U.S. Military Personnel in Italy Evacuated Due to Flooding
Story Number: NNS051215-09
Release Date: 12/15/2005 5:00:00 PM
From Commander, Navy Region Europe Public Affairs
NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Sicily (NNS) -- Floods from weeklong, heavy rainfall resulted in a mandatory evacuation of the Maranai government housing complex at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, Sicily, Italy, Dec. 15, a day after the commanding officer declared a state of emergency at the U.S. base.
Continuous heavy rainfall since Dec. 13 has resulted in flooding and power outages aboard NAS Sigonella and in surrounding areas, including government housing units in Maranai and Maneo.
Six inches to three feet of standing water has been reported. The base, including the airfield, is closed until further notice.
“Our primary concern is for the safety and well being of all personnel and family members,” said Capt. Joseph Stuyvesant, NAS Sigonella commanding officer. Food, water, flashlights and candles were provided to all residents remaining overnight in Maranai.
Adm. Harry Ulrich, commander, Naval Forces Europe, echoed those sentiments and assured Sigonella officials that he will do everything possible to assist those in need.
“I’m committed to the immediate needs of our people, and we will not hesitate to request assistance from our joint service partners, our host nation and support from the continental United States,” Ulrich said. “All resources within reason have been directed to assist the emergent needs of our people and to restore operational capabilities at NAS Sigonella.”
The flooding has impacted operations at the base, although electrical power and some other services have been restored since Dec. 14. Galley, commissary and Navy exchange facilities are open.
Approximately 20 buses were escorted by Italian police as they carried residents from Maranai early Dec. 15. The residents were sent to a central care facility established by Stuyvesant at the air station's bowling alley, where a temporary Red Cross and housing processing area had been set up. Residents were then placed in temporary lodging at various hotels in the local area. About 500 families were relocated.
Rear Adm. Noel Preston, commander, Navy Region Europe, immediately traveled to Sigonella Dec. 14 to assess the situation and ensure the needs of U.S. personnel and their families were being met.
“Capt. Stuyvesant and his team have been working around the clock - and working closely with the Italian host nation community - to meet the immediate needs of our families and single Sailors,” said Preston. “Fortunately, no injuries have been reported, and we are committed to keeping it that way.”
Personnel have been advised to remain where they are, due to significant damage to many local roads.
Further information is available on the Commander, Navy Region Europe Web site at www.cnre.navy.mil.
For more news from around the fleet, visit www.navy.mil.
