International Teamwork Shines at 30th Armed Forces Olympics
September 21, 2026| Story by Naomi Wilkins | Commander, Navy Installations Command | Fleet and Family Readiness
WASHINGTON – Service members from the U.S., Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom, recently gathered at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples’ Carney Park for the 30th Annual Armed Forces Olympics. The event brought international allies together outside of a training environment for a day of friendly competition, family activities and camaraderie.
Set in the lush, green crater of an extinct volcano, Carney Park provided a unique backdrop for the event. Sixteen teams from U.S., NATO and Italian units claimed pavilions, fired up their grills and settled in with their families, commands and fellow service members for a full day of activities.
“It’s a really fantastic day for everyone to come together and bond in a fun, relaxed setting,” said Karen Hendrix, NSA Naples Fleet and Family Readiness (FFR) Marketing Manager.
Planning for the annual event began months in advance, starting in October with the development of new challenges and event layouts. Organizers also worked to secure commercial sponsors, coordinate with participating commands and manage hundreds of supplies and services needed to support the event.
The competition featured eight events designed to test athleticism, teamwork and critical thinking. Challenges included the Banner Competition, Glide and Slide, Human Caterpillar and more. One challenge required teams to work together to develop a way to move water through funnels and to fill a large tub.
Secret judges monitored the teams throughout the day, beginning with the opening ceremony, where participants marched into their chosen theme songs while displaying custom-made banners.
International Team 2NSB captured the overall championship, while Aeronautica Accademia and PWD clinched historic top spots for the Italian and U.S. commands. The Security team's coach also received the prestigious Sportsmanship Award in recognition of the teamwork and spirit demonstrated throughout the competition.
The MVPs from the three winning teams each took home a championship wrestling-style belt. The championship belts and competition trophies were sponsored by Barrus.
The event also featured live music from high school students from the Cimarosa Music Academy. Vega Restaurant provided additional support with a live chef who prepared and served food for attendees throughout the day.
While U.S. forces routinely train alongside their international counterparts, the Armed Forces Olympics gives service members and their families an opportunity to connect in a more relaxed setting and strengthen relationships across commands and nations.
For more information about NSA Naples’ Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) programs, visit NavyMWRNaples.com. To learn more about Navy MWR and find programs at your local installation, visit NavyMWR.org.






