In the Spotlight

Name: ABF3 PHILIP ALBERTI Command: NAVSUP FLCSCI Department: FUELS

By MCSN Triniti Lersch, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

When Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuel) 3rd Class Philip Alberti from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania joined the Navy in August 2015, he had a very specific rate in mind.

“Working with petroleum products is definitely the future,” said Alberti. He knew the job opportunities outside of the Navy would be abundant with the right qualifications, so he chose ABF without hesitation.

Naval Air Station Sigonella is Alberti’s second duty station, with the first being the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68). He works at Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Sigonella, Sicily, Italy (FLCSI) Fuels.

“Being an ABF here at NAS Sigonella, we work with petroleum products such as JP-5 and diesel,” said Alberti. “Our main goal is to provide, to all the squadrons and ground support equipment, the cleanest and brightest fuel set at the Navy standards they could possibly get and making sure it is in the safest environment possible.”

Alberti also runs the operational management aspect of his command, through inspection purposes and as repair leading petty officer. Alberti has only been here at NAS Sigonella for six months, but he has already stood out to his leadership.

“Since Petty Officer Alberti’s arrival, he has been an outstanding Sailor who has been identified as a technical maintenance expert,” said Assistant Leading Petty Officer of NAVSUP FLCSI FUELS Aviation Boatswains Mate (Fuel) 2nd Class Peter Wright. “During his short time onboard, he has assisted in changing out truck nozzles and maintaining our fuel trucks to be able to meet the demanding flight plan. He is a trusted Sailor among the division who strives to learn and grow every day.”

Alberti’s favorite part of his job is fixing things that people think are impossible. The most difficult part is figuring out how to solve these challenging fixes. Being an ABF is not just pumping gas.

“Everybody thinks that you just top off a truck,” he said. “There are hundreds of evolutions that go on to make sure your fuel that you get is the cleanest that you could possibly get. The Navy’s standards are really tight and we like to meet them and then go beyond.”

Alberti has enjoyed his brief time at Sicily and looks forward to the rest of his tour. In addition to hiking and going on adventures with his wife, daughter, and dog, he’s taken time to explore his Italian roots.

“My favorite thing about being in Sicily is learning about my heritage,” he said. “I have family over in Venice. I’ve been to Rome and a lot of places in Italy. I also saw a lot of my family members.”

Alberti’s favorite place in Sicily so far is Agrigento. “Agrigento has my heart. That is an amazing place; I love the ruins.