For anyone that has been stationed in Naples, how was it?

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 20:04:33 -0500

I just got orders to Naples, Italy and have heard good and bad stories. Some people want to leave as soon as they get there and some people love it. Thanks for everyone's comments in advance.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Feb 8 at 2016 8:28 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 20:28:37 -0500

It's a great place to spend your long weekends away from. In a tour, you'll exhaust the local stuff, especially if they're in one of their usual garbage strikes and the town just stinks. Lots of mob activity there too. But it's easy to visit everywhere else in Europe and MWR has lots of tours, etc. So, like most places, it's what you make of it. If you don't want to get out, you'll hate it. However, great food, cheap great wine, stay away from some areas, and you'll be good to go.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2016 9:32 PM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 21:32:40 -0500

Wear padding when you drive! It is chaos on the road! :)

I was the former of the group. I did not like it there. I felt most content (read:safest) being on base. Taking drives away are wonderful though! :)

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Feb 8 at 2016 11:44 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 23:44:27 -0500

You suck....that is all..... ;o)

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Feb 9 at 2016 12:56 AM

Capt Brandon Charters — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 00:56:21 -0500

I know Col Patrick Charters has. From everything he's told me, he absolutely loved it. Hopefully he can throw in some of his favorite things about the area and base.

Response by PO1 Cameron Rhyne made Feb 9 at 2016 1:46 AM

PO1 Cameron Rhyne — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 01:46:21 -0500

I wasn't stationed there but visited there a couple years ago. The area around the train station is shitty and looks like one of those dying rust belt citiies, but there are some nice things to see closer to the bay and the ruins near the Volcano are cool.

I've also never been more terrified in a taxi in my life. 4 cars trying to fit into 2 lanes at the same time. Being a cab driver in Naples is probably one of the few jobs worse then being a military recruiter.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2016 8:23 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 08:23:59 -0500

Your biggest PIA is going to be dealing with USANATO and the AFSOUTH BN. Out side of that you are going to have a blast. If I could go back, I would still live on post. But, we didn't just stay on post...we got out a lot. It is one of the few places that the family and I would go back to at the drop of a hat.
Naples is unique. It is completely different than the rest of Italy. There is crime...a lot in some areas. It is dirty. But once you learn the people, the place seems so much more enjoyable. Get out, go to the markets, go to the local store (fresh fruit and vegis are cheap there!), go to the local restaurants during the Italian times..not the American times. Accept that you are not in America, you are supported by the navy, and life is a little different. If you take a big family car, remember the streets get very narrow. I could write you about five or six pages of the things we enjoyed and learned there. If you want, hit me up on global and I will field any questions you have.

Response by PO2 Melanie Bowen made Feb 9 at 2016 2:06 PM

PO2 Melanie Bowen — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 14:06:35 -0500

I spent 4 years in Naples, I loved it. Enjoy how close you are to so many historical and beautiful things!

Response by MSgt Rosemary Connolly made Feb 9 at 2016 8:07 PM

MSgt Rosemary Connolly — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 20:07:20 -0500

The ones that complained usually isolated themselves inside the American confines like a prison. I learned some Italian and they were pleased to meet me half way. Ditto on the driving. You have to fight for an inch between cars and don't look them in the eye or you've just yielded to the other the right of way. Streets are dirty but it's also very sandy and hard to maintain yards like we do here. Inside their homes it is nice. If standing at the coffee bar, you don't have to tip but if you sit down you do. MWR has some nice trips. Must to to Capri and Iscia.

Response by Robert Warne Razon made Mar 15 at 2016 1:12 PM

Robert Warne Razon — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 13:12:39 -0400

We (USN fam) may be posted there on next year's PCS. Appreciate the comments here. Can anyone elaborate on the supposedly bad air quality in Naples? Just how bad is it actually? Thanks!

Response by Sgt Jason Markvart made Jul 14 at 2016 3:14 AM

Sgt Jason Markvart — Thu, 14 Jul 2016 03:14:10 -0400

Old post; however let me toss my comments out. I was here in Naples as a dependant back in the late 80s prior to shipping out to Boot Camp, and returned as a GS employee with my family years later. Things have changed. The wild west atmosphere that it once was isn't anymore. Yes you will still hit pockets that will leave you shaking your head in wonder or disgust, but your overall experience in Naples will be better if you come in with an open mind.

The first thing you have to know about Napoli is that isn't your Hometown, USA. It's a different country, with different customs, traditions, foods, language, etc... If you come here expecting to have a (insert American chain) here, then prepare to be disappointed. If you come here with an open mind, and avoid getting caught between the US/NATO triangle (Support Site - Capo/JFC - Carney Park), and actually get out an explore then you will have an amazing time.

The most important piece of advise. Ignore the naysayers. Stay away from those who already have a negative opinion (form your own). The area is ripe with history, with plenty of things to keep you and your family occupied!

Response by HN Alyssa Sattler made May 23 at 2018 3:57 AM

HN Alyssa Sattler — Wed, 23 May 2018 03:57:05 -0400

I had an amazing time while stationed there. Yes there was good and bad but overall an experience i will never forget. Make sure you travel while there. Its super easy to travel anywhere from the capo airport. Learn a little italian. Makes things easier obviously. Food and wine are fantastic. If you get a chance charter and boat. Also visit ischia. 35 euro round trip ferry out of the port. Its amazing there.