt, a Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, native with the group of Marines and Sailors representing SP-MAGTF Africa 14. “Events like this are important because we’re building relationships between the local populace and the Marine Corps.”
According to Dr. Lunetta this was the first time a group of US service members has ever worked inside the castle.
“The director of the museum was very impressed with the Marines [and Sailors] hard work and all the heavy lifting they did," said Lunetta.
Following the castle cleanup, the detachment ate a traditional Italian meal and explored the town.
The Marines and Sailors with SP-MAGTF Africa 14 are tasked with supporting Marine Forces Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command by carrying out theater security cooperation missions in various African countries in order to build partnerships and the capacity to address regional security concerns.
| Date Taken: | 07.29.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 07.29.2014 10:37 |
| Story ID: | 137601 |
| Location: | IT |
| Hometown: | COEUR D'ALENE, ID, US |
| Web Views: | 105 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
This work, SP-MAGTF-Africa helps out local community, by Sgt Shawn Valosin, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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