NAPLES, Italy — Medical and public works personnel from across the Europe, Africa, Central (EURAFCENT) Area of Responsibility recently participated in the Navy Medicine Drinking Water Program safety course on board Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy, May 5 – 9, 2025.
The Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery drinking water course, co-hosted by Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) EURAFCENT, provides a comprehensive instruction covering topics ranging from water source management and treatment processes to compliance monitoring and risk communication.
“Our goal is to ensure the water provided to warfighters, staff, and families is safe,” said Anthony Carotenuto, course instructor from Navy and Marine Corps Force Health Protection Command (NMCFHPC).
Developed seven years ago, the course initially focused on training medical personnel. Recognizing the importance of a collaborative approach, the NMCFHPC expanded the training to include NAVFAC public works personnel and water operators.
“This course has come a long way over the last few years of development,” said Carotenuto. “Really, it's a team approach. Drinking water is not one person doing one job and one doing another. We have to know what each of us do in order to ensure the job is done correctly.”
The training emphasizes the critical role of safe drinking water in mission readiness. A disruption in water service can compromise operations, highlighting the importance of a well-trained and collaborative team.
Moreover, access to safe and reliable drinking water is essential to the health and well-being of our service members and their families, directly impacting their quality of life and operational effectiveness.
“Ensuring safe, reliable drinking water for our personnel and their families is a NAVFAC priority,” said Capt. Matthew Williams, executive officer, NAVFAC EURAFCENT. “This course directly enhances our SYSCOM [Systems Command] capabilities and reinforces our ability to deliver this essential resource safely. The course also fosters collaboration and shared knowledge between our team, the Region, and preventative medicine.”
Students also benefited from a tour of NSA Naples’ water treatment plant, visualizing the practical application of classroom lessons.
“It is great that we were able to visit one of the best run water treatment plants the Navy has,” said Carotenuto. “This hands-on experience allows students to see the practical application of their training, ensuring they understand how to provide safe drinking water to our customers.”
NAVFAC and NMCFHPC remain committed to providing ongoing training and support, ensuring that Navy installations worldwide maintain the highest standards of drinking water safety and quality.
“Our commitment is to continuous improvement,” said Carotenuto. “Through ongoing training and support, we empower our personnel to maintain the highest standards of drinking water safety for our warfighters and their families worldwide.”
Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command is the naval shore facilities, base operating support, and expeditionary engineering systems command delivering life-cycle technical and acquisition solutions aligned to fleet and Marine Corps priorities. NAVFAC EURAFCENT supports fleet commanders by providing engineering assessments and agile acquisition strategy, constructing and maintaining shore infrastructure, and maximizing force readiness to enhance warfighter capability. NAVFAC EURAFCENT serves as the engineering link between the shore and the Fleet in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.
Navy and Marine Corps Force Health Protection Command is the Navy and Marine Corps' center for public health services. NMCFHPC provides leadership and expertise to ensure mission readiness through disease prevention and health promotion in support of the National Military Strategy.
For more information, contact NAVFAC EURAFCENT public affairs at +39 366.695.8800 or NAVFAC-EAC-PAO@us.navy.mil.