NAPLES, Italy — All the news that’s fit to gossip about.
Some sailors and their families stationed at Naval Support Activity Naples are talking about the surge in the killings and arrests of the local “Mafia-like” gangs known as the Camorra.
“People are saying ‘did you hear about this, did you hear about that?’ but it’s not enough to make us afraid or change our routines,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Tim Satern, stationed at Naval Support Activity, Naples.
His mother in Iowa, however, has been following the news of the rash of turf war killings that has made the news on cable and network stations such as CNN, and has cautioned her son to beware.
“She’s not too worried, but she’s watching and keeping tabs,” Satern said.
The family feuds, so to speak, claimed 23 lives in November, the most since the 1980s, according to several media reports.
The nearly daily reports of assassinations — some of which were committed in broad daylight, in crowded streets and in restaurants, prompted Navy Support Activity Naples Command Officer Capt. Dave Frederick, to talk about it.
“We’ve seen plenty of alarming news stories lately about the violent shake-out going on in the organized crime arena,” he writes in his weekly column, scheduled to appear Friday in the base newspaper.
“It’s important for all of you to be alert to these stories and to keep your awareness high. So far, there is little reason for you to limit yourself when going out into the community, but keep your vigilance up.
“If we have reason to place any area of town into an off-limits status, the word will be put out on AFN TV and radio, the NSA Naples Web home page, and via e-mail to all official accounts. I don’t anticipate needing to do this, but please be ready to comply if necessary.”
Frederick also receives regular briefings and situation updates from Naval Criminal Investigative Service officials, spokeswoman Lt. Cmdr. Jacky Fisher said.
Keeping tabs on the news of the surrounding community just makes sense, even if sailors live on base, said Chief Petty Officer John Dillon, the assistant administration officer here.
“We’re aware of the news and we follow it, but we’re not concerned,” Dillon said of his family.
“[The Camorra] don’t tend to involve bystanders. They go after those who have a vested interest, those involved.”
