JANUARY 28, 2026 — The U.S. Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples, Italy, is revolutionizing its approach to health and wellness with a significant investment in state-of-the-art fitness facilities. With over $422,000 spent in fiscal year 2025 and an additional $120,000 projected for fiscal year 2026, the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) program is rolling out extensive upgrades designed to enhance mission readiness, boost morale, and prevent injuries for the entire base community.
The comprehensive initiative stems from a holistic vision for the health and readiness of service members, focusing not only on physical strength but also on mental and emotional well-being.
“We are fully aligned with the Navy’s ‘Sailors First’ initiative which focuses on improving quality of life to increase readiness. As the Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle has emphasized, our Sailors and civilian personnel are the heartbeat of the Navy and deserve a standard of service that matches the unlimited liability they accept in defense of our nation. These fitness upgrades reflect that commitment.,” said Capt. John Randazzo, NSA Naples commanding officer.
“Providing modern, comprehensive, and accessible fitness options is fundamental to our mission. A ready force is a healthy force, and these upgrades ensure our warfighters have the tools they need to stay physically and mentally prepared for any challenge.”
State-of-the-Art Upgrades for Functional Fitness
At the heart of the upgrades are new, dynamic training areas. Four outdoor “Fit Boxes”—one at Capodichino, two at Support Site, and one at the Gaeta Fleet Landing—now offer versatile functional fitness stations. Each box is equipped with 16 pull-up stations, five squat racks, a 12-foot rope climb tower, and a full complement of gear including Olympic bars, kettlebells, sleds, and resistance bands.
Additionally, new Navy Operational Fitness and Fueling System (NOFFS) Zones have been installed at the Capodichino and Support Site Fitness Centers. These zones feature multiple squat racks, deadlift platforms, ski-ergs, assault bikes, and turf fields. This equipment directly supports the specific requirements of the Physical Readiness Test (PRT) by building the functional strength and endurance essential for operational readiness.
“We are incredibly excited about the transformative impact of these new facilities. The NOFFS Zones and outdoor Fit Boxes are game changers, shifting the focus to functional fitness that directly translates to the physical demands of our Sailors’ jobs,” said Austin Holmes, MWR fitness director.
“Whether it’s building strength for the PRT with our new squat racks and deadlift platforms or improving endurance on the assault bikes, we’re giving our Sailors the best equipment to train effectively, prevent injuries, and exceed the standard. This is about building stronger, more resilient warfighters.”
Fitness on Your Schedule
Recognizing the demanding schedules of service members, MWR has introduced flexible solutions to ensure fitness is always accessible. “Fitness on Demand,” an interactive digital platform, offers a vast library of virtual classes like spin, yoga, Zumba, and HIIT that patrons can access 24/7. This allows individuals to choose their preferred workout type, duration, and equipment at any time.
Furthermore, the Unmanned Fitness Access program allows eligible patrons to use the main fitness centers after staffed hours, providing maximum convenience and control over their personal fitness goals.
A View from the Deckplate
The round-the-clock accessibility and new equipment have not gone unnoticed by Sailors. Seaman Jacob Balcke, who visits the Support Site fitness center about four times a week, praised the recent changes.
“I think everyone should be aware that these fit boxes are 24/7, and they’re really easy to access,” said Balcke. “They [the base] redid [replaced] all the [fitness] machines there. And like all the Beaver Fit boxes around base, they’re really great additions to the base. Makes it a lot easier to stay fit.”
That thoughtful approach to the upgrades extends to the gym’s interior organization. Petty Officer 3rd Class Hernan Hillier, who mainly uses the free weights and cardio machines, echoed the sentiment.
“The gym is really organized,” Hillier said. “From the machines to weights, depending on what workout you’re doing, it’s really easy to find everything you need in one place. You really can’t get it wrong.”
Building Community and Strength
Beyond individual workouts, the MWR Fitness program is fostering camaraderie and friendly competition. A new annual run calendar offers a themed run each month, while programs like the Powerlifting Challenges, Armed Forces Olympics, and specialized workshops like NOFFS Short Courses and Mission Nutrition provide opportunities for the military community in Naples to train and connect. All eligible patrons can register for these programs online or at the fitness center information desk.
NSA Naples is an operational ashore base host to more than 50 separate commands and approximately 8,500 personnel. The base provides a forward-deployed operational platform to the Fleet, enables the warfighter, and supports the family. It supports U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, U.S. SIXTH Fleet, NATO, and Combatant Commander’s strategic priorities by providing air and port operations, force protection, emergency services, logistical and administrative capabilities, and essential quality of life products and services to the Fleet, joint and allied forces to ensure stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.
For more information about NSA Naples, visit our website: https://cnreurafcent.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/NSA-Naples/
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