Naples Holds 244th Navy Birthday Ball

Photo By Lt. Jamie Moroney | NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY NAPLES, Italy (Oct. 26, 2019) – Cmdr. Russ Pile, left, and Cmdr. Robert Barker, assigned to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples, speak to their colleagues during a 244th Navy Birthday Ball held at Villa Tony in Naples, Italy, Oct. 26, 2019. The central theme of this year's 244th birthday is "No Higher Honor," which comes from a quote by Lt. Cmdr. Robert Copeland, commanding officer of World War II destroyer USS Samuel B. Roberts (DE-413). 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Jamie Moroney/Released)  

NAPLES, ITALY

10.29.2019

Story by Lt. Jamie Moroney 

U.S. Naval Support Activity Naples

NAPLES, Italy – U.S. naval personnel and their guests celebrated the Navy’s 244th birthday during a Navy Birthday Ball at Villa Tony in Naples, Italy, hosted by Naval Support Site (NSA) Naples, Oct. 26, 2019.
The Navy Ball is an annual event held to celebrate the history and heritage of the U.S. Navy by commemorating the day Congress established the Navy on Oct. 13, 1775.
The central theme of this year's 244th birthday is "No Higher Honor," which comes from a quote by Lt. Cmdr. Robert Copeland, commanding officer of World War II destroyer USS Samuel B. Roberts (DE-413).
The ball commenced traditionally with the arrival of the official party and the playing of the national anthem by the U.S. Naval Forces Europe Band. The NSA Naples color guard continued with the parading of the colors.
The commanding officer of NSA Naples, Capt. Todd Abrahamson, introduced guest speaker Adm. James G. Foggo III and expressed his gratitude to the volunteers who made the evening possible.
“I am incredibly proud of our distinguished team who put this wonderful event together,” said Abrahamson. “Tonight we celebrate the birth of our Navy and share the rich traditions of our naval service with our Italian partners, and I am honored that NSA Naples is hosting.”
Foggo, who serves as commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, and commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples, spoke regarding the history of the U.S. Navy and close ties to Italy resulting from his three flag officer tours in Naples.
“We must never forget our history and heritage,” said Foggo. “Though the U.S. Navy may be younger than many of the European navies, we are battle tested and proven. We are undoubtedly the finest Navy the world has ever seen, and we continue the tradition of excellence, bravery, and resilience that has served us well from the Revolutionary War to the pivotal battles of World War II to today.”
The evening’s entertainment celebrated the rich culture that military members stationed overseas in Naples are able to experience.
Daniele Zansardino, tenor for the San Carlo Opera, performed several pieces and an enthusiastically requested encore. Additionally, Pulcinella Carmine Coppola from Gruppo Strorica teatro San Carlino, the only licensed Pulcinella in Naples, gave a performance for the crowd.
Other traditions observed were the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action ceremony, formal toasts, and the ceremonial cake cutting.
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 on NSA Naples, please follow us on Instagram @NSANaples, Twitter @NSA_Naples, and Facebook at facebook.com/NSANaples/.

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• Date Taken: 10.29.2019
• Date Posted: 10.29.2019 09:30
• Story ID: 349653
• Location: NAPLES, IT