NAPLES, Italy – Sailors from the U.S. Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples’ Security Department made history Apr. 16, 2025 by participating in the annual European Paratroopers 8th Small Arms Marksmanship Challenge in Naples.
250416-N-TY639-2311 NAPLES, Italy (April 16, 2025) Sailors attached to U.S. Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples’ Security Department compete at the European Paratroopers Small Arms Marksmanship Competition in Naples, Italy, April 16, 2025. NSA Naples is an operational base, home to over 50 commands and 8,500 personnel, providing crucial support for U.S. and allied forces across Europe, Africa, and the Central Command’s areas of responsibility. From air and port operations to force protection and logistics, the base ensures combat readiness while prioritizing the well-being of service memebrs and their families. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Matthew Nass)
The four Sailors were the first-ever U.S. Navy participants in the competition’s eight-year history.
The multinational event brought together more than 30 military members from across NATO, including the United States, Italy, Greece, Sweden, Germany, Spain and Norway. The annual competition tests combat marksmanship and builds camaraderie and trust among allied forces.
“The event is about training but also building a brotherhood amongst these different nations,” said Col. Giuilio Festa, president of the European Paratroopers Association. “We usually only have members from the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force; this is the first time we have members from the U.S. Navy. I want to thank them for helping set up and run this event.”
NSA Naples Security personnel served as the primary instructors and line coaches for all rifle courses of fire throughout the competition.
Chief Gunner’s Mate Richard Ashworth, NSA Naples Security Department Armory Supervisor, said the experience was rewarding.
“Interacting with the other NATO countries was a valuable opportunity. They were highly motivated to participate and also to learn,” Ashworth said. “The event was great. Everyone was receptive to the training that was given, and everything was very professional and well-coordinated.”
While all participants had prior firearms experience, the instructors from NSA Naples had to adapt their coaching to account for language barriers and differing national protocols.
In addition to instructing, the Sailors achieved impressive results. The team earned the European Paratroopers Association’s Gold Marksmanship Lanyard for each member, a prestigious recognition of shooting excellence. Gunner’s Mate 1st Class Christopher Marthini secured third place individually, and all four U.S. sailors finished in the top eight. They also earned marksmanship badges from Swedish and Norwegian forces, taking home two bronze and two silver.
By participating and refining their marksmanship skills, these Sailors boosted their readiness to respond swiftly and efficiently, providing vital support when the NSA Naples community needs it most.
“This year’s Navy participation exceeded expectation,” Festa said. “They played an important role, and I hope we continue to see more involvement from the Navy in the future.”
NSA Naples is an operational ashore base host to more than 50 separate commands and approximately 8,500 personnel. The base provides a forward-deployed operational platform to the Fleet, enables the warfighter, and supports the family. It supports U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, U.S. SIXTH Fleet, NATO, and Combatant Commander’s strategic priorities by providing air and port operations, force protection, emergency services, logistical and administrative capabilities, and essential quality of life products and services to the Fleet, joint and allied forces to ensure stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.
By Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Nass
