As CSEL, MCPO Mannavola serves as the principal advisor to his commander, U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Eugene H. Black III, on matters affecting non-commissioned members (NCM) in the Alliance, while part of a team that provides the command’s force structure and staff with NCM and junior officer development, utilisation and engagement. He has been in the position since January 2021.
“One of the privileges (and one of the most rewarding roles) of being a CSEL is speaking with a wide variety of audiences, both officers and enlisted,” said MCPO Mannavola. “By advising, consulting, and participating in the Command’s senior leadership team, the CSEL plays an important role in the continuous improvement of the Command, and has the opportunity to communicate the Commander’s roles, responsibilities, and objectives.”
Italian Navy Master Chief Petty Officer Andrea Mannavola, the Command Senior Enlisted Leader of Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) poses for a photo outside his command. (NATO Photo by STRIKFORNATO Public Affairs)
MCPO Mannavola joined the Italian Navy in 2000 as a Reserve Officer; throughout his more than 20-year career, he has deployed on multiple national and international exercises and operations around the globe notably serving as NATO Secret Registry Chief with NATO-led KFOR. He has served in a variety of sea and shore based assignments along with being awarded several decorations. More information on his career can be found here: https://bit.ly/2MZRxPV.
“One of the greatest benefits a CSEL brings to the Command is his relationship with and understanding of the enlisted workforce,” said MCPO Mannavola. “Empathy and effective communication are the keys to remain credible and to prevent gaps from growing in these critical relationships.”
STRIKFORNATO is Supreme Allied Commander Europe’s (SACEUR) premier, rapidly deployable and flexible, maritime power projection headquarters. First established in 1953, STRIKFORNATO’s organization, mission, and roles as a maritime battle staff have evolved with the Alliance over the years. Originally created as STRIKFORSOUTH to address NATO’s security concerns in the Mediterranean region, since 2004 STRIKFORNATO’s responsibilities have expanded to include the entire NATO area of responsibility. In this same year, SACEUR assumed direct Operational Command (OPCOM) of STRIKFORNATO.
On order, STRIKFORNATO will provide a Maritime Battle Staff, OPCOM directly to SACEUR, to deliver a rapidly deployable and scalable headquarters capable of planning and executing full spectrum joint maritime expeditionary operations and providing command and control of maritime Ballistic Missile Defence, primarily through integration of U.S. naval and amphibious forces, in order to provide assurance, deterrence, and collective defence for the Alliance.
Although part of the NATO Force Structure (NFS), STRIKFORNATO’s enduring relationship with SACEUR provides it access and influence commensurate with NATO Command Structure (NCS) organizations. STRIKFORNATO’s Technical Agreement states that COM STRIKFORNATO is to provide SACEUR with a “multinational joint, but predominantly maritime, operations planning and command and control (C2) capability, able to undertake or contribute to all Alliance missions.”
This is part fourteen of a SHAPE Public Affairs series, introducing CSELs within Allied Command Operations. Following highlights will include CSELs from: Allied Air Command, and other units from multiple domains and subcommands.