Increased security measures
slow access at Naples Navy base
By Keith Boydston,
Naples bureau
Keith Boydston / Stars and Stripes
Because of a heightened alert status for U.S. bases around the Mediterranean Sea,
motorists like these outside the Agnano Navy Base in Naples, Italy, can expect some delays
when entering and exiting area Navy bases for the "forseeable future," base
officials say. |
NAPLES, Italy — A heightened alert-status for U.S. military
bases around the Mediterranean Sea could mean delays for motorists entering and leaving
Naples Navy base facilities.
“People should know that it might take a little longer at the
base gates,” said Lt. Fred Kuebler, a Navy base spokesman. “We just ask that
they be patient and flexible, and understand that the procedures are in place for
everyone’s safety.”
Over the weekend, the U.S European Command, based in Germany, ordered
an increase to Force Protection Condition Bravo — the second level in four alert
levels — for U.S. bases in Italy.
“We stepped up our [force protection posture] based on
intelligence reports and weighing all the facts,” Kuebler said. “Based on those
reports, we decided to increase our security measures.”
Kuebler declined to discuss specifics, or if any threat had been
received against U.S. facilities in Naples.
“We have routinely made these adjustments based on threats
around the world,” he said.
On Thursday, U.S. military forces in the Gulf Region were put on the
highest state of alert — Force Protection Condition Delta. The alert was based on
intercepted intelligence reports that warned of an impending terrorist attack against
American military or civilian personnel.
The alert came just a day after 14 members of a Middle Eastern
terrorist group were indicted in the 1996 bombing of a U.S. military barracks in Saudi
Arabia. The attack killed 19 U.S. servicemembers and wounded hundreds more.
The heightened alert comes at a time when U.S. bases around Europe
are planning 4th of July events — many for this weekend. In many cases, bases open
their gates to the local public.
In Naples, more than 30,000 people are expected to attend the annual
Festa Americana over three days beginning Friday.
“Right now we’re planning on going forward with our
scheduled events,” Kuebler said. “We’ll continue to monitor the situation,
and we’ll have the appropriate measures in place.”
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