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Ambassador Mel Sembler Written Interview with "L'Unione Sarda", May 15, 2005 The following interview appeared in "L'Unione Sarda" daily on May
15, 2005 When was the La Maddalena Base established? An agreement was signed between the Italian and U.S. governments in 1972 establishing a logistics point for a U.S. submarine repair ship at the Italian Navy base at Santo Stefano. There are no U.S. bases in Italy. The U.S. Navy, its sailors and their families are guests on Italian bases and in the communities that adjoin them. We are proud to be hosted by the Italian government at La Maddalena within the framework of our continued NATO partnership. Just as we have for the last 33 years, we will continue to be good friends and neighbors by fulfilling all our commitments to the Government and people of Italy, Sardinia and La Maddalena. How many Americans are in La Maddalena? There are slightly fewer than 1,500 military personnel, 100 American civilian employees, and about 1,000 dependents (spouses and children) stationed at La Maddalena. The total “American population” is approximately 2,600. Why is the base still here 10 years after the end of the Cold War? First, it is important to remember that this is a base that supports NATO operations, not only American or Italian operations. The Cold War may be over, but new threats to our alliance and to world peace and stability have emerged, particularly from transnational terrorism. NATO's naval presence in the Mediterranean remains vital. The NATO operation in Sardinia is an integral part of combating trafficking in Weapons of Mass Destruction, persons, and narcotics, as well as the war against terrorism, in support of the national security interests of both Italy and the United States. Although not a NATO operation, the recent deployment of La Maddalena’s tender, the USS EMORY S LAND, promoted the mutual security cooperation and humanitarian interests of both Italy and the United States in a deployment to the Gulf of Guinea. Finally, consider that twenty years ago, the end of the Cold War and the rise of transnational terror were inconceivable. Our ability to predict the future twenty years hence is no better now than it was then. NATO’s naval presence in the Mediterranean will likely remain necessary to combat challenges that today are unforeseen. What does the U.S. presence contribute to Sardinia? The U.S. presence contributes to the safety and security of the Mediterranean region and to the larger NATO security effort, from which Italy and Sardinians also benefit. More practically for Sardinia, the U.S. naval presence has a positive economic impact of more than € 35.000.000 yearly. This impact comes through construction contracts, service contracts, direct employment, supplies, leases, transportation, purchases, and much more. There are 172 Italians working in La Maddalena directly for the U.S. Navy. In addition there are approximately 190 Italians working for various contractors who provide services related to the American presence. The wonderful Sardinian hospitality and natural beauty enjoyed by our sailors and their families is also incredibly effective advertising for Sardinia. How many submarines are stationed at La Maddalena? No submarines are permanently assigned (i.e., home-ported) in La Maddalena. The submarines that visit La Maddalena are on deployments from the United States that typically last about six months. During these deployments a submarine might visit La Maddalena for a week or two before returning to its U.S. homeport. This allows the submarine to replenish food stores and allows the crew to enjoy Sardinian hospitality. Comment on the Senate investigation into radioactive pollution caused by the U.S. "nuclear submarines." The U.S. is gratified that the Senate’s finding matched our own – that there has been no impact on the waters of La Maddalena from the presence of the U.S. Navy. Our monitoring has consistently shown no change to the environment from our presence here. Our results are shared with the Italian government and comparison with the analyses conducted by Italian experts shows agreement that the naturally occurring background radioactivity now present is the same as it was 35 years ago, before the U.S. arrived. American sailors and their families are also integral members of the community, and have the same interest Italian citizens have in being good neighbors and good stewards of the environment out of respect for the entire community. The U.S. Navy holds to the same high standards of environmental stewardship that it meets in American ports. What about statements that the presence of the U.S. Navy is incompatible with tourism and with a national park? I see no incompatibility. The Italian Senate’s recent hearings confirmed that the U.S. Navy is a responsible steward of the waters of La Maddalena. The sailors and family members serving in La Maddalena are also some of Sardinia’s best tourists. Sardinia, and the area around La Maddalena, are absolutely beautiful! The U.S. presence does not detract from the natural beauty and is not an impediment to tourist development. Is the U.S. military presence at La Maddelena preventing economic development in Sardinia? No. That argument doesn't stand up to a look at economic reality. I'm from the State of Florida, which is similar to Sardinia in many ways, particularly in natural beauty. In Florida, we have military bases, we have a bombing range, and we have one of the most robust economies in the U.S. We have an economy that is friendly to the tourist, to the investor, to the military and to the environment. In fact, Floridians would object strenuously if the United States Government proposed closing down the military facilities in our state, because closure would damage Florida's economy. Sardinia has a fantastic natural environment. Tourists want to come here. And investors want to build the facilities that will attract the tourists. I've talked to some of the investors who have made the decision not to invest in Sardinia. They don't say it's because the Italian and U.S. military are present. They say very clearly that it is because the Italian and Sardinian legal systems and bureaucracies do not give them confidence that they will be able to make money. If you don't listen to the people who have money to invest, and address the real economic and legal issues, Sardinia will not experience real economic growth, with or without the military presence. What would you say about the hospitality of the people of Northern Sardinia and especially La Maddalena? I hear only good things from the U.S. Navy, which has been enjoying the hospitality of La Maddalena, Sardinia, and Italy for over thirty years. In that time, an entire generation of Americans and Maddaleni have benefited from the many personal and professional relationships that have developed between our communities. U.S. families and sailors say that they are treated like they are part of the community -- U.S. and Italian children playing together in the Piazza, the relationship between U.S. and Italian neighbors, sailors making great and lasting friendships with La Maddalena residents. Feeling a part of the community means Americans also look for opportunities to contribute to "our" community. The U.S. Navy enjoys every opportunity to get involved – be it spring time beach clean-up, refurnishing a local church, visiting the elderly, participating in local cultural events like Carnevale and encouraging Italians to participate in American cultural events like 4th of July, Thanksgiving and Halloween. They participate with local military and law enforcement in various celebrations like the annual Polizia and Carabinieri birthdays, Memorial Day, Santa Maria Maddalena and many others. Many Americans have learned to speak Italian and a large number have settled down in the northern Sardinia area for good. Finally, I would like to say that beyond its hospitality, Sardinia is a good friend and ally. We remember the brave men, members of the Sassari Brigade and the Carabinieri, who lost their lives in Nasiriya, and other Italians, military and civilian, who have made sacrifices while trying to help the people of Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere in the world. The Sassari Brigade, which recently celebrated its 90th anniversary, has a fine and honorable tradition. As your allies, we share the pride of Sardinians in this Brigade and its contributions to security and peace around the world. The sacrifice of its soldiers to bring peace to a troubled land will not be forgotten. |