U.S. Naval Hospital Naples Hosts Italian Counterparts

Photo By Christina Clarke | USNH Naples leadership, Colonel Troiani and Molinaro, and Commander Appezzato salute during morning colors. (Left to right: Command Master Chief Sean Howe, USNH Naples; Commander David Appezzato, U.S. Defense Attaché Office Rome; Colonel Domenico Molinaro, Executive Officer Poliambulatorio Militare di Caserta; Colonel Giorgio Troiani, Commanding Officer Poliambulatorio Militare di Caserta; Captain Doug Stephens, Executive Officer USNH Naples; Captain Richard Knittig, Commanding Officer USNH Naples.  

NAPLES, ITALY

12.19.2018

Story by Christina Clarke 

U.S. Naval Hospital Naples

U.S. Naval Hospital (USNH) Naples recently hosted Colonel Giorgio Troiani and Colonel Domenico Molinaro of the Military Branch Health Clinic Caserta (Poliambulatorio Militare di Caserta). The Italian Army Medical Corps officers are the equivalent of American Commanding and Executive Officers, respectively.

“We were honored to host Colonel Troiani and Colonel Molinaro,” says Captain Richard Knittig, Commanding Officer of USNH Naples. “We have many important relationships with our host nation, not the least of which being our military-to-military partnership.”

Less than thirty minutes from one another, USNH Naples and Poliambulatorio Militare di Caserta are quite similar in structure and mission. The Italian Army clinic most closely resembles the Branch Health Clinic Capodichino; both facilities exclusively treat active duty service members, support the line command, and report to a higher echelon medical command.

In addition to command leadership, Commander David Appezzato, Assistant Naval Attaché, U.S. Defense Attaché Office Rome attended the visit. During the visit, key areas of the Support Site hospital were toured, the guests observed Corpsman performing suture training, and even participated in morning colors.

“Presently, we work closely with several public and private Italian hospitals, however our intent is to expand our partnerships. The mil-to-mil connection is vital,” says Knittig. “This was our first meeting with Colonel Troiani and Molinaro; I look forward to growing our host-nation military medical engagement.”

• Date Taken: 12.19.2018
• Date Posted: 12.19.2018 02:51
• Story ID: 304229
• Location: NAPLES, IT