VICENZA, Italy -- U.S. Soldiers from 509th Signal Battalion are working hard to create lasting partnerships with Italian Soldiers from 184th Italian Signal Regiment, headquartered in Treviso. Both units perform similar functions for their armies, and the natural bond between Signal Soldiers has blossomed quickly into a true cross-cultural friendship.
The 509th Signal Battalion here delivers communications support to U.S. forces across Italy, the Balkans, the Black Sea region and Africa, while the 184th Italian Signal Regiment provides communications support and maintenance to Italian units in Northern Italy.
The partnership began one year ago, when the Italian Army unit invited leaders of the 509th to visit their Army base in Treviso. The 509th's battalion commander, Lt. Col. Brent Skinner, saw the event as an opportunity to build a partnership between the two NATO allies and quickly accepted. The Key Leader Engagement visit included official greetings, a mission briefing, a tour of the Italian unit's facilities, and a meal at the Italian dining facility.
In return, 509th Sig. Bn. invited members of the Italian unit to visit the Vicenza installation. This was the first time the 184th Signal Regiment had ever visited U.S. Soldiers on a base in Italy, and they were impressed with the facilities provided to American Soldiers.
"It is evident by the impressive facilities located on Caserma Del Din and Caserma Ederle that the American Army takes exceptional care of their Soldiers and families living abroad … we thank the 509th unit for inviting us into their home," said Lt. Col. Daniele Versaci, battalion commander, 184th Sig. Bn.
Sgt. Maj. Albano Battistella, Italian Liaison Officer to U.S. Army Garrison Italy, helped facilitate the new partnership between the two units. Battistella has been critical in helping bridge the cultural gap between the two units, according to 509th leadership.
"The 509th has really made it a priority to seek out new partnerships with our Italian Army units, and this means a lot to us -- we learn from one another and help each other," Battistella said.
"Partnerships such as this are key to America's ability to operate in a complex environment," said Maj. Brian Stieritz, 509th Signal Battalion executive officer. "They strengthen our military alliance and are crucial to building a Stronger Europe."
The friendship between members of the two units continues to grow. 509th receives invitations to Italian events and ceremonies across Northern Italy. One event was a WWII military ceremony in the Northern Italian town of Fregona, where U.S. Soldiers participated in an Italian Soldier's prayer and memorial ceremony, listened to a speech by the Mayor of Fregona, and visited a static display of historical and modern Italian communication systems by the 184th.
Most recently, the 509th attended the Italian Change of Command ceremony for 184th Italian Sig. Rgt., as Col. Giancarlo Marolda relinquished command to Col. Vicenzo De Manna. The 509th Signal Battalion and 184th Signal Regiment continue their partnerships through different training events, site visits and interoperability opportunities.
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