Direct Line

Cmdr. Ronald Cappellini, NAS Sigonella Executive Officer

Buongiorno! I am Cmdr. Ron Cappellini, NAS Sigonella’s new Executive Officer. It’s been just four weeks since Cmdr. Moran turned over responsibility to me, and it’s been fast and furious, but at the same time it’s also been amazing and rewarding. Before I go any further I would like to express my sincere thanks for the incredible welcome my family and I have received. Your generosity and kindness have already made Sigonella feel like home. From a professional perspective, I have been absolutely impressed by the level of professionalism and dedication from the combined team of Sailors, Marines, Airmen, Soldiers, U.S. and host nation civilians, and our NATO partners that makes NAS Sigonella the recognized operational “Hub of the Med.”

So, who is the new XO? Let’s start by dispensing with a bit of home town trivia. I was raised in Old Forge, Pennsylvania, which is a suburb of Scranton. Yes, the city where the TV show “The Office” is set and where I grew up. More importantly though, I am married to Kelley, an amazing wife of 17 years, and we have a 13 year old son Ron. I would be remiss if I did not mention that we have a two year old Golden Doodle, Gus, who you will often see us wandering around NAS 1 with. We are extremely excited to be stationed here and are looking forward to being part of this great community and experiencing everything make today better than yesterday in order to support Sicily, Italy, and Europe have to offer.

From an early age, I’ve always had the dream of being in the military and specifically Naval Aviation, but was slow to commit. I spent a number of years after college working in the private sector before I decided that service to country and chasing my dream had to be a life focus. From that point on, I directed all of my efforts toward that goal, ultimately my commission and wings as a Naval helicopter pilot.

During my time in the Navy, I have been fortunateenough to serve in many different locations. My assignments have taken me from NAS Pensacola, NS Mayport, NAS Jacksonville, NAS North Island, Naval Post Graduate School Monterey, Bagram Airfield Afghanistan, NAS Atsugi Japan, the Pentagon, and now here to NAS Sigonella. My primary goals when leaving the Pentagon were to have opportunities to lead and make positive impacts. Being assigned here as your Executive Officer is truly and honor and a privilege, fulfilling both of those goals. My intent every day and what I expect out of others is to be positive and strive to make today better than yesterday in order to support the Fleet, the Fighter, and the Family. At the end of the day, NAS Sigonella is an operational base, and because of that we have a profound responsibility to ensure that we are continually ready to support the warfighter’s “time on target.”

Professionally, I want to pass on a few of my thoughts. I believe that personal engagement is paramount to being a successful leader, and as such I am looking forward to getting out and meeting all of you. I challenge each of you to grow your own network of relationships as they will only enhance your and NAS Sigonella’s mission effectiveness. Finally, I am going to pass on a simple rubric I’ve adhered to over the years which has always served me well:

• First: Take hold of and embrace Commander’s intent.

• Second: Set the standard, drive toward the standard, and execute.

• Third: Demonstrate integrity, holding yourself and the person next to you accountable even when nobody is watching.

In closing, I am here to work for you!