Courtesy Photo | The Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples-area Chief’s Mess and their families...... read more read more
NAPLES, Italy – The Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples-area Chief’s Mess and their families participated in an off base community relations (COMREL) project to clean an important pedestrian pathway near NSA Naples’ Support Site, Nov.13, 2021.
More than 50 NSA Naples community members volunteered for the project to clear a pathway that runs between the outside of the base and a popular shopping and eating area. Led by Senior Chief Electronics Technician Steven Ralph, the team cleared nearly a half-mile pathway, eliminating the need to walk along a narrow and highly trafficked roadway to access the area.
The project’s inspiration comes from Ralph’s personal experience after moving to NSA Naples’ Support Site in May 2021.
“When I got here, I didn't have a car yet, and my wife and I wanted to get into the local economy but didn't want to go over the [vehicle bridge] to get there,” said Ralph. “I saw the path right outside of the main gate that would be safer to take when walking to the downtown area.”
Ralph knew that others without vehicles experienced the same issue, and decided he wanted to hold a project to clear the litter and prune the vegetation. Clearing the path would allow others to walk with a stroller or bike to the shopping area without having to go over the narrow vehicle bridge.
The opportunity to host a COMREL of this size was ideal for the Naples-area Chief Initiation Season. The project, a benefit to both NSA Naples community members and the local Italian community, presented the opportunity for the Chief’s Mess to demonstrate how to care for their community in their host nation while Chief Selects were going through the initiation season. Cleaning the overgrown and littered pathway cleared the way for the local community to safely access the beautiful culture in downtown Gricignano di Aversa by foot.
“There is so much to experience around Support Site,” said NSA Naples Command Master Chief Jonathan Fields. “Now our newcomers and community members have a safer way to connect with the community around us without needing a vehicle. What better way to enjoy life in Italy than to take a walk into town for some cafeteria or pasticceria.”
The pre-established path was last landscaped almost four years ago. The generous work of the volunteers caught the attention of Gricignano di Aversa’s Mayor Vincenzo Santagata, and he attended part of the event to show his support. The NSA Naples-area Chief’s Mess is working with Santagata to support future COMREL events in the town.
NSA Naples is an operational ashore base that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where they are needed, when they are needed, to ensure security and stability in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia.
For more news about NSA Naples and the Sailors who serve onboard the installation, please follow us on Instagram @NSANaples and Facebook at facebook.com/NSANaples.
| Date Taken: | 11.13.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 12.02.2021 10:11 |
| Story ID: | 410302 |
| Location: | NAPLES, IT |
| Web Views: | 175 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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