US Naval Hospital Sigonella Completes Critical Medical Logistics Warehouse Renovation
TL/DR –
U.S. Naval Hospital (USNH) Sigonella in Italy has completed a significant renovation of its medical logistics warehouse. The renovation, completed in May 2025, addressed a longstanding Life Safety Code deficiency identified during a 2018 Joint Commission inspection, which included lack of fire-rated separation between staff and storage areas. The upgraded facility, featuring fire-rated walls, self-closing fire doors, a modern fire suppression system, and a reconfigured layout, enables USNH Sigonella to more efficiently store and distribute medical supplies across the Fifth and Sixth Fleet areas and ensures compliant healthcare delivery.
US Naval Hospital Sigonella Upgrades Medical Logistics Warehouse
U.S. Naval Hospital (USNH) Sigonella in Italy has completed a crucial renovation project of its medical logistics warehouse. The refurbishment aims to enhance safe healthcare delivery and support to U.S. and allied forces across the Fifth and Sixth Fleet.
The facility upgrade addresses a longstanding Life Safety Code deficiency identified during a 2018 Joint Commission inspection. The older structure lacked fire-rated separation between staff and storage areas, which required nearly seven years of Interim Life Safety Measures, including fire watches.
“This renovation isn’t just about compliance—it’s about building a foundation of safety, readiness, and trust,” stated Capt. Aaron Frank, Deputy Director, USNH Sigonella. The project enhances the hospital’s ability to sustain crucial medical supply operations across the Fifth and Sixth Fleet regions.
The renovation began in August 2023 and involved the construction of fire-rated walls and doors, and a fire-safe observation window. The fire suppression system was updated, and the warehouse layout was restructured to meet contemporary logistics demands and safety regulations.
The updated facility allows USNH Sigonella to store and distribute vital medical supplies efficiently from key partners including the US Army Medical Material Center Europe (USAMMCE), Prime Vendor Medical (PVM), Prime Vendor Pharmacy (PVP), Electronic Catalogue (ECAT), and the General Services Administration (GSA).
With increased space, improved storage, and enhanced fire protection, the facility provides reliable logistical support to the hospital, remote clinics, and transient Department of Defense units operating throughout Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
“Being Joint Commission-compliant is critical. But what’s even more crucial is being ready—ready to move supplies, support our warfighters, and deliver quality care across a region that depends on us,” said Frank.
The renovation project was successfully completed through the collaboration of USNH Sigonella’s Facilities Team, led by Lt. j.g Andrew DeFrees, and supported by the Medical Logistics Department led by, Lt. Okechukwu Ezeonwurie, along with other key contributors.
The upgraded warehouse now serves as a cornerstone of USNH Sigonella’s mission to deliver safe, timely, and high-quality care to service members, their families, and joint forces operating across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
As part of a tri-site command with detachments in Bahrain and Souda Bay, Greece, USNH Sigonella provides forward-deployed medical care, supports global health engagements, and plays a vital role in sustaining fleet health and regional partnerships. The command is dedicated to providing safe, high-quality care to service members, their families, and eligible beneficiaries, enabling force medical readiness across the theatre.
—
Read More Health & Wellness News ; US News