NAS Sigonella and Cesarò Commemorate 30 Years of Collaboration and Community
CESARÒ, Sicily – Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella and the town of Cesarò celebrated three decades of cultural and historic collaboration, Aug. 19, 2026.
On August 19, 1996, NAS Sigonella played a critical role in helping the town of Cesarò place a seven-meter bronze statue of ‘Christ the Lord of the Mountain’ atop a rocky peak known as Pizzipiturro in Nebrodi Park with assistance from the Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 4 (HC-4) stationed onboard NAS Sigonella.
“It is important to remember the work our military community has done while stationed in Sicily, such as the extraordinary collaboration with supporting Cesarò,” said Capt. Daniel Martins, commanding officer, NAS Sigonella. “This is one of many heartfelt reminders of the longstanding partnership and unity that Sigonella has intertwined within our local communities. Events like this highlight how strong the United States and Italian alliance and support remain.”
Sculpted by artist Mario Termini, the nearly 4,500-kilogram bronze statue was originally stored in northern Italy and remained hidden for two years with no available transport to carry it to its intended location. Eventually, the town turned to NAS Sigonella for assistance with the use of a U.S. military helicopter, the only aircraft capable of handling the statue’s size and weight. Sigonella’s team successfully airlifted and placed the statue on the tip of the mountain, overlooking the community below and where it stands to this day.
Mayor Katia Antonìna of Cesarò expressed deep appreciation for NAS Sigonella’s continued support, “Thank you, Capt. Martins, who has been positively leading the base this past year. For the present and future generations, it is a duty to remember what a memorable and historic day this represents. Thanks to the intervention and friendship of the American military, we were able to position this extraordinary work on the summit of Pizzipiturro for us to enjoy these last 30 years.”
Every year since, Aug. 19 has continued to remain as an annual day of celebration in Cesarò. Residents, along with civil, military, and religious authorities, annually gather to commemorate the event. The day includes a traditional procession with horses, majorettes, a musical band, and a ceremonial walk to the statue site at Pizzipiturro.
NAS Sigonella provides consolidated operational, command and control, administrative, and advanced logistical support to U.S. and NATO forces. The installation’s strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required, ensuring security and stability throughout Europe, Africa and Central Asia.
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