There were forces 30 mins away in Sigonella
++++
I suspect you are right about that.
But you have made a big claim. You should tell all of us what you have as the basis for that claim. Some detail would be a real service to me and I suspect a lot of other Freepers.
I know I am right. They are probably still there.
http://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnreurafswa/installations/nas_sigonella/om/force_protection.html
Toulon may have been next closest, La Maddelena, but Rota was certainly in reach
At this point what difference does it make? /s