Marines, sailors, visit exotic Sicilian city

Photo By Joshua Cox | Marines and sailors with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit and USS Bataan Amphibious Ready Group visited hotspots such as the Piazza of Pretoria, during a port visit to the Sicilian city of Palermo, Italy, May 27-30. During the recent port visit to Palermo, considered to be "the world's most conquered city," Morale, Welfare and Recreation officials coordinated several tours within the city and across the Sicilian landscape. The Marines and sailors of the 22nd MEU are currently deployed with Amphibious Squadron 6 aboard USS Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and will continue to train and improve the MEU's ability to operate as a cohesive and effective Marine Air Ground Task Force. The 22nd MEU is a multi-mission, capable force comprised of an Aviation Combat Element, Marine Tilt Rotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced); a Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 22; a Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment; and its Command Element.  

ABOARD USS BATTAN, AT SEA

05.29.2011

Story by Sgt. Joshua Cox 

22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit

ABOARD USS BATTAN – The historic city of Taormina, Italy, fascinated embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit Marines and sailors with the USS Bataan during a port visit to Sicily, May 29.

Taormina, located approximately three-hours from the port city of Palermo by automobile, features archeological remains from Greek, Roman, Medieval, Judaic and Arab cultures. Many of the relics are hundreds to thousands of years old. The town sits atop mountainous terrain, and is accessible by narrow winding roads leading uphill.

The tour was guided by a knowledgeable Taormina native with a Sicilian-Italian accent, who eloquently presented the city’s wonders with personal anecdotes, historic stories and mythological tales. The guide escorted the service members around the various chapels, temples and monuments surrounding Taormina, describing the details and significance behind the structures.

The flora and fauna of the area, whether living or fashioned from weathered and aged stone, certainly resembled scenes from a storybook tale or a children’s animated film. Stone streets, ancient architecture, exquisite Sicilian cuisine and local wines entertained the service members who participated in the day-long tour.

According to the guide, the city’s impressive Greek amphitheater, which has served the area for centuries, attracts tourists from around the world. The landmark amphitheater once held infamous gladiator games, classic choral performances and the dramatic tragedies of the day. Today, the amphitheater, ravaged and altered by earthquakes, conquests and the elements over centuries, still presents world-renowned symphonies, dramatic tragedies, film festivals and modern concerts.

Additionally, the tour guide explained Mt. Etna, Taormina’s epic backdrop, is presently one of the few active volcanoes on earth. He also pointed out Taormina’s white-sand beaches, turquoise swells, lava rocks, colorful flowers, trees and shrubs illuminating the area’s landscape. The guide also clearly outlined Taormina’s religious, geological, philosophical, historical and mythological marvels throughout the tour.

Following the formal portion of the tour, the service members enjoyed free time around Taormina’s numerous Sicilian restaurants, cafés, boutiques and outdoor markets, photographed the sights to remember and share with others at home, and interacted with the friendly, local population.

Officials representing Morale, Welfare and Recreation coordinated several tours across the Sicilian landscape, including the trip to Taormina, during USS Bataan’s recent port visit to Palermo, Italy. The affordable tours gave service members a chance to appreciate the local history and culture while on liberty, and served to enhance the overall deployment experience in the Mediterranean.

“While in port, MWR offers tours, information and sports in order for the embarked service members to get the most out of their visit,” said Meghan Heine, afloat recreation specialist, Navy MWR.

“Everyone can travel, but not everyone takes advantage of the opportunities presented,” she said. “Those who do, get a different perspective of their port visit and liberty time.”

The Marines and sailors of the 22nd MEU are currently deployed with Amphibious Squadron 6 aboard USS Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and will continue to train and improve the MEU’s ability to operate as a cohesive and effective Marine Air Ground Task Force.

The 22nd MEU is a multi-mission, capable force, commanded by Col. Eric J. Steidl and comprised of an Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced); a Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 22; a Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment; and its Command Element.

Marine Expeditionary Units are the Marine Corps’ smallest permanent Marine Air-Ground Task Force, and comprised of approximately 2,200 Marines and sailors ready to provide immediate response to a hostile environment or crisis.

• Date Taken: 05.29.2011
• Date Posted: 06.27.2011 06:12
• Story ID: 72811
• Location: ABOARD USS BATTAN, AT SEA