NAS Sigonella

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Branch

U.S. Navy

Members

About NAS Sigonella

Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, located in Sicily, Italy, was established in 1959 to support U.S. and NATO operations in the Mediterranean region. Originally a small airfield, it quickly expanded during the Cold War, serving as a critical logistics and support hub for naval aviation and maritime patrol missions. Over the decades, NAS Sigonella has played a central role in numerous operations, including support for U.S. intervention in Lebanon, Operation El Dorado Canyon in Libya, and ongoing missions in the Middle East and North Africa. Today, it remains a vital strategic asset, hosting U.S. Navy, NATO, and partner nation forces for a wide range of operational, logistical, and humanitarian missions.

Unit Members

James Walker

U.S. Navy

NAS SigonellaView Profile

Peggy Roach

U.S. Navy

NAS SigonellaView Profile

Photos

U.S. Army • 1977

U.S. Army • 1978

About NAS Sigonella

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Strategic Location: Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella is situated on the eastern coast of Sicily, Italy, and is known as "The Hub of the Med" due to its pivotal strategic location for U.S. and NATO operations in the Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Middle East. • Established in 1959: NAS Sigonella was officially established in 1959, replacing the previous U.S. Navy facilities at the nearby Augusta Bay. The move was prompted by the need for an all-weather airfield. • Support in Major Operations: NAS Sigonella has played a key role in numerous U.S. and allied military operations, including Operation El Dorado Canyon (the 1986 U.S. air strikes against Libya) and the 2011 NATO-led intervention in Libya. • Host to Multiple Forces: The base hosts a variety of U.S. military units, including the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Army, as well as Italian Air Force and Carabinieri units. • Home to MQ-9 Reapers: NAS Sigonella is a key base for U.S. Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drone operations, providing critical Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities across Africa and the Middle East. • Unique Divided Structure: The base is split into two sections: NAS I, which houses headquarters, family housing, and support facilities, and NAS II, the airfield and operational area. • The Achille Lauro Hijacking: In 1985, after the hijacking of the Italian cruise ship Achille Lauro, U.S. Navy F-14s from NAS Sigonella intercepted the Egyptian airliner carrying the hijackers and forced it to land at Sigonella, leading to a dramatic standoff between U.S. and Italian forces over custody of the terrorists. • Humanitarian Missions: The base has served as a key logistical hub for humanitarian relief operations, including support for earthquake and refugee crises throughout the region. • Multinational Presence: In addition to U.S. and Italian forces, NAS Sigonella regularly hosts aircraft and personnel from other NATO member countries during exercises and real-world operations. • Largest U.S. Base in Southern Europe: NAS Sigonella is considered the largest U.S. military base in Southern Europe, supporting thousands of U.S. and allied personnel and families, and playing a vital role in U.S. and NATO security strategy.