August 9, 2019
NAVSUP FLEET LOGISTICS CENTER CHANGES COMMAND Story on pages 4-5
SIGONELLA CELEBRATES NATIONAL NIGHT OUT Story on pages 6-7
PCS APP LAUNCHES
The Signature
2
Direct Line
CMDCM Nancy Estrada, NAS Sigonella Command Master Chief
Recently there have been some questions about the WIIFM (What’s in it for me?) of volunteering. Some folks might focus on a tiny piece of fabric (Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal) as the main driver, but a MOVSM is just a side benefit. Volunteering can also help you make friends, learn new skills, advance in your career, and even feel happier and healthier! Volunteering:
Makes you happy
• Doing something you enjoy doing that also benefits others is a win-win! • Volunteering helps counter stress, anger, and anxiety • Increases self confidence • Provides a sense of accomplishment for completing a project and/or making an impact
Connects you with others
• Make new friends who enjoy doing the same things you do! • Helps you increase your social and relationship skills • Volunteering can help family members bond with each other, but also provides a great example for kids. It can also help your spouse to more easily connect to the overseas community
Helps you advance your career
• Learn leadership and teambuilding skills (a HUGE benefit of volunteering!) • Networking • Recognition Moving to the recognition piece, there are more benefits that can be achieved than just earning a MOVSM. Participating in organizations like FCPOA, CSADD, or the command’s recreation
committee may not count toward the MOVSM, but your participation will still have a big impact on your evaluations and boards. Consistently being involved in these organizations demonstrates your commitment to the team and making improvements in your community. The question, “What do I have to do to earn an MOVSM?” has come up with increasing regularity. SECNAVINST 1650.1H states that the MOVSM may be awarded for performing “volunteer community service of a sustained, direct and consequential nature.” It is designed to recognize impactful service provided over time, not an accumulation of a specified amount of hours. A great example of qualifying service is the Drug Education for Youth program. It is directed toward the community/military family, produces tangible results, reflects favorably on the Navy, and is sustained and direct in nature. Even if you don’t have time to support a sustained effort, you can also volunteer with the USO, NMCRS, Red Cross, or DoDEA schools when you can. You can also work with Dr. Lunetta, the community relations director in the public affairs office. He always has service projects that need support, like assisting with orphanages or women’s shelters that improve quality of life for the local community. When submitting for an MOVSM, it is also necessary to show impact. Participating in a fundraiser without demonstrating how those funds positively impacted the community
or military family does not qualify. Participating or organizing a command sports event or team does not qualify. Working on a project that benefits your organization that does not also support the community does not qualify. And service that does not support the community or military family is NOT what the MOVSM is designed to recognize. This service is important but can be recognized in other ways. A good rule of thumb to keep in mind is the definition of tangible: “Perceptible by touch. Clear and definite; real. Well defined.” Your actions should provide tangible results, not just accumulated hours. Focus more on defining what those hours contributed to rather than just logging time. If you do this over the course of time, you would be deserving of being considered for a MOVSM. But always remember that the benefit of earning a MOVSM pales in comparison to the impact you can make on others and yourself.
August 9, 2019
3
Interactive Customer Evaluation Comment Regarding Housing:
I am an E-5 who recently applied to get housing off base. I found an apartment I love. It was priced slightly over my OHA but I was ok with that until I saw the rent break-down. I will be paying a whopping 90 Euro for garbage tax. I am a yeoman and I have processed many OHA initiations for my command, and I’ve never seen a tax so extremely high. The average from my command is about 40 Euro. I asked the housing office why they would allow my landlord to charge me this, and I was told there is no real way to verify this; it’s whatever the landlord says it is. That’s not an acceptable answer but I did not want to start an argument. Can we have the housing process audited for uniformity in the taxes and fees sailors have to pay? We need to make sure that Housing protects Sailors from predatory practices.
Response:
Thank you for taking the time to voice your concerns, particularly since it provides an opportunity to educate current and future residents on the vast spectrum of utility fee calculations, services, and enforcement. In Catania, trash fees are calculated by residence size. For your particular unit, the calculation is 6.30 Euros x 150 m2 = 945 euros per year (or 79 Euro per month). The landlord also added the new rate increase which was recently sent out to property owners. The good news is that even though your particular area is expensive, trash rates are locked in for the duration of the lease, so residents will not face an increase during their tour of duty. Throughout the area, fee calculation vary by residency type, number of
people occupying the residence, and residence size. Municipalities levy different costs per square meter, so where you live will dictate the fees. Make sure you know and follow the regulations for disposal of refuse and recyclables. If not, you may be responsible for paying fines. The Housing department has put in many processes in places to prevent predatory practices of landlords and realtors. It is also audited and inspected regularly by CNIC and the IG. If you have any future questions about your lease, fees, or suspect any predatory practices, feel free to reach out to the Housing Director, Peter Faulk, directly at peter. faulk@eu.navy.mil. There are also two housing military liaisons, CSC Marco Guevarra and BUC William Travis, who can be contacted at Marco.Guevarra@eu.navy.mil and William.Travis@eu.navy.mil.
Comment Regarding Shuttle Bus Schedule:
I have been using the bus transportation system for some time now and it is always 5 to 10 minutes late from its scheduled time. Is there a way to ensure a more timely service? Some of us don’t have a choice but to use the bus, and being late for work is not an option.
Response:
Thank you for bringing attention to this problem. Our shuttles are relied upon by many service members like yourself as their sole transportation, so having consistent service is essential for the mission. The Public Work department is looking into this problem and is auditing the contractor’s past 60 days of daily bus "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 Editor/Asst. 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 GMSN Rashond Grant rashond.grant@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.
4
The Signature
NA Chan
U.S. Navy
Incoming commanding officer, Capt. Jay Turner, salutes Rear Adm. Chip Chase during the ceremony, while outgoing commanding officer, Capt. Dio English watches. (U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Josh CotĂŠ)
Sa t (U.S. Navy p
August 9, 2019
5
AVSUP FLC Sigonella Holds nge of Command Ceremony By Joe Yanik NAVSUP FLC Sigonella Public Affairs
photo by MC2 Josh Coté
ailors parade the colors at the start of the ceremony photo by MC2 Josh Coté)
SIGONELLA, Sicily -- Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Sigonella held a change of command ceremony Aug. 1 here, during which Capt. Alsandro H. “Jay” Turner relieved Capt. Dion English as the FLC’s commanding officer. “To my NAVSUP FLC Sigonella family, you have a phenomenal reputation for being a focused and innovative group of logisticians who know what it takes to support our fleet and our region,” Turner said during his remarks. “Our nation has been charged to meet multiple challenges from the new arena of cyber security to the rebirth and increased maritime presence above, on and beneath our oceans which have not been felt for decades. We must be poised and ready to support our warfighters and partners operating in areas that stretch from across Arctic waters to arid lands. We will serve as the key enabler to ensure the fleet can ‘answer all bells.’” During his departing remarks, English reflected on his experience serving and living in Sicily, and he thanked his family and his staff for the support they had given him throughout his tour. He continued by praising all the military and civilian members assigned to NAVSUP FLC Sigonella for their work ethic, professionalism and dedication to the command’s mission. “I could not have asked for a better command or location to serve as commanding officer,” English said. “Whether I asked you to focus on getting back to the basics, reform, inspector general inspection or maintaining a readiness to fight tonight (and win), you have answered that call. You consistently rose to the occasion to face every challenge.
You not only met those challenges, but you routinely exceeded expectations.” Presiding officer for the ceremony was Rear Adm. Grafton “Chip” Chase, Director, Readiness and Logistics, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa. During his remarks, Chase highlighted several of the command’s major accomplishments that occurred during English’s tour, including NAVSUP FLC Sigonella’s logistics support during Exercise Trident Juncture and the command’s increase of contracting support for husbanding services. “Over the course of Capt. English’s command tour, his team has achieved remarkable success, and answered the questions ‘Can you fight?’ and ‘Can you win?’” Chase said. Chase also expressed confidence in Turner’s ability to build upon the achievements of NAVSUP FLC Sigonella and English, while continuing to provide support to a high-ops tempo fleet. “Jay, you’ll quickly discover that command is the most rewarding and yet most challenging job you’ll ever have. It is the most important role any leader will assume,” Chase said. “I tend to migrate toward great leaders; you are one of them.” NAVSUP FLC Sigonella is one of NAVSUP’s eight globally-positioned logistics centers that provides for the full range of the fleet’s military operations. NAVSUP FLC Sigonella delivers solutions for logistics, business and support services to the Navy, Military Sealift Command, Joint and Allied Forces throughout Navy Region Europe Africa Central.
6
The Signature
NATIO NIGHT
Story and Photos by Janine Scianna NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
The Naval Air Station Sigonella security department hosted a successful joint National Night Out event with our host nation to foster positive relationships between the community and law enforcement organizations as well as educate citizens on crime prevention and public safety. A nationwide event, millions of neighbors took part in the 36th annual National Night Out across thousands of communities from all fifty states, U.S. territories, and military bases worldwide on August 6. The event kicked off with a parade showcasing the vehicles of the many local law enforcement organizations Sigonella is fortunate to partner with. Motorcycle-mounted Carabinieri, military working dogs, the mobile
command center, pa from many agencies engines winded thei the Marinai family h Children and adults show their apprecia work that our local s do to keep the comm parade finished in th area, where vehicle displays were set up free to explore educ from participating o Guests were also t live demonstrations capabilities. The U. Reconnaissance Squ famous “Red Man� where an Airman wa protective gear and to use take-down tec foam bat to knock th
August 9, 2019
ONAL T OUT!
atrol vehicles s, and several fire ir way through housing complex. s alike cheered to ation for the hard security forces munity safe. The he sports field and weapon p and guests were cational booths organizations. treated to several s of security forces’ .S. Air Force 7th uadron hosted their demonstration, as dressed in red children attempted chniques with a he Airman to the
ground. The NAS Sigonella security department also showcased the talents of several military working dogs. These highly-trained MWDs demonstrated how they adeptly respond to vocal commands of their handlers to chase down and isolate combatants. This year, the community was also treated to a display of the Italian Coast Guard’s AW139 search and rescue helicopter. After eventgoers had their fill of hamburgers, face painting, and bounce houses, the AW139 took off from the Marinai baseball fields and conducted a flyover of the event area as the sun set. True to the event’s purpose, National Night Out was a great reminder to the community of the many important local security forces we rely upon, as well as the joint effort between our two countries.
7
The Signature
8
Medieval Festival Kicks Off Tomorrow in Motta By Alberto Lunetta NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
It’s that time of the year again. Get ready to travel back in time! The Motta Feste Medievali (medieval festivals) bring to life the customs and spirit of the Middle Ages. Travel back in time to revel in the atmosphere of medieval Sicily when the island was under Norman, Spanish, and Arab control! This year’s festival runs from August 10 - 18 and features a plethora of events such as medieval cooking, craft displays, music, jousting, jesters, minstrels and other street entertainers. Bring the entire family to be transported back in time to the days of medieval Sicily! The festival takes place within the city’s three geographic districts: Panzera, Vecchia Matrice, and Giovani Maestri. Each district has its own proud tradition and schedule of events that include medieval plays and performances. For more information and detailed schedules visit the following websites: www.casanormanna. it, www.sbandieratorimaestri. it, and www.rionepanzera.it.
Mineo’s Saint Agrippina Festival Begins Next Weekend By Alberto Lunetta NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
Mineo’s annual religious festival to honor its patron saint, Agrippina, is taking place on the weekends of August 17-18 and 24-25. This must-see festival will include somber religious processions, holy masses, fireworks, and music. Saint Agrippina was a princess who was martyred by Roman Emperor Valerian in 256 AD because she was a Christian. According to oral tradition, after being
Photo Courtesy of Casa Normanna Press Office
buried in Rome, her holy relics were taken to Sicily by three holy women and arrived in Mineo in 261 AD. During the first weekend of the festival, there will be spectacular fireworks and the lighting of “luminarie” (light displays) in the main square, piazza Buglio. On Sunday at 1800, the statue of the patron saint is paraded from the cathedral through the city streets for veneration. At the end of the procession, a fireworks show will be held along viale F. Crispi. On the afternoon of Sunday August 25, there will be a concert at 1700 and a solemn holy mass at 1900 at the Church of Santa Agrippina. After a repeat procession of her statue at 2000, another fireworks show will be held at midnight along viale F. Crispi. The “Pellegrinaggio dei Nudi” (pilgrimage of the naked ones), which takes place in the town’s center on the night of August 24 at 1800, is another highlight of the festival. Nudi are barefoot devotees dressed in white shorts and t-shirts with a red sash and a black velvet belt. They are called “naked ones” because in the past, they only wore white underwear and carried
a picture of the saint and flowers. The devotees’ minimal dressing derives from a legend about how a terrible earthquake woke up Mineo’s townspeople in 1693. Hundreds rushed into the streets wearing only their nightshirts and invoked Saint Agrippina for the cessation of the tremors.Today, devotees scream in Sicilian: “Viva la nostra patrona Sant’Agrippina!” (Long live Saint Agrippina, our patron saint!) They also recite the rosary and sing hymns in Sicilian. After the World Wars, many Mineo residents who survived the fighting made a vow to make a pilgrimage every year in Mineo for the rest of their lives. Saint Agrippina is also venerated for having protected Mineo against a devastating earthquake that hit the town in 1975. Saint Agrippina is also celebrated in Boston with a spectacular festival. For the occasion, many people who are originally from Mineo but live abroad return to Sicily participate in the festival, demonstrating their faith and carrying the statue. "ITALIAN NEWS" continued on Page 11
August 9, 2019
9
Navy Modernizing PCS Move Process From Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs
Continuing efforts to improve the Permanent Change of Station experience for Sailors and their families, the Navy launched the MyPCS Mobile app July 17. “Sailors executing Active Duty PCS orders will immediately realize a better experience with MyPCS Mobile. We have heard the Sailor and family feedback, and are enhancing the PCS move process through greater customer focus, increased flexibility, choice and the use of modern tools,” said Rear Adm. Jeff Hughes, Commander, Navy Personnel Command. MyPCS Mobile is accessible to all Sailors on their personal or work mobile devices, tablets, laptops and desktop computers. MyPCS Mobile provides Sailors who are planning a PCS move with access to a personalized checklist tailored for an individual Sailor’s PCS move as well as the ability to apply for government housing and childcare at their next duty station. MyPCS Mobile will also provide Sailors the ability to view a streamlined, simplified, plain language set of PCS orders referred to as “lean orders.” Later, MyPCS Mobile will provide Sailors the ability to prepare and submit their PCS travel claim voucher. Sailors will simply upload travel receipts from their mobile devices, complete a voucher that has been prepopulated with basic information, electronically sign and provide it to their Command Pay and Personnel Administrator for final processing. “We are aggressively pursuing modern technology in our tools and striving to provide world class customer service to our Sailors and families. MyPCS Mobile is the result of a rapid development effort as part of our transition to a modern, commercial-standard integrated pay
Stock Photo
and personnel system. A modern tool to enhance the PCS experience for Sailors and families is one of the first capabilities we wanted to deliver,” Hughes said. Sailors who presently do not have a set of Active Duty PCS orders can still explore the functionality of the checklist through an on-line demonstration. Sailors may access MyPCS Mobile either through the Navy App Locker (www.applocker.navy.mil) or MyNavy Portal (https://my.navy.mil). Access to MyPCS Mobile does not require a Common Access Card; however, for CAC-free access, Sailors will need to perform a one-time setup via MNP on a CAC-enabled machine. At the top of the page in MNP the Sailor’s name will appear. Click on name, select my account, then select instructions for CAC-free setup. Follow the steps for Apple iOS or Google Android to authenticate your identity. The mobile
device must have access to either Wi-Fi of cellular data services. Other upcoming enhancements include a PCS entitlements calculator and an pilot program to provide the ability to use the Government Travel Credit Card for PCS-related travel expenses. Future NAVADMINs will announce launch dates and outline specific details for each of these programs. Meanwhile, Sailors can minimize any out-of-pocket expenses by taking advantage of the travel entitlements available to them today. Those who are about to make a PCS move should talk to their CPPA to help decide if a travel advance is the right choice for them. For more information, refer to NAVADMIN 161/19 at http://www. npc.navy.mil/, contact the MyNavy Career Center anytime at 833-330MNCC/6622, or email askMNCC@ navy.mil.
10
The Signature
Name: MA2 Robert Harper Command: Security Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Naval Air Station Sigonella’s security department is in charge of the largest naval security operation in Europe. Within the department, the armory is in responsible for the weaponry and training of all Master-at-Arms and Auxiliary Security Force members. That entails the safekeeping, maintenance, and issue of around 350 small arms weapons, along with instruction of their use. It takes Sailors like Master-at-Arms second class Robert Harper to ensure the mission runs smoothly and safely. At the armory, Harper is the small arms marksmanship instructor. He is responsible for qualifying all MAs and ASF members in the use of pistols, rifles, and shotguns. At any given time, there are approximately 300 personnel who need to achieve qualifications on each weapon, for 900 total qualifications. Harper says that the hardest part of his job is keeping track of the personnel rotating in and out of Sigonella who need training. Harper arrived almost exactly
three years ago and is getting ready to rotate to Naval Medical Center San Diego to join Balboa Hospital’s security team. His first year here, he was the field training officer. During that time, he trained MAs in the field how to be patrol officers. Harper says that training other Sailors has been the most fulfilling aspect of his job. “I’m one of the first instructors they have,” said Harper of many Sailors whose first tour is at Sigonella. “I take a lot of pride in teaching them but also being someone they can come to for help. I want them to have a good first experience at their command.” When Harper enlisted, he was originally planning on staying in the Navy for four years. But nine years later, he is aiming to make a full career of it. Right out of the gates, Harper has had an interesting career. In his first tour, he served as a casket bearer at Arlington National Cemetery. He describes the tour as being physically grueling but
highly fulfilling. In that capacity, he met President Obama twice and had countless interactions with other top officials. He also was charged with the burial at sea of astronaut and former U.S. Navy aviator, Neil Armstrong. Since then, Harper’s tours have included “A” school in San Antonio and at the security department at Naval Air Station North Island, Coronado. In the future, he would like to work in the specialty protective services field, where he would act as a bodyguard for admirals, generals, and other senior Defense officials. As his tour at Sigonella wraps up, Harper is reflecting on his extensive travels throughout Sicily and Europe. One final trip is planned to drive Italy’s Amalfi Coast. “We wanted to [visit] 25 countries but we got to 19. So we took complete advantage of the traveling. Here in Sicily too, especially in the summertime with the beaches,” said Harper.
August 9, 2019 "ICE” cont’d from Page 3
logs. They will hold the contractor accountable for any excessive delays. Current policy allows a five-minute delay after the scheduled departure time. Within that buffer window, your patience is appreciated. The contractor has an obligation to notify the installation if they are unable to meet the schedule so that it can be adjusted accordingly. Again, we appreciate you bringing this issue to light, and apologize for the inconvenience it has posed on your commute. For any future concerns regarding the shuttle service, please contact the Assistant Public Works Officer, Lt. Aaron Thompson, at aaron.thompson@eu.navy.mil.
Comment Regarding MWR:
My son has been unable to play at the NAS I playground adjacent to the school because the playground equipment is too hot. I can see the "ITALIAN NEWS" cont’d from Page 8
For more information and detailed festival schedules, visit www.facebook. com/CircoloSantaAgrippina.
Visiting Mineo, the City of Poets Sigonellans will surely enjoy visiting Mineo’s breathtaking landscapes, experiencing its festivals, fairs and taking a breath of fresh and cool air especially during the torrid Sicilian summer. Corkscrewing the sharp turns that lead to Mineo, one notes that the city looks like a pottery nativity scene. In additional to its landscape and festivals, Mineo is famous for its literary tradition. According to Sicilian novelist Giuseppe Bonaviri, there is a magical spot in Mineo called “Piano di Camuti” (plain of Camuti). According to one myth, Mineo’s pregnant women are told to go to that plain and sit on a “philosopher’s stone” if they want their unborn
poles set up for canopies, but to date they haven’t been installed. Can they please be installed? This would help keep them cooler and would allow the kids to play there during the day. Thanks in advance for your attention to this matter.
Response:
Thank you for your providing your input on the NAS I playground. We totally agree that the playground equipment is too hot to play on during the summertime. That is exactly why we undertook the canopy installation project. Shortly after receiving your comment, we received the materials needed to finish the installation. We hope that you and the rest of the community enjoy the cooler temperatures at the playground.
11
order prior to their posted closing time. However, I was told by the cashier that I was limited to ordering pizza since they were closing in 30 minutes. The issue is that nowhere is it posted that at a certain time prior to closing, the menu is limited. If an establishment is open until a particular time, it’s expected that an individual should be able to place an order for any item available on the menu until closing unless otherwise stated. This is a very common experience at this particular place.
Response:
Good afternoon. On June 12 at 1406 I walked into the NAS II Chocks next to the air terminal to place an
Thank you for your feedback, which helps us improve customer service. We apologize for the inconvenience you experienced. Your concerns are valid and we have reached out to the vendor to reach a solution. They will now have a limited menu posted for orders placed within 15 minutes prior to closing. Again, thank you for providing your valuable feedback.
children to develop a talent in poetry. Mineo’s community has been indeed producing dialectal poets and writers galore. It is the birthplace of novelist Luigi Capuana, one of the masters of “verismo,” a literary movement of the 19th century marked by the presentation of realistic life using common people characters such as fishermen and peasants who are often treated in a melodramatic manner. An ideal tour of Mineo would begin by walking through narrow streets of its historic heart and visiting the Church of San Pietro, a baroque masterpiece featuring beautiful paintings, a magnificent organ dating back to 1772, and a precious walnut choir. From the church, one can see the ruins of the ancient Castello di Ducezio enjoining a great view of the surrounding hills. The ruins include part of the exterior defensive walls and the main tower. This magnificent castle is named after Ducezio, an ancient Sicilian commander
who founded several cities in Sicily. Then, a must-see stop is the Chiesa di Santa Agrippina, the town’s cathedral that is named after the patron saint of Mineo. Originally a private chapel in 263 AD and later a mosque in the 14th century, it was rebuilt in the 17th century after its structure was damaged by the famous 1693 earthquake. Inside the church is a 1518 AD polychrome wooden statue depicting the saint, precious stuccoes, and a unique 16th century wooden nativity scene. At the main square, you should also visit the Chiesa del Collegio, a church that is part of the town hall architectural complex. It has an impressive shrine featuring thousands of bones belonging to local saints. The town hall also houses a small museum dedicated to Capuana. Admission is free. For more touristic information on Mineo, visit the town’s official web site: http://www.comune.mineo.ct.it/
Comment Regarding Chock Full o Nuts:
