OnBase: La Maddalena
The Land Welcomes YouBy Julie Dawson
Summer 2006
Its beauty is legendary, drawing many vacationers to its secluded beaches, warm waters and quaint towns. Oleander bushes and lush vegetation add to the sights and smells, and year-round winds propel the many sailboats competing with luxury yachts for port space.
Located between the Italian island of Sardinia and the French island of Corsica in the Mediterranean Sea, only five miles long and about three miles across at its widest point, the tiny island of La Maddalena is one of the most remote, exotic and beautiful duty stations in the U.S. military. But for centuries, its strategic location has made it an important naval outpost.
Rich In Natural Beauty, Strategic Value...
The United States sought to obtain La Maddalena as early as 1822 as a base to protect its shipping from pirates who had long been active in the Mediterranean. The Italian government refused and built its own base there. In 1972, the Italians finally allowed the U.S. to establish a presence on the island.
La Maddalena has since provided key support for submarines and warships operating in the Mediterranean. But with the end of the Cold War - a primary concern in 1972 - the facility at La Maddalena eventually became expendable. The announcement to phase out operations at the base was made in November 2005, and a timeline for closure will be determined.
La Maddalena is home port for the USS Emory S. Land (AS-39), a submarine tender staffed and stocked to aid the ships and submarines of the Sixth Fleet with repairs, weapons handling and supplies. The Land's mobility and constant state of readiness enable her to remain available for immediate deployment to wherever she is needed most. A new home port for the Land has not been announced.
As a floating repair shop, the experts aboard the USS Emory S. Land can meet almost any challenge, whether involving underwater hull repair, electronics, carpentry, communications, nuclear repair, periscopes, torpedoes or one of the many other elements on a ship or sub. The Land's supply capabilities also are impressive. With some 52,000 items worth more than $10 million in inventory, the Land is ready to provide both technical and general items to the ships and subs requiring her service.
About 1,100 Navy personnel are aboard the USS Emory S. Land, including those comprising Submarine Squadron 22. In January 2006, the personnel aboard the Land were awarded the ship's seventh consecutive Battle "E" (for "Efficiency") from the Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic Fleet. The award signifies that the ship is ready and able to complete its mission in a combat situation. Many of the Land's individual departments also earned awards, indicating a high level of performance by sailors throughout the ship.
In addition to the services and personnel related to the USS Emory S. Land, various other departments operate at La Maddalena under the U.S. Naval Support Activity. Administration, Public Works, Port Operations, Supply, Security and Legal keep the base running. Military members and their families are served by the Fleet and Family Support Center; Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR); the Chaplain; and by various tenant commands.
...But Scarce In Available Housing, Resources
While the military provides a number of services to the 2,500 U.S. personnel (civilian, military and their families) stationed at La Maddalena, availability of certain services and items in the local community can prove scarce. For example, the nearest stores that could be compared to American malls or department stores are 45 minutes away in Olbia, on the mainland of Sardinia (where one also would need to travel to catch a ferry to mainland Italy). Smaller shops and open-air markets operate locally, but with less selection and often higher prices.
Overseas screening for a billet at La Maddalena is especially rigorous due to the location's limited resources. With only the Branch Clinic for on-base medical care, limited facilities and treatments at the local Italian hospital, and Medevac often taking days to secure, medical conditions requiring any specialized care can prompt immediate reassignment. Advanced dental care and specialized educational needs sometimes are met on a very limited basis. Families in the Exceptional Family Member Program also face highly restrictive screening.
Further complicating life at La Maddalena is the prevalence of tourists during the peak season. Normally, the island is home to about 15,000 residents but the number can reach 75,000 during the summer months.
The good news: Military members and their families have the unique opportunity to experience life at this exclusive destination. The bad news: Housing shortages and the increased summer population mean that family members may not be allowed entry approval at the same time as the active duty member checks in to the command. The housing office works hard to ensure that problems are resolved as quickly as possible, but the situation is difficult.
The pirates are long gone and the Cold War is no longer a threat, so you have only a short time to find your way to La Maddalena as part of the U.S. military. The beaches always will remain, but in a few years your military ID may offer you no extra amenities. Ciao!
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Julie Dawson is an editor for WordCrafters and teaches the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society's "Budget for Baby" program at the Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, CA.
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La Maddalena At A Glance
Housing: The military maintains 169 units in La Maddalena and another 15 in the village of Palau, on mainland Sardinia. Housing is available in the local community, and about two-thirds of Navy families live off base. The housing office can assist in finding and negotiating a contract for a rental home in the Italian community.
Education: A Child Development Center is available on base for pre-schoolers, though some families send their tykes to local Italian-speaking schools. The DoD school in La Maddalena offers K-8 classes, but only local Italian-speaking schools are available to high school students. Home education (via correspondence course or independent means) is a popular option; some students choose to attend the DoD's London Central High School in England. Adult education is available via the University of Maryland University College or Central Texas College. Navy personnel may access professional and continuing education programs aboard the USS Emory S. Land and on base.
Employment: Limited positions are available on base, and jobs may be available for qualified instructors in the adult education programs. The Fleet and Family Support Center may provide information about other opportunities.
Recreation: Water sports and beaches are abundant. World-class resorts are located nearby, and MWR offers entertainment packages (to Club Med, for example). Outdoor sports, horseback riding, shopping, dining out and enjoying the local culture provide plenty to do. MWR programs include an auto hobby shop, theater, craft shop, pool, library, community center, youth sports and teen/youth activity centers.
Climate: Summers are hot and humid; winters are cold but seldom freezing. Sardinia is one of the windiest places in the Mediterranean, sometimes resulting in violent windstorms. The prevailing winds help the sailboats, but they also bring dust and pollen from exotic places, making La Maddalena difficult for those prone to asthma or respiratory problems.
Websites:
Naval Support Activity La Maddalena:
MWR La Maddelena
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