ACTION REQUEST: INITIATE HOST NATION

C O N F I D E N T I A L STATE 097531 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: UPON PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT TAGS: MARR PREL IT SUBJECT: ACTION REQUEST: INITIATE HOST NATION CONSULTATIONS ON MONTE ORLANDO COMPOUND AT GAETA REF: A. DEPSECDEF APPROVAL MEMO SIGNED 28 AUG 2008 ¶B. ROUND 49 ENCLOSURE 1 APRIL 2008 Classified By: EUR/RPM ACTING DIRECTOR BRUCE TURNER FOR REASONS 1.4 (A) AND (D) ¶1. (C) This is an action request for Embassy Rome. Post is requested to conduct host nation consultations at the appropriate level regarding the proposed return of the Monte Orlando Compound, at Gaeta, Italy, operated by U.S. Naval Forces, Europe, to the Government of Italy, as described in paragraph 2. Post is requested to report the results of host nation consultations as soon as practicable. After host nation consultations are concluded, public announcement and PA guidance will be promulgated (in coordination with OSD, State, Joint Staff, and EUCOM). ¶2. (C/REL IT) In accordance with the Defense Department's ongoing global defense posture realignment, DOD proposes the return of the Monte Orlando Compound, an Italian Army base, which is separate from the Italian Navy pier at Gaeta, where the USS Mount Whitney will remain. Fleet Landing services will be provided through the Italian Navy Base-Gaeta. This nomination involves closure and return of 2.4 acres with 13 structures, as soon as possible but not later than late Sept 08, and will affect a total of 185 personnel, including local national positions; therefore host nation consultation is required. ¶E. (U) Information will be declassified upon public announcement. POCS are: Col Patrick McClelland, ISMEUR 571-9641; Mr. Rick Flansburg, OSD/ATL, (703) 571-9065; COL Vince Freeman, J-5/WEB, 703-695-6299; MR. Al Lew, USEUCOM, ECJ4-EN, 49 711 680 8664; MR. Steve Ashton, CNRE N4, 39 081 568-4351. RICE