The Department of Defense announced today that the United States will cease operations at Naval Support Activity (NSA) La Maddalena, Italy.

In light of today's security environment and the U.S. European Command's force structure realignment and transformation, it was determined that the capabilities provided by the installation are no longer required at NSA La Maddalena.

Closure of these facilities will affect more than 1,300 U.S. service members, 88 U.S. DoD civilian employees, 90 contract employees and 178 host nation employees. Facilities affected by this decision will return to the host nation by spring 2008.

As a result of this decision, the Navy will relocate the submarine repair ship USS Emory S. Land in October 2007. Details regarding the ship's new homeport will be made available by the Navy at a later date.

As with all stationing actions, the United States coordinated with host nation officials before making this announcement.

For additional information regarding this announcement, please contact U.S. Naval Forces Europe public affairs at +(39)-081-568-3070 or +(39)-335-727-4883.