The Signature | October 2, 2020

October 2, 2020

Vol. 37 No. 17

SAILORS HELP EXCAVATE ANCIENT GREEK CITY pages 6 & 7

FIRE PREVENTION MONTH WHAT NOT TO DO IN AN EARTHQUAKE

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Direct Line William Casey, Fire Chief, NAS Sigonella hen you think of your local fire department, you W probably imagine the big red truck, a firefighter in full gear, and maybe a Dalmatian. However, typical fire and

emergency services departments are more than just the first responders. The NAS Sigonella Fire & Emergency Services department is comprised of administration, operations, training, and fire prevention sections, all of which play a vital role in providing a safe and hazard free environment for our installation. Of these sections, the fire prevention office is charged with educating the public on fire safety and the prevention of fires. As we start “Fire Prevention Week,” we want to let you know a little bit about what our fire prevention team does.

Public education plays a critical part in ensuring the populace is safe in their daily activities. Our fire inspectors provide briefings to fire wardens and conduct fire drills at daycare centers, teen centers and at Department of Defense schools. You may have seen a fire inspector at your base indoctrination or even at your housing briefing when you arrived. Our annual “Fire Prevention Week” is a culmination of all our fire prevention efforts. This year, Fire Prevention Week runs from October 4-10, and the theme is “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” Here at NAS Sigonella, we will be hanging banners and passing out literature. Unfortunately, due to the Italian decree on COVID-19 we cannot have visitors in the fire station or fire trucks. We will be present for a daily AFN Radio show covering Fire Prevention Week and the history of Fire Prevention Week. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday the show will be at 1500, Tuesday will be at 1600 and Friday at 0900. You can also search under the heading NFPA Fire Prevention week for more information and games; there is even an application for your mobile device.

Of course, we also want to take this opportunity to make sure you know how to stay safe throughout the year. Here are just a few pointers: • • • • •

Cooking is the #1 cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of fires in the kitchen.

Always keep a lid handy. For stove top fires, put a lid on it.

Never use water or baking powder on a grease fire.

Fire in the oven? Keep the door closed and turn off the heat.

Keep cooking areas clear of anything that can catch fire.

Public education isn’t all we do, though. Another critical aspect of the fire prevention office is conducting fire inspections. This may sound like a routine task, but the fire inspector must possess the knowledge associated with the

facility classification, occupancy, hazard classification and have an understanding of the facilities historical data, before they begin the inspection.

Though fire inspections are a critical part of fire safety, preventing fires through sound engineering practices is always our preferred option. Fire engineering is the least visible part of a fire inspector’s responsibilities, but could be considered the most important. Engineering reviews are our opportunity to catch fire safety deficiencies while a building is in the planning phase or under major renovation. The inspectors ensure safety devices are included in the planning phase as well as the correct occupancy load, number of exits, emergency lighting and egress travel distance.

In closing, the fire prevention office is an essential part of any fire & emergency services program. A sound prevention program directly reduces the workload for the other functional areas of the department. Our fire inspectors are the lynch-pin to preventing fires and are an intricate part of our fire department!

For further information you can contact the Fire Prevention office: Assistant Chief Rowell 624-0534 Fire Inspector Musumeci 624-5194 Fire Inspector Tatum 624-6294 Happy Fire Prevention Week!

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Interactive Customer Evaluation Customer Comment Regarding Outdoor Food Court on NAS I: The outside eating areas at the Food Court are always dirty and never seem to be cleaned. Like really cleaned and made a priority. As we are practicing social distancing don’t you think this should be a priority so that patrons can eat outside knowing they aren’t sitting on direct or getting dirt in their food, comfortable with allowing their children to sit and eat and not having all those darn cats around.

Response: We received comments regarding the cleanliness and presence of stray animals in the outdoor seating areas at the NEX food courts. We understand people want to make use of these areas, especially with the social distancing requirements inside, and we have taken steps to ensure their suitability for eating. The area has been pressure

washed, and a new agreement is in place to maintain sanitation of the area. We ask that everyone using these outdoor areas respect the social distancing requirements, clean up after themselves, and throw all uneaten food in the trash to minimize stray animals in the area.

Bravo Zulu

BZ to MVRO: BZ to SrA Africa Young at MVRO. With one email she provided the number and an example of what I needed to update my insurance. When the Italian Certificate was received, she updated the system ensuring I never lost my gas ration privileges. She was extremely professional and responded promptly (less than an hour) to my follow-on questions.

THE SIGNATURE

U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA

Commanding Officer Capt. Kevin Pickard Executive Officer Cmdr. Patrick J. Moran Command Master Chief CMDCM Anna Wood EDITORIAL Public Affairs Officer Lt. Karl Schonberg karl.schonberg@eu.navy.mil Assistant Public Affairs Officer Megan Mills megan.mills@eu.navy.mil Public Affairs Leading Petty Officer MC1 Kegan Kay kegan.kay@eu.navy.mil Community Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil PAO Staff Writers \ Photographers MC2 Joshua Coté joshua.m.cote@eu.navy.mil MCSA Triniti Lersch triniti.lersch@eu.navy.mil CONTACT US

Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily thesig@eu.navy.mil DSN 624-5440; 095-86-5440 PSC 812 Box 7, FPO, AE 09627-0001

This newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services overseas.

Contents of The Signature are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense (DoD), or the U.S. Navy.

Editorial submissions are welcomed from all Naval Air Station Sigonella departments, divisions and tenant commands. Editorial submissions should be sent to the Public Affairs Office via thesig@eu.navy.mil. All articles submitted by non-staff members will be considered contributing writers.

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Name: MA2 Cartier Davis Command: NASSIG SECURITY Department: Antiterrorism

By MC2 Joshua Coté, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

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ome Sailors display outstanding drive and dedication to their job, and with that hard work comes recognition.

That is why Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Cartier Davis, from Compton, Calif. was nominated by his chain of command to be this issue’s Sailor in the Spotlight.

Davis is part of the Naval Air Station Sigonella Security department. While most of us see security stand watch at the gate every day, they do much more than that. The NASSIG security department is in charge of the largest naval security operation in Europe. Security also handles all of the Military Working Dogs and manages the armory here on base, which keeps the service members’ qualifications up to date.

Furthermore, they are in charge of antiterrorism (AT), where Davis works.

Although Davis says his workday is never consistently the same, he is always busy in AT. Davis is involved in most of the Random Antiterrorism Measures that are run on base.

For example, he often gives seat briefs to higher ups before big events, showing possible threats and mitigations towards those threats. Davis is also involved with vulnerability assessments out in town before events in the local community.

“These [vulnerability assessments] are done prior to the [seat] presentation,” said Davis. “These involve finding a location and observing the location as well as taking a bunch of photos. We then have to look up all the threats in the area and then compile all that into a brief.”

In addition to all of the briefs, Davis is responsible for doing the AT part of indoctrination to the command. What’s

more, if any NASSIG Sailors want to travel around Europe, they have to go see Davis first to get an AT brief and a chit.

As for collateral duties, Davis is the president of the Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions, as well as the training coordinator for Drug Education for Youth program. He is also one of the focus group leads for the Command Resilience Team and the Defense Equal Opportunity Council. He also writes all the packages for the security exercises that happen on base.

The Navy originally appealed to Davis because it was something out of the ordinary.

“I joined initially because, like everyone else, I kind of wanted to do something different,” said Davis. “Doing whatever I did in school, I have always been separate and unique and at that stage I was giving the same answers as everyone else and just wanted to do something different and provide for my family.”

Many people stationed in Europe say their favorite part of being here is the travel, but for Davis, that is not the case.

“For me, my favorite part about being here is not really specifically being in Italy or Europe,” said Davis. “For me it is more so for my children having the opportunity to be here and to live here and experience the culture. A lot of kids back in the States can never say that they never grew up or spent part of their lives in Italy. When they get to the point of school where they learn about Greek mythology, they will have that opportunity to say, ‘I have been to those places.’

That is the best part for me.”

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United to End Violence Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2020

By Patricia Chapin, NAS Sigonella Fleet and Family Support Center

reventing domestic abuse is a shared community responsibility that starts with education and providing critical support P to victims. This October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we would like to share some simple, safe and effective ways for family, friends and concerned community members to help individuals who are at risk for domestic abuse during a time of heightened isolation.

Getting help for an abusive relationship is difficult, especially during a global crisis. The public health measures designed to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus have created conditions that may contribute to domestic abuse. For example, stay-athome orders may increase risk factors for victims by keeping them in quarantine with their abuser and cutting them off from friends, relatives and safe havens.

When it comes to domestic abuse, everyone’s situation is different – it can happen to anyone and is not their fault.

Whatever the circumstances, a call to your installation’s Family Advocacy Program (FAP) or Military OneSource can link you to resources and support.

FAP is committed to supporting service members and their families impacted by domestic abuse through victim advocacy and crisis intervention.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, and you are not sure what to do, make a call to one of the Family Advocacy Counselors here on NAS Sigonella (624-4291/095 56-4291)

If you are concerned about your safety and need immediate support, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or a live chat with an advocate at thehotline.org.

What should you do if you are worried that a friend or family member is experiencing domestic abuse? First of all, do not pressure them to leave. Instead, tell them you are there for them and that you can help them plan for their safety or seek outside support when they are ready. Ask them how they prefer to stay in touch. Support them. Believe them.

In these times of increased isolation, you can also make yourself available for scheduled check-ins with loved ones who may feel unsafe at home, whether it be by phone, text or social media, so you will know if they’re OK or if you need to call for help.

Your Family Advocacy Program, Command, and all agencies of NAS Sigonella are here to support you. If you, or someone you know is at risk, reach out to your local Family Advocacy Program (624-4291/095 56-4291), the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-342-9647), or the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (1-800-799-7233).

Learn more at https://www.militaryonesource.mil/family-relationships/relationships/domestic-abuse-help , https://ncadv.org/ and https://www.thehotline.org/

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Sailors Help Unearth

By MCSN Triniti Lersch, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

hen this land was confiscated from the Mafia W and bought by a non-profit organization, no one knew that it was sitting on top of an ancient Greek city.

Nostra Signora di Gulfi is a Chiaramonte Gulfi-based non-profit organization that promotes the integration of African migrants, including asylum seekers and refugees, through projects that focus on activities such as farming, food production, various agricultural activities, and craftsmanship. Eventually, they would even support the archaeological dig located on the property.

For a few hours a day, the organizations also hosts a small group of inmates from a local juvenile jail. As an alternative to detention, the inmates take part in educational opportunities and community service in order to give them a chance to live more successful lives.

There are currently 50 adult asylum seekers, 12 unaccompanied minors seeking asylum, and ten Sicilian juvenile inmates who work with the organization.

Originally, they gardened and farmed, but that quickly changed when one of them stumbled upon a grave site.

Naval Air Station Sigonella Sailor 360, a leadership training program, partnered with the non-profit organization to help clear debris from the site, which will help create a path and dig through the land that’s believed to be the cemetery of an ancient Greek city.

Afterwards, the program showed a video about life on a ship and the juvenile inmates were able to ask the Sailors questions.

“Today’s event is very important because this is a great example for the kids we have in rehabilitation who are here as an alternate to prison,” said Director Gianvito Distefano “So, to see some foreign service members who are committing to helping the Sicilians trace back their ancient origins, it is very meaningful.”

The archaeological dig is being conducted under the supervision of the Ragusa historic heritage department for the archaeological assets. Archaeologists and students from the University of Bologna in mainland Italy are also participating.

During the group’s time out in the land, they discovered a possible grave site, and although they can’t open it just yet, they were excited to find it.

“Today’s goal was to find more graves in the ancient cemetery,” said Dr. Francesco Cardinale, the archaeologist who supervised the NAS Sigonella volunteers. “We actually found a grave today, named number 123, thanks to two Sailors. There was some urgent digging to be done in this part of the excavation site.”

“I think today turned out good, with all the good will and good attitude from the people that came out today,” said Sailor 360 Community Relations (COMREL) Coordinator Naval Air Crewman [Mechanical] 1st Class Derek Leach. “Hopefully we can come back at another event later and maybe see some excavations in process.

So far it’s been a great day.”

October 2, 2020

h Ancient Greek City The Sailors who participated in this COMREL volunteer event enjoyed making an impact in the community of their host nation.

“Being a part of this COMREL was awesome!” said Yeoman 2nd Class Craig Steward. “Being a yeoman, people typically say we just sit behind the desk and push paperwork. So, being able to get out of the office and do some hard, physical, demanding work, which consisted of clearing vegetation for local archaeologist to do their job, I would say it was a beneficial day.”

So far, archaeologists have only discovered the cemetery of the ancient city, but they are working on excavating the actual homes of the people who are buried down there. They are currently investigating the site to discover the way of life and traditions of these people who lived 1,700 years ago. Over the past few months, through a joint effort by the local heritage office and the migrants, 110 ancient graves have been discovered.

“It was pretty exciting because I thought we were going to discover something really ancient, that no one’s ever discovered before,” said Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 2nd Class Cody Mason.

The COMREL program at NAS Sigonella sponsors many events throughout Sicily. However, working on an ancient Greek archeological site dating back to the 3rd century BCE on the property of a non-profit organization that helps young inmates and immigrants adapt to the community is a rare occurrence.

“Not only are we helping all the mayors send a message to protect the environment, like with the beach cleanup but we are also helping the host nation preserve the historic heritage,” said NAS Sigonella COMREL Director, Dr. Alberto Lunetta. “There are a lot of places in Sicily that hold historic value since there were several rules, from the ancient Romans and Greeks, so everywhere you dig you find something.”

Archeology helps connect the present to the past, as well as showing the cultural heritage of a civilization.

Being able to find those that established what is currently the city you live in is exciting and adds historical significance to the city.

“Uncovering the people in the ancient cities who were buried in the cemetery, we are trying to establish a connection,” said Saverio Scerra, Ragusa Province’s head archaeologist.

The Mayor of Chiaramonte Gulfi Sebastiano Gurrieri, Ragusa Province’s Head Archaeologist Saverio Acerra, and the superintendent for the archeological assets Antonino De Marco thanked the volunteers them for their assistance in the historical preservation of their ancestry.

“I’m very honored and thankful for an important military service to come out here and help the city,” said Gurrieri. “Thanks to the help of the organization, it is going to improve the culture and environment of the city, so today has been really important.”

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The Cathedral of Monreale: a jewel of the Norman Empire

By Dr. Alberto Lunetta, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs ising above the heart of the main nave of the Cathedral Fight with the Angel. The mosaics on the side aisles represent of Monreale, two magnificent mosaics display the the major events of the life of Jesus, from His birth to the last Norman king of Sicily. In one mosaic, William II, who Crucifixion, along with the miracles worked by Christ. Elegant ruled from 1166 to 1189, is crowned by Christ; in the other Latin and Greek inscriptions further embellish the mosaics. he offers a miniature of the Church to the Virgin Mary. His Typical of Byzantine churches, the focal point of the mosaic prominence in this cathedral is not surprising, considering cycle is the magnificent representation of the “Pantocrator,” or that the construction of this monumental church was actually Christ as the ruler of the universe. The image is about 42 feet meant to show off his wealth and magnificence! long and 23 feet high. Since the early period of Christianity, When William I, known as “The Bad,” died in 1166, his mosaics played a central role in worship as they depicted son William II, later known as “The Good,” was just 13 paintings of biblical stories to educate believers. years old. His mother, Margaret of Navarre, served as regent Sicilian art historian Maria Katja Guida explained that, until he reached his majority over the centuries, the precious in 1171, but the kingdom was mosaics underwent various actually controlled by the bishop restorations. “Two in particular of Palermo and the royal vicewere important. One, carried out chancellor. When the young king at the end of the 15th or mid 17th took the throne, he wished to century, introduced more or less demonstrate his independence realistic environments into the and his power through the scenes – floors with tiles drawn in construction of a grand cathedral. perspective, meadows in flower, Thus, three years after his rolling hills,” said Guida. “The coronation, construction began. other, following the fire in 1811, According to some historians, resulted in a widespread renewal the church of Santa Maria la of figures and scenes, especially Nuova, (the official name of in the areas above the central bay the Monreale cathedral) was and in the two arms of the transept, originally a tiny Saracen hamlet reconstructing the figures on the named “Ba’lat” where local basis of the inscriptions or the farmers used to gather to cart descriptions of Del Giudice. The their produce to the Palermo 19th century restorers completed market. Nowadays, this outdoor the unfinished work of the reign market still exists and is known of William II with the decoration The Cathedral of Monreale, one of the greatest historic jewels as “Ballarò.” of the lateral walls of the windows of Sicily, also called Santa Maria la Nuova, was built during the The cathedral is an amazing of the upper story of the Church.”

Middle Ages. This breathtaking and monumental art treasure mixture of Arab, Byzantine, and In addition to the church, blends Arab, Byzantine, Jewish, Gothic, Norman and Romanesque Norman architectural styles. Two William also built an adjoining cultures. (Photo by https://www.bbpalermo.it ) massive square bell towers flank monastery for the Benedictines of the main church entrance. The front of the façade is decorated Cava dei Tirreni and a cloister with a Moresque colonnade. with interlaced arabesques made of lava and limestone inlays. The magnificent cloister, which is arranged in an elegant The amazing doors made of bronze display 42 bas reliefs quadrangle delimited by 208 twin marble columns, is the describing various scenes from the Old and New Testaments only element that still remains from the original Benedictine created by Bonanno Pisano in 1186. complex located next to the cathedral. The columns support Inside, the cathedral is divided into three naves. The floor of elegant pointed arches with decorated lava and tuff-stone the church, which dates back to 1569, is composed of white lintels. The capitals display scenes of Sicily’s Norman history Taormina marble with multi-colored granite and porphyry complete with knights and kings as well as scenes from the patterns and borders. The current ceiling is a restored Bible, lives of the saints, gargoyles, and floral motifs. The reproduction dating from 1811, when the original roof was cloister is enriched with a fountain in Arabic style located in severely damaged in a fire. the southwest corner.

The high altar is covered with worked sheets of silver. The The chapel also holds the tombs of William I “The Bad” apse and the lateral walls of the interiors of the church are and of William II “The Good,” as well as those of Margaret of decorated with group of 130 mosaics that covers a surface Navarre and the French king Louis IX. of 6,340 square meters. Created by Greek and Byzantine Monreale Cathedral is open from Monday to Saturday from craftsmen in less than 10 years, these are the most complete 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. and on Sundays series of mosaic belonging to the Byzantine tradition today. from 2:15-5:15 p.m. Face coverings are required in the The Old Testament is portrayed upon the walls of the central cathedral. Last tickets are sold 30 minutes prior to closing. nave, starting from the Creation and ending with Jacob’s Make sure to visit the “Cathedral Treasure,” which includes

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"Italian News" cont’d on Page 9

October 2, 2020

Building Bridges of Collaboration

By Petty Officer 2nd Class Brianna Green , Naval Facilities Engineering Command Europe Africa AVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (Sept. 16, Somalia to North in Iceland. All of these projects, regardless 2020) The Naval Facilities Engineering Command of the design, result in bridges being built between our Europe Africa and Central (NAVFAC EURAFCENT) is American workforce – uniformed and civilian – and the local one of the most operationally focused Facilities Engineering national professionals we depend on to succeed.

Command in the world. The area of responsibility covers “Our local nationals are the corporate knowledge of our four continents, 125 countries, three combatant commands organization,” said Chris Lee, the deputy public works officer assigned to the Public Works Department aboard NAS Sigonella. “They take tremendous pride in their work and are entrusted with training our Seabees and U.S. government service employees on the intricacies of Naval Air Station Sigonella.”

This dynamic team is executing $191.5 million in projects with 286 officers, enlisted, U.S. civil service members and local nationals. Nearly 40% are Italian citizens.

During an All Hands with the Commanding Officer of

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Angelo Rapisarda, builder shop supervisor, demonstrates leveling cement to Steelworker 2nd Class Roy Hugher of Dorchester, Massachusetts and Builder 2nd Class Samuel Gibson of St. Augustine, Florida, all assigned to the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Europe Africa Central (EURAFCENT) Public Works Department (PWD) Sigonella, during a site tour through current projects that PWD Sigonella is completing September 16, 2020. This area will include three flag poles to render honors and recognize the daily collaboration between the U.S. military and Italian allies. (U.S. Navy Photo by Lisa Woodbury Rama)

and more than 37% of the world’s population. In this area, if a DoD shovel goes into the ground, the people holding the shovels are most likely assigned to NAVFAC EURAFCENT. Currently, the command manages facility project planning and design along with acquisition, construction, leasing, environmental, maintenance and contingency support projects in more than a dozen countries from as far South as

Construction Mechanic Constructionman Kassandra Rome, dispatcher, assigned to the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Europe Africa Central Public Works Department (PWD) Sigonella, checks on the status of a vehicle for the Transportation Supervisor Ruffino Salvatore September 16, 2020. (U.S. Navy Photo by Lisa Woodbury Rama) "Italian News" cont’d from Page 8

reliquaries, ornaments, chalices, pyxes and a precious walnut sacristy cabinet. On top of the church, the tower upstairs offers a panoramic view of Palermo and the “Conca d’Oro,” the beautiful valley located below Monreale.

The cloister is open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. On Sundays and holidays, it is open from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Driving inside Monreale is not advisable because parking space is limited in town. Instead, you can leave your vehicle

Vitals Carmelo, mechanic, shows Steelworker 2nd Class Roy Hughes of Dorchester, Massachusetts, both assigned to the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Europe Africa Central (EURAFCENT) Public Works Department (PWD) Sigonella, how to check the oil levels in a duty van during a site tour September 16, 2020.

(U.S. Navy Photo by Lisa Woodbury Rama)

NAVFAC EURAFCENT, Capt. Jeffrey J. Kilian, awarded Cristiano Perotti Casagrande, the real estate property account officer, and Santo Pavone, the general engineer and host nation liaison, with a Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award.

Prior to the All Hands Call, Kilian presented a certificate to Eliana Squadrito, facilities management division work control assistant, for her selection as the Employee of the Quarter, 2nd quarter, fiscal year 2020 and 12 commanding officer coins to local national, SEABEE and U.S. government civilians for their contributions to the command.

“The Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award is rarely presented to host national employees, but our leadership wanted to recognize these workers for their contribution to our team,” said Kilian. “What we can’t put on an award is our gratitude and appreciation for the host national employees who continuously train our new employees every few years at turnover. Their mentorship is a tremendous part in our success.” outside the city and walk toward the historic center. A large private parking lot located behind the cathedral is also available.

Monreale can be easily reached from Corso Calatafimi, one of Palermo’s main avenues, which is located near the cathedral.

Drive straight for about 20 minutes toward the northern area of Palermo until you to arrive at Monreale.

For more information and tickets visit https://www. duomomonreale.com/

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I Did Everything Wrong in an Earthquake

By Megan Mills, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

was taking a leisurely afternoon nap on I one of my last days of summer vacation in 2011 when the room started to rumble.

Having lived my life along the East Coast of the United States, I had no experience with earthquakes and no reason to expect one in northern Virginia. Panicking, I leapt out of bed, grabbed my 19 year old cat, and ran outside, joining a crowd of similarly confused and worried neighbors.

No one knew what was happening.

As it turns out, it was a magnitude 5.8 earthquake, and I did everything wrong.

Mt. Etna’s Biggest Threat When my family moved to Sicily seven years later, I was a little nervous to live in the shadow of an active volcano, imagining fast flows of lava overtaking houses and towns. I quickly found out that ash is the actually most common volcanic nuisance (especially on car windshields), but I was surprised to learn that the biggest danger we face from Mt. Etna is, in fact, earthquakes.

I learned this fact firsthand when an ongoing eruption on Mt. Etna triggered a 4.8 tremor around 3:00 a.m. on Dec. 26, 2018. While my home and family were untouched (we, in fact, didn’t even wake up), it did cause injuries and damage around Sicily.

As happened in both of these cases, earthquakes can occur with no warning, so it’s especially important to know what to do before one happens.

No Doorways!

So what did I do wrong, and what should you do if an earthquake happens?

If you’re in bed, stay in bed: Instead of jumping out of bed, I should have stayed there, turning facedown and using a

pillow to protect my head and neck from falling debris.

Do not run outside like I did: Instead, stay inside and follow these three steps: DROP to your hands and knees COVER your head and neck with your arms HOLD ON to any sturdy furniture nearby. Only crawl if you have a clear path to get to something sturdy What about other places you might be when an earthquake hits?

If you’re in a vehicle, pull over and stop: Set your parking brake and stay away from buildings, trees, bridges, and utility wires that may fall.

If you’re outside, stay outside, but try to stay away from falling rocks or landslides, especially near cliffs, slopes, or mountains.

Do NOT stand in a doorway: Despite what many of us think, this is not the safest place to be in an earthquake!

Planning Ahead When I lived in Virginia, I did not expect an earthquake and hadn’t prepared my house or planned ahead. Here in Sicily, where earthquakes are much more common, we all should take the following steps to be ready: Make sure heavy items are secured, including TVs. Earthquakes make things fall, so consider storing heavy or breakable items on lower shelves.

Practice DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON, especially with kids and especially if

you didn’t grow up with earthquake drills.

Make a supply kit that includes food and water for three days, a flashlight, a fire extinguisher, and a whistle, as well as medications or pet needs. This is always good to have for a variety of disasters, including earthquakes.

After/Shocks What about after the earthquake?

First of all, expect aftershocks. Though often less intense than the first rumble, they may still cause damage.

Once the shaking has subsided, check yourself and others for injury and leave or move away from damaged buildings as soon as possible. Do not enter any damaged buildings, either; remember those aftershocks!

If you’re trapped, cover your mouth and nose to protect against dust, and try to send a text (which may be more reliable than a phone call) or bang on a pipe or wall to alert rescuers to your location.

Though tsunamis are not a concern in Sicily, if you are in a location where they might happen, go inland or toward higher ground as soon as the trembling stops.

In 2011, I was lucky. The earthquake may have cracked the Washington Monument, but my cat and I were fine, and the worst it did in my house was knock over some of my art and books. Now I’m armed with knowledge and tools to be better prepared, and I want to make sure everyone on Team Sig is too. Learn from my mistakes, and visit www.Ready.gov for more details on earthquake safety.

October 2, 2020

Fire Prevention Week Onboard NAS Sigonella

By MC2 Jacques Jean-Gilles, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

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aval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, Italy, observes National Fire Prevention Week from October 4-10, 2020.

The Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which burned from October 8 to October 10, 1871, killed 300 people, left 100,000 homeless, and destroyed thousands of buildings in a three-square-mile area.

Since 1922, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has sponsored Fire Prevention Week in the United States and Canada, not only to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, but also to educate the American public.

“The reason we observe National Fire Prevention every single year is because we need to always reinforce fire prevention knowledge,” said Stephen Rowell, the assistant chief of fire prevention at NAS Sigonella Fire and Emergency Services.

“As humans, we’re prone to forget things, and not knowing what to do can be deadly.”

Every year, NAS Sigonella Fire and Emergency Services holds a “Fire Prevention Night Out” at base housing. Due to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic, NAS Sigonella did not organize a public fire prevention event this year. However, that hasn’t stopped NAS Sigonella Fire and Emergency services from reaching out to the community and amplifying NFPA’s messaging for this year. The command used social media and video releases to reach the 5,000 person community.

The NFPA is also responsible for selecting a new theme each year to focus on.

This year’s prevention theme is “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen.”

“Humans are responsible for nearly 90 percent of all fires, whether it’s a wildfire or a fire in the home,” said Fire Prevention Chief Rowell. “It’s especially important to know about kitchen fire prevention because it’s where we see the most problems.”

According the NFPA, cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries. The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking.

For Chief Rowell and the rest of his team, fire prevention is always at the forefront of their minds. They recently responded to wild brush fires in the surrounding area that were approaching the base confines. This was the first real fire for many of the team and served as a reminder that any day their jobs can turn consequential.

“We have a low-call volume base,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Hannah Overby, a firefighter assigned NAS Sigonella. “Not fighting fires can probably make someone complacent so we do a lot of training to mitigate that. Fighting my first was a kick of adrenaline and somewhat reminded me that these situations are very real.”

If you see a fire, please call emergency dispatch at 911 or off base 095-56-1911.

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OCTOBER 13-23 NAS I & NAS II GYM

WINNERS ANNOUNCED ONSTAGE DURING AUTUMN FEST

For more information please call 624-4951 or email Jermaine.Weekes@eu.navy.mil REGISTER ON sigonellastrongman.eventbrite.it

COVID-19 RESTRICTION

$25

REGISTRATION T-SHIRT INCLUDED

All Strongman participants are required to maintain 6 feet social distance, wear a mask when not active, and sanitize their hands before handling equipment. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.