The Signature | December 6, 2019

Vol. 36 No. 24

December 6, 2019

FIRST NATO AGS RQ-4D ARRIVES IN SIGONELLA Story on page 6

IMPORTANT HOLIDAY GIFT SHIPPING INFO SIGONELLA SWIMMERS RACK UP MEDALS

The first NATO AGS RQ-4D transit from California (Northrup Grumman photo by Alan Radecki)

The Signature

2

Direct Line NAS Sigonella Command Master Chief Nancy Estrada

S

igonella, we support you!!! With our new installation mental health resource list now being widely publicized, I want to add my full support for utilizing the support systems available at NAS Sigonella. We have a vast network of resources for nearly any issue, big or small, that you can conceive of.

Starting from the least formal support available, we have our wonderful chaplains who are approachable, caring individuals and great listeners. Regardless of your religious affinity (or lack thereof), know that you can have a 100% confidential conversation with our chaplains. They are also a super resource if you don’t know who to turn to in order to solve a specific problem and you are concerned with privacy during your quest for knowledge.

You can quite literally talk to them about ANYTHING. Another mode of support is participating in volunteer activities. Sound weird? Well, you can actually gain a LOT of positive vibes from helping others routinely. Not only will you feel good for helping someone else in (possibly) greater need than yourself, but it can help you feel more grateful for what is going well in your own life. Contact the base community relations director, Dr. Alberto Lunetta at 335-779-0451 to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

In the preventative realm,

we have the Fleet and Family Support Center and the CREDO team. FFSC offers classes that can help you improve on a wide range of topics—personal, family, financial, or business. They also offer services to support you in times of personal crisis like providing the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator and Victim Advocates as well as Family Advocacy Program counselors.

They also offer non-medical professional counseling for families, couples, and individuals.

The Chaplain Religious Enrichment Development Operation (aka CREDO) also offers a wide array of training programs that can be tailored to your group or command at YOUR desired location! Additionally, they offer an assortment of resiliency retreats which are FABULOUS! For a full list, check out CREDO Sigonella at www. facebook.com/CREDOSIG or contact Mr. Richard Graves at DSN 624-3806. And then they also offer several options for group guided meditation classes at both bases and Marinai, during the lunch hour and evenings!

Come check it out and sit still for 20 minutes or so and reap the documented benefits of four hours of sleep in that space of time!

Rounding up the list with the serious care, we have mental healthcare providers at the NAS I hospital. They are here to evaluate and treat mental health issues that you or your family members

might be experiencing. Don’t let this intimidate you! This is also an excellent resource for you to find alternate, supportive means that can augment what your provider recommends or prescribes for you. Of course, if you have any suicidal thoughts, you should immediately seek care at the NAS I emergency room.

What all of this means is that you and your family have a wide range of options available to you 24/7. This is certainly one area of self-care that you do not want to skimp on. If you know someone who is struggling personally, reach out to them and let them know their options. Maybe share own your experience taking advantage of support options that you have needed and the positive results that you have enjoyed. Pause to ask those around you how they are doing, and mean it—and REALLY share how YOU are doing, too.

December 6, 2019

3

Interactive Customer Evaluation Comment Regarding NASSIG Instructions:

light. We understand that your time is incredibly important. The expectation is that NEX service providers are I am having difficulties locating available during all posted business NASSIG instructions that apply to hours. We sincerely apologize for the the installation. I have searched the inconvenience this has caused you CNIC page and I do not have access and others. We have discussed this to your share drive. Is there another issue with NEX management, and way to locate these Instructions? they will be providing more oversight Response: All NASSIG instructions are available on this issue. For any future issues, please feel free to reach out directly to on the CNIC G2 Portal per CNIC the NEX Manager, Teresa Goley, at instruction. All personnel who are DSN 624-4278 / COMM 095-56eligible for portal access can do so 4278 or teresa.goley@nexweb.org. with their CAC card after setting up Comment Regarding an account. All Sigonella-specific NEX Water Delivery: instructions can be viewed under the I am currently a Culligan water CNIC EURAFSWA section of the delivery customer. Every time we portal at https://g2.cnic.navy.mil/. reorder, the delivery time is very If you do not have access eligibility unpredictable. We are told that but still need help viewing or someone must be home to accept understanding a NASSIG instruction, please reach out to the Administration the water delivery since we live off base. Our property is locked when department onboard NAS Sigonella no one is home, so leaving the bottles at M-SI-Admin-Correspondence@ unattended is not an option. We both fe.navy.mil or DSN 624-2897 work full time and can’t be here for / COMM 095-86-2897. an entire day between 0730-1730 Comment Regarding Auto Port: waiting for delivery. Is it possible to I have conducted business with the have an option to pick up bottles at the Auto Port on NAS II several times and NEX instead of delivery? Or a bottle also pass by there in the mornings. swap similar to propane tanks? This I have noticed that even though the process is in dire need of improvement. posted hours of operation indicate an Response: opening time of 0900, the fence is Thank you for taking the time still locked and customers are waiting to voice your concerns and offer a for an employee to open the shop. suggestion for improvement. The NEX Why is this the case? One time, I is looking into possible alternative had scheduled service on my car for options for customers like you to 0900 and an employee finally came accept their water deliveries and to open the gate at 0920. The Auto Port should either adhere to its posted will propose those to the vendor. hours of operation or reevaluate those We understand that for households where all the adults work during the hours if they cannot open at 0900. day, it can be a challenge to carve Response: out your time for deliveries. At the Thank you for bringing this issue to "ICE" cont’d on Page 11

THE SIGNATURE

U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA

Commanding Officer Capt. Kevin Pickard Executive Officer Cmdr. Patrick J. Moran Command Master Chief CMDCM Nancy Estrada EDITORIAL

Public Affairs Officer Lt. Karl Schonberg karl.schonberg@eu.navy.mil Assistant Public Affairs Officer Janine Scianna janine.scianna@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

MR2 Kyle Drummond kyle.m.drummond@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.

The Signature

4

Name: CM3 Bhritney Dabideen Department: Public Works Hometown: New York City The Public Works Department onboard Naval Air Station Sigonella, made up of mostly Seabees, does not spend their days stuck behind a desk.

There isn’t much going on around base that PWD doesn’t have their hands in.

From conducting general maintenance around base to keeping government owned vehicles in good running condition, PWD is integral to keep the base operating smoothly. It takes Sailors like Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Bhritney Dabideen, from the Bronx, New York to meet their mission.

Dabideen wasn’t always a CM; she joined the Navy as an undesignated Sailor. This usually means working without a rate for about two years before being given the opportunity to choose a permanent rate.

As a Navy CM, she repairs and maintains heavy construction and automotive equipment.

“My favorite part about my job is

just being able to be a mechanic,” said Dabideen. “You just get to learn something new everyday. CM is a really complicated rate to just jump into, and so everyday can be a new challenge to overcome.”

For some Sailors, doing their prescribed job is just the beginning, and they take on several collateral duties. Dabideen serves as captain of base color guard ceremonies.

She also is an Assistant Command Fitness Leader for Public Works as well as being in charge of production control for her department.

Dabideen has been in the Navy for a little over four years with Sigonella being her second command. Her first duty station was at Point Loma in San Diego, California. While she was there she got to work on submarines and was sent on multiple deployments. There she was also tasked with being the deck supervisor as a seaman apprentice.

“While in San Diego I made some great memories and even greater friends,” said Dabideen.

“Now I am looking forward to making many new memories and friends here in Sigonella.”

Being stationed overseas in Europe has its perks, and for Dabideen, provides a unique advantage.

“My favorite part of Europe is definitely London,” said Dabideen. “To me, it is a mixture of my two favorite places—New York and the country I am originally from, Guyana. Guyana was a colony of Britain until recently, so they still share a lot of the same culture.”

Many junior Sailors don’t know if they will commit to a full Navy career, but Dabideen already has her mind made up to do a full 20 years.

“Everyone I have met in the past four years has become part of my family, and I hope I get to continue my career for the next 16 years,” said Dabideen.

December 6, 2019

5

Swordfish Shine at Regional Swim Meet

By Capt. Brice Goodwin Sigonella Swordfish coaches and swimmers prepared for the long Veterans Day weekend by packing up their swim bags and headed for Naples, where they joined six other teams within the European Forces Swim League for a two-day swim competition.

Saturday morning broke bright and early as swimmers made their way to the pool for a 0730 warm up time before competing in the day’s pentathlon event. In order to be eligible for a medal, swimmers were required to successfully complete all five events (butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle, and individual medley) in the fastest cumulative time.

From the start of the first whistle to the final cheer of the day, Swordfish of all ages displayed how the ingredients of comradery, commitment, and speed create a winning combination. A resounding cheer greeted each Swordfish swimmer as they stepped onto the podium to claim a total of 20 first-place, five second-place, and 18 third-place medals.

Team captains David Goodwin and Alyah Perkins showcased their water skills in representing the boys and girls 15/16-year-old age group. Goodwin swept all five first-place wins, and Perkins clinched three to earn gold medals as the overall pentathlete winners for their age group.

Giada D’Ignoti did the same in the girls 13/14 year-old age group, accumulating all five first-place finishes to proudly claim overall gold for her efforts. Jake Jennings

Photo by Capt. Brice Goodwin

showcased his ability to hit the wall first in four of his five events, also earning him the center spot on the podium as top winner in the boys 9/10-year-old age group.

Swordfish swimmers were equally well-represented in their collection of silver medals. Fellow team captain Joaquin Torres, along with Zeke Collins and Connor Kilday each proudly accepted silver medals for their performances between the lane lines in the boys 13/14-year old, 11/12-year old, and 8-andunder age groups, respectively.

Rounding out the top three finishes, Owen Davies (boys 17-19-year-olds), Emma Jarosz (girls 9/10-year-olds), Bodie Bruner (boys 9/10-year olds), and Jill Jennings (girls 8-and-under) showed the depth and breadth of the Swordfish’s competitive line up with their Bronze medal wins.

The second day continued the series of successes with another 31

first-place wins, 28 second-place wins, and 17 third-place wins.

The Swordfish also dominated the 200-meter mixed relay events, combining teamwork and speed to take four first-place finishes. Reese Ratliff, Emma Jarosz, Jake Jennings, and Bodie Bruner touched the wall first in their 10-and-under age group, and Giada D’Ignoti, Beren Hurum, Allison Havard, Joaquin Torres, and Wesley Davies demonstrated their strength and power within the 13/14-year old age group. The domination continued in the backstroke and breaststroke events, with Swordfish winning another five first-place finishes.

As swimmers, coaches, and parents made their way back to their hotels at the end of the weekend, it was evident from their smiles that the weekend was a resounding success and a building block in preparing for the long distance championship in Belgium.

The Signature

6

From NATO Public Affairs

The RQ-4D arrives at Sigonella.

(U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Josh Coté)

The RQ-4D arrives at Sigonella.

(U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Josh Coté)

The first of five NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance aircraft landed in Sigonella, Italy at 1646 local time on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019, marking an important step in the delivery of the AGS Program.

“I welcome the arrival of the first Alliance Ground Surveillance aircraft in Sigonella,” said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Brussels “This demonstrates that NATO Allies are committed to modernising the Alliance and investing to deliver key cutting-edge capabilities to the benefit of our shared security.”

The aircraft took off on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2019 from Palmdale Air Base in California at 1000 local time and landed 22 hours later in its new home at the AGS Main Operating Base, according to plan. The aircraft was received by the NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance Management Agency General Manager Brigadier General Volker Samanns. AGS

Force Commander B General Phillip Stew senior officials were The first AGS ferr the United States to implementation of a project for the procu of state-of-the art eq AGS is being develo significant contribu Allies - Bulgaria, Cz Denmark, Estonia, G Latvia, Lithuania, L Norway, Poland, Ro Slovenia, and the Un Alliance Ground S be collectively owne by all NATO Allies a capability for NATO missions. All Allies w data acquired by AG from the intelligenc the surveillance and missions that AGS w With its ground el a custom-made syste

December 6, 2019

Brigadier wart and other e also present. ry flight from o Italy marks the a key multinational urement quipment. oped with utions from 15 zech Republic, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, omania, Slovakia, nited States.

Surveillance will ed and operated and will be a vital O operations and will have access to GS, and will benefit ce derived from d reconnaissance will undertake. lements, AGS is em specifically

designed to meet the surveillance requirements identified by the North Atlantic Council and SACEUR. The AGS NATO RQ-4D remotely piloted aircraft is based on the U.S. Air Force block 40 Global Hawk. It has been uniquely adapted to NATO requirements, to provide a state-ofthe art Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance capability to NATO, to the benefit of all NATO Allies.

The NATO AGS program includes five NATO RQ-4D remotely piloted aircraft. All five are currently performing different stages of developmental test flights. Once each of the aircraft arrives at the Main Operating Base in Sigonella, a verification phase will start, in order to ensure full compliance of the system. The entire AGS system will be handed over to the NATO AGS Force once it has completed all its testing and performance verification.

Initial operational capability is expected for the first half of 2020.

The RQ-4D arrives at Sigonella.

NATO photo by HFw Christian Timmmig)

NATO ALLIANCE GROUND SURVEILLANCE RECEIVES FIRST RQ-4D

NATO AGS Force Commander Brig. Gen. Phillip Stewart gives remarks at a ceremony celebrating the arrival of the RQ-4D. (U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Josh CotĂŠ)

7

The Signature

8

Santa Lucia Celebrations in Belpasso and Siracusa

By Alberto Lunetta

NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

It’s that time of the year again!

On Dec. 13, religious festivals honoring Santa Lucia will take place in nearby Siracusa and Belpasso.

These celebrations provide great venues for visitors to experience the Sicilian culture and religious faith.

Lucia, whose name means “light” was born in Siracusa to a rich and noble family in 283 A.D. and raised as a Christian. Although Lucia consecrated herself to Jesus, she was pressed by her mother Eutychia to marry a pagan nobleman. Since Eutychia had been suffering from chronic hemorrhage for several years, Lucia took her on a pilgrimage to the tomb of Saint Agata in Catania, where she prayed for her healing.

That evening, Lucy had a vision of St. Agata who assured her that because of her strong faith, her mother had been cured. As a result of this miraculous cure, Lucia wanted to donate their properties to the poor and the sick. But this decision angered the man to whom she was betrothed who denounced Lucia as a Christian.

She was brought before Paschasius, a pagan governor, but she refused to give up her and the cruel governor ordered Lucia to be severely punished.

According to tradition, several miracles occurred during her torture.

Soldiers tried to set her on fire, but she did not burn. Paschasius then planned to force her into prostitution, but when guards went to drag her away, they could not move

The spectacular and majestic baroque-styled Carri (mechanized floats) featuring the story of the life of Santa Lucia are among the highlights of the annual religious Festival of Santa Lucia in Belpasso. This year, they will be on display on the evenings of Dec. 11 and 12 in the city’s historic center, followed by the main festival on Dec. 13. (Photo by http://www.edizionincontri.it)

her. And after Lucia’s eyes were plucked out during her torture, God miraculously restored her sight.

This explains why she is represented as a maiden with her eyes in a dish, on a book, or in a shell and also why she is invoked against blindness and eye diseases. Saint Lucia is also protector against fire and the patron for people suffering from infection, hemorrhage, and sore throat.

Eventually, Lucia was beheaded on the Dec. 13 in the year 304 A.D. Her body remained in Siracusa for many years, but in 1039, the Byzantine general Maniace took her remains to Constantinople and then Venice, where they are still preserved in a glass-enclosed sarcophagus behind the altar of SS.

Geremia e Lucia church. Some of her relics are scattered in churches throughout Europe. A portion of her arm is kept inside the cathedrals both in Siracusa and Belpasso.

Siracusa Celebrations Italian On Dec. 13, the festival begins at 1015 with a solemn holy mass celebrated at the cathedral.

During the Mass, religious chants are also performed.

In the afternoon at 1530, the carriage, weighing 14 tons and carrying the saint’s holy relics and her statue, is carried in procession for seven hours from the cathedral to the church of Santa Lucia al Sepolcro. Three groups of 48 men wearing green berets take shifts carrying it. Many devotees, "ITALIAN NEWS" continued on Page 11

December 6, 2019

9

Sailors Test Upcoming PRT Changes

By MCSN Aja Bleu Jackson

NPASE West det. Hawaii Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- Ladies and gentlemen, it’s that time of the year again: physical fitness assessment season. As we’re surrounded by the unwavering dedication of command fitness leaders and the Sailors within each command, one can’t help but get in to the fitness spirit. On May 29, the former Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson visited Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and announced the addition of the 2-kilometer row cardio option and forearm plank that will replace the curl-up. On Oct. 7, Sailors gathered in the fitness center on base to commence the testing of the new workout metrics.

The study consisted of three different days of exercise. Day one focused on introducing Sailors to the 2-kilometer row, practicing the correct rowing technique. On day two, the Sailors performed pushups, the forearm plank and the 12-minute bike assessment. Day three focused on pushups, the forearm plank and the second trial of the 2-kilometer

U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Aja B. Jackson

row. A big focus during this study was how Sailors perform the new plank as opposed to the curl-ups.

“The plank allows you to build that core strength,” said Lt. Cmdr. Melissa Laird, the work sponsor of the study from the 21st Century Sailor office.

“It’s really a better test and better modality to assess that core strength than the curl-up is. It works on giving you good posture and it also has less chance of aggravating low back injuries which you can see with the curl-up.”

Laird also said that adopting a new form of cardio within the PFA allows Sailors an alternative to the standard 1.5-mile run. The rower uses approximately 70 percent of the body’s musculature so it provides a good cardiovascular workout that is low impact.

Sailors representing multiple commands volunteered to be the test subjects for this study. A seamless transition into adopting these two modalities for the PFA in the year 2020 is the end goal according to Laird.

Mr. Jay Heaney, a research physiologist from the Naval Health Research Center and the principle investigator for the study, explained the

process of gathering the information from the Sailors’ performance and how it will be applied to the new PFA. “We try to get as many people as we can within the age groups by gender,” said Heaney. “Then we look for what the norms are; what the high, medium and low scores are. From that, we will develop what the scoring metrics are for the different categories of the PFA.” Heaney said that the Navy is trying to put a bigger emphasis on physical fitness as ship-based Sailors are required to climb ladder ways and do a lot of heavy lifting throughout their workday.

“I volunteered because I wanted to see what the new PFA would look like,” said Cryptologic Technician (Interpretive) 3rd Class Amanda Zwiebel. “Not only to prepare myself but to prepare my peers and my command.”

According to Heaney, at the end of the day, it is important that our service members have complete physical readiness. The addition of two new workouts to the PFA helps the U.S. Navy move in the right direction.

U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Cole C. Pielop

10

The Signature

CUSTOMS HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE

From US Army Customs Agency-Europe

banned foods to the States a minimum Personnel new to Europe should note of $100 as a deterrent. Criminal action for deliberate cases of smuggling can that many items available in Europe may seem like good Christmas presents result in a $5,000 fine and a year in jail.

Many European countries also but actually violate U.S. customs make traditional nativity scenes that rules. Some products are banned from Americans love to buy. However, the the United States and others can be natural products used to make them carried in baggage, but not mailed. are sometimes banned from import Violations of customs, agriculture or to the United States because of the postal regulations can lead to hefty agricultural pests and diseases that fines and confiscation of the goods. could be on them. Shoppers should not Meat products are the biggest problem, according to customs officials. mail scenes that contain moss, bark, wood, pinecones, untreated straw or European delicacies like French pâté, other materials that may harbor insects.

German wurst, Spanish chorizo and However, nativity scenes that are Italian Parma ham are much soughtproduced using finished wood, plastic, after in the State. Unfortunately, they or commercially cleaned and lacquered can also carry viruses and other animal straw (except rice straw) are fine to mail. disease agents that are not present in Europe also boasts many fine wines, the U.S. These products are therefore banned, as are canned meats, sausages, spirits, and liquor-filled candies that make original Christmas gifts. some types of cheese, and even soup Unfortunately, the U.S. Postal Service mixes or pasta containing meat. Fresh fruits and vegetables are also prohibited bans ALL liquor from being mailed, even if it is inside a piece of candy. because they could harbor plant pests Customs does allow travelers over like the Mediterranean fruit fly.

21 years of age to import one liter of The threat to U.S. agriculture is duty-free liquor in their baggage only so great that Customs and Border Protection fine people who mail or take free of charge. Over that amount is

subject to federal and state tax laws.

And while many people think the eggs are innocuous, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission believes the toy surprise hidden inside Kinder “Surprise” eggs can pose a choking hazard to young children, so they are a banned good. Other Kinder products, such as the “Kinder Joy” eggs, are not banned because the candy and toy are contained in separate halves of the egg.

Wildlife products also present problems. Most ivory products and whale teeth carvings are prohibited from import. When buying furs, shoppers should insist on a certificate of origin stating the animal’s scientific name to avoid buying prohibited endangered species products. The movement of caviar is also restricted.

Military customs offices can provide more advice on these and other holiday mail questions. There are also many informative pamphlets available from Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Agriculture available online at www.cbp.gov/travel/internationalvisitors/kbyg/sending-us.

December 6, 2019 "ICE" cont’d from Page 3

end of the day, however, water delivery services are a contract between you and a private company and the NEX is simply a facilitator of that contract. If the terms of the contract do not ultimately meet your needs, there is limited means for the NEX to alter them.

For future concerns, please feel free to reach out directly to the NEX Manager, Teresa Goley, at DSN 624-4278 / COMM 095-56-4278 or teresa.goley@nexweb.org.

Comment Regarding MWR October Fest:

the drinking age of the installation.

We apologize if this provided an inconvenience to your family. This adults-only atmosphere is also in keeping with traditional German Oktoberfest events, where children younger than the drinking age are normally not allowed to be present in beer tents in the evenings. We hold many other events, like the accompanying AutumnFest event, that are geared towards entertaining families like yours and hope you were able to enjoy those festivities.

For any future comments, please feel free to reach out to the MWR Director, Courtney Silvestre, at DSN 624-0503 / COMM 095-56-0503 or courtney.silvestre@eu.navy.mil.

My family flew in to visit and we were all looking forward to Oktoberfest.

But when my husband went to buy tickets they said it is only 18 and up, so my 16 and 17 year-old nephews couldn’t go. We are not drinkers but we like German music and food.

Comment Regarding MWR Facilities:

Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback on Oktoberfest.

Unfortunately, MWR does not allow minors to attend Oktoberfest due to

Response:

Response:

"ITALIAN NEWS" cont’d from Page 8

who also come from the neighboring cities, follow the procession barefoot.

During the festival, the blessing and the free distribution of the “cuccìa” takes place in several houses and churches. Cuccìa (cooked wheat) is a typical food that is prepared for the Saint Lucia celebrations.

Tradition says it was first cooked in Siracusa in the 17th century as Santa Lucia worked a miracle during a terrible famine. Siracusa’s bishop gathered the starving people in the cathedral to pray and implore St. Lucia for a miracle. Suddenly, a dove flew down from the sky and roosted on the bishop’s shoulders.

At the same time, a ship loaded with

We have received a few comments about the state of cleanliness of base buildings.

Allow us to explain the schedule and policies for facility cleaning.

CNIC-funded buildings have

wheat sailed into the harbor and the wheat was boiled and eaten by the Siracusa people. Today, the cuccìa is served as a delicious porridge enriched with ricotta cheese, chocolate and candied fruits.

Belpasso Celebrations

On Dec.13, Belpasso’s celebrations begin with a holy mass starting at 0930 at the Chiesa Madre. At 1045 a procession leaves the church with the 18th century silver statue of the saint and her relics. Fireworks are performed while devotees dressed in a white tunic named accompany the holy carriage.

The procession is repeated at 1530 throughout the city. One hour later,

11

contracts with vendors that specify the scope and frequency of janitor services. Most facilities are scheduled to receive sweeping twice per month and wet mopping once per month. Bathrooms receive daily cleaning. Buildings operated by other entities may budget and schedule the cleaning of their facilities at a differing frequency from CNIC. While we wish we could provide daily cleaning, we operate in the reality of a constrained budgetary environment. Commands are encouraged to maintain cleanliness standards in their work spaces so they are maintained in between cleanings.

That said, if you believe a contractor is not performing the required level of service, please report the issue to your building manager for action.

For questions about cleaning contracts, please reach out to your building manager or Lt. Aaron Thompson, Asst. Public Works Officer, at Aaron.Thompson@ eu.navy.mil or DSN 624-5444 / COMM 095-86-5444.

devotees perform the spectacular “Corsa della vara” (running while carrying the Santa Lucia statue up to a slope) in via Terza Retta di Levante. The day ends with spectacular evening fireworks.

On December 11 and 12 at 2100, 50-foot tall baroquestyled Carri (mechanized floats) featuring scenes telling of the life of Santa Lucia will be displayed in the historic center’s piazzas. The tradition of building floats originated in the 19th century as the local craftsmen wanted to express their special devotion to the saint.

For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/ ChiesaMadreBelpasso/

JINGLE BELLJOG December 17 • 4:30pm Marinai Community Center

Tree Lighting

Friday, 13 December

Midtown Plaza

4:30 - 6:30 pm

Take part in our annual Tree Lighting event at Midtown!

Enjoy Jazz music from a local group and the holiday music sing along by the elementary school choir, a Christmas Market, the years first snowfall, and a special appearance from Santa.

Breakfast with Santa Saturday, 14 December

NAS I Gymnasium

Partnering with

9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Bring the family out for a special breakfast with Santa.

Get that perfect photo with Santa, enjoy Holiday Music performed by the world famous Dueling Piano's, a Christmas Market, crafts, and more.

FREE MOVIE Midtown 2 Theaters at 11:30 am & 12:00 pm BOWLING SPECIAL All games are just $1, including shoes, from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm!

2019 Show your festive spirit and compliment your running shoes by wearing your reindeer antlers, ugly sweaters, Santa hats, and elves ears! Jingle Bells will be provided for all participants.

The run will start and finish just before the Marinai Tree Lighting Ceremony begins.

For All MWR Event Info

For more information call 624-3785 or email Cassondra.milbourne@eu.navy.mil

Compete in 6 FITSERIES events and earn a t-shirt

For MWR Event info @ your fingertips

download the app!!

NAVYMWR SIGONELLA

the sun soaking of ocean Spend the day iful Mediterranean in the beaut

and playing

the sun soaking of ocean Spend the day tiful Mediterranean in the beau

and playing

June 1 st &June 15 th

the sun soaking of ocean Spend the day l Mediterranean in the beautifu

and playing

June 1 st &June 15 th

June 1 st LA CUCARACHA BEACH &June 15 th Sign-up at Take 5 by May 29th $5 for transportation

For more info call 624-5602 LA CUCARACHA BEACH

visit our website www.navymwrsigonella.com Sign-up at Take 5 by May 29th $5 for transportation

For more info call 624-5602

LA CUCARACHA BEACH

Sign-up at Take 5 by May 29th $5 for transportation

For more info call 624-5602