The Signature | March 12, 2021

March 12, 2021

Vol. 38 No. 5

WOMEN’S HISTORY VP-46 SUPPORTS MONTH: DYNAMIC MANTA 21 AN INTERVIEW WITH CMDCM ANNA WOOD ST. JOSEPH’S TABLES: A pages 6 & 7

SICILIAN TRADITION

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Direct Line

Virginia Imlah, NASSIG Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Director he Active Duty Fund Drive motto is “By Our OwnT For Our Own.” One of the main purposes of this drive is to provide service members with an opportunity to

donate funds that will be used to assist their fellow Sailors or Marines in times of need. Contributions to the Active Duty Fund Drive directly support the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society’s (NMCRS) mission of providing financial, educational, and other assistance to Sailors and Marines and their families.

NMCRS has locations around the world as well as a partnership with the American Red Cross. This allows service members to request and receive assistance whenever and wherever it is needed. NMCRS is a nonprofit, charitable organization that does not receive any government funds. NMCRS relies on donated funds in order to be able to provide its programs and services.

One of the biggest sources of fundraising is the annual Active Duty Fund Drive, which is now underway.

NMCRS was established in 1904 and has adapted to meet emerging needs since its founding. This past year was challenging for many service members and their families due to COVID-19. In 2020, NMCRS developed a new COVID-19 Rapid Response Loan and provided over $3 million dollars in assistance related to the pandemic.

Many of these requests were due to a loss of income or unexpected expenses caused by stop movement orders, Restriction of Movement, or virtual learning expenses.

Each year, NMCRS is standing by to help with disaster relief assistance. This past year, NMCRS provided assistance following the fire onboard the USS Bonhomme Richard as well as during the hurricane and wildfire seasons.

Aside from raising funds, another goal of the fund drive is to educate active duty service members about NMCRS programs and services to ensure that Sailors and Marines know what resources are available to them. NMCRS provides financial assistance in the form of interestfree loans and grants for a wide variety of needs such as basic living expenses, emergency travel, or car repairs.

NMCRS also offers personal budget counseling as well as monthly Budget for Baby® workshops to help clients better manage their finances.

The Budget for Baby® Program recently transitioned from in-person workshops to a virtual delivery method.

New or expecting parents can now attend the class via their smartphone or personal computer and learn how to create a budget to prepare for the expenses that come along with having a child. Eligible attendees receive a $50 Amazon gift card and handmade baby blanket as a gift for participating in the workshop.

In 2020, the Education Assistance Program provided 158 grants or interest-free loans to help eligible applicants

pay for undergraduate or graduate school expenses.

NMCRS plans to expand the program this year and is currently accepting applications for financial assistance for the upcoming 2021-2022 academic school year.

But that’s not all! Many NMCRS locations, including NAS Sigonella, have a thrift store where service members and their families can shop and save money on purchases such as used uniforms, clothing, and other household items. The Visiting Nurse Program offers free inhome visits or telehealth visits by registered nurses to provide health and wellness information, resources, and education.

Contributions to the Active Duty Fund Drive directly support the programs and services provided by NMCRS to our local community. NAS Sigonella has a longstanding history of generously giving to the Active Duty Fund Drive. Please contact your command’s Key Person for more information on how to donate. On behalf of NMCRS, thank you for your continued support.

March 12, 2021

Bravo Zulus BZ to Autoport: Buongiorno. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Andrea at Auto Port for providing excellent customer service. His professional, courteous and honest approach goes a long way. He also never fails to provide feedback all throughout the car repair process. He also conducts business in a very professional and respectful manner. Outstanding employee!

BZ to Housing: I just wanted to give a 10 out of 10 review of the housing office here at NAS Sigonella. We recently ran into some issues with our PCS timeline (getting off the island) which made the process of getting everything lined up to leave extremely stressful. I contacted Housing on a Monday and by Tuesday morning we had an appointment with Alfio who worked extremely hard and managed to get us a great solution on with very short notice. Mr Faulk and his team of professionals like Alfio consistently go above and beyond to ensure that both the service member AND their dependents are their top priority... simply put they ROCK and we are incredibly grateful for their service to NAS Sigonella!

BZ to Post Office: Thank you for your hard work. My family and I greatly appreciate the

customer service. We do make our presence well known and feel like the workers at the Post Office really give it their all and care about customers.

I just wanted to say thank you to all the people at the front desk and in the back that make it possible. I see it’s a hectic job so thanks again for pulling it together!

BZ to Security: I didn’t know where else to send this but there was two dogs fighting in Marinai yesterday and member from Security easily broke up the fight when no one else knew what to do. He then proceeded to somehow calm both dogs and owners and showed them how to fix the issue. It was pretty amazing to watch. Someone said his name is Chris.

BZ to FFSC: Huge thank you to an amazing counselor, Patricia Chapin. You helped me so much in my journey! I love who I became with your assistance.

Especially now, during this difficult time of pandemic, you all deserve a special recognition for everything you do for local community.

BZ to PSD: Great customer service with my id renewal BZ to PSD: Customer service was impeccable!

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U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA

Commanding Officer Capt. Kevin Pickard Executive Officer Cmdr. Ronald Cappellini 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 MCSN 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: Corey Mason Command: Public Works Department Department: Transportation

By MC2 Josh Cote, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

t is not every day that an American born on an overseas I military base gets the chance to serve his country on that very same base. It’s even more rare for that American to serve in the same job at the same base as his parents when he was born. For Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Corey Mason from Hermiston, Ore., though, that is just what he is doing--serving as a Seabee onboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella.

Mason works for the Public Works Department, just like his parents did. He is assigned to the transportation department inside of PWD. Transportation is charge of all the repairs and maintenance of all the government vehicles on base, including the emergency services vehicles.

When trying to decide whether or not to join the military, past family service can be an important influence.

“For me, I wanted to get out of my hometown,” said Mason. “My old man was a mechanic for 20 years in the Navy, and it did him pretty well, so I decided why not give it a shot? I wanted to be a Seabee, and I knew I wanted to either be a construction mechanic (CM) or a builder (BU) because my mom was a BU, but I got lucky and got CM.” Mason has been doing all the right things to stand out in a positive way to his leadership here on base.

“CM3 Mason is one of our junior transportation

mechanics who has been giving 100% to the cause and mission,” said Chief Utilitiesman Dennys Colodro, senior enlisted leader for PWD. “CM3 Mason is one of two only Seabees in the region to pass Emergency Vehicle Test certification exams offered by Emergency Vehicle Testing Certification Commission.”

Not only does Mason excel at his job, he enjoys it too.

“My favorite part about my job is being able to come into work and actually get my hands dirty,” said Mason.

“I don’t sit at a computer all day, I just show up and I turn wrenches. I enjoy doing it anyways and here I get paid for it. I also enjoy getting to talk with the Italians.

These guys have worked here for 30 or 40 years, so they are a great source of knowledge. It is really cool to learn something new everyday and just go from there.”

Mason has been in the Navy for three years, and Sigonella is his first command. As an adult in Sicily this time around, he has been able to take advantage the island more.

“I was born here and my parents would always tell me stories about this place and now I actually get to live that life,” said Mason. “It is cool just being in the middle of everything. I am able to go to any place in Europe that I want to travel to for relatively cheap. Coming back here was definitely pretty cool.”

After finishing up his time here, Mason will be traveling to Guam to continue on the next step of his Navy career.

March 12, 2021

Valuing Water on World Water Day

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By Antonino Piluso, NAS Sigonella Installation Energy Manager

orld Water Day is celebrated every year on W March 22 to focus attention on the importance of water in our planet. This year’s theme is valuing

water.

The value of water is more than its price – water has incredible importance for our health, our food, our culture, our households, our education, our economics and the health of our natural environment.

Freshwater is particularly important here onboard Sigonella. We have often experienced unscheduled water outages due to water breaks in the main lines.

As we have all learned, the lack of water in the office or in our homes has a significant impact on our daily life.

Our installation gets water from five wells that are operated by the Utility and Energy Management Branch of the Public Works Department (PWD). Each

one of our wells draws water from a common aquifer utilized by local farmers for their irrigation needs.

During the peak summer season, the water levels in the aquifers drop, which reduces well production.

Each summer, we reach maximum water production and, on occasion, the base is at risk of imposing water restrictions.

PWD is working very hard every day to repair and maintain this critical utility. One example of PWD’s long term efforts is the upcoming completion of a project to utilize reclaimed water from the waste water treatment systems for irrigation on both NAS I and NAS II, thus reducing the required potable water, especially during the summer.

As we approach World Water Day, it is an excellent time to remember the benefits of conserving water. I encourage all of you to do your part to reduce your water usage every day. Every little bit counts, and one way to start is to be aware of the amount of water your use during your daily routine. Make sure not to waste water in every day’s activities and please report any leaky faucets to Public Works Department immediately by calling 624-6013. You play a major part in changing the water consumption of Sigonella!

If you would like to have any further information, don’t hesitate to contact the Installation Energy Manager Antonio Piluso (Antonino.piluso.it@ eu.navy.mil) or the Regional Energy Manager Matthew Tropiano (Matthew.Tropiano@eu.navy.mil) or go to visit http://worldwaterday.org/

NAVSUP FLCSI Hosts Spouse Day

By Joe Yanik, NAVSUP FLCSI

ilitary and civilian leaders from Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Sigonella M (NAVSUP FLCSI) hosted a dozen of the command’s spouses for a tour of NAVSUP’s work areas March 5, 2021 onboard Naval Air Station Sigonella (NASSIG), Italy. Work areas visited during the tour were the fuels and

hazardous materials management facilities, the logistics support and fleet mail centers, customs clearance and personal property and shipping offices.

“By hosting the Spouse Day event, we were able to connect with our families in a specific and meaningful way,” said Capt. Alsandro H. Turner, FLCSI’s commanding officer. “This opportunity to connect was especially important after a year of the pandemic when we had been forced to adapt to the new normal of working virtually. As our command’s spouses toured NAVSUP’s facilities, they gained valuable insight into our day-to-day operations supporting the warfighter across EURAFCENT. We are so grateful for our spouses’ continued support at home, without which we cannot accomplish our mission.”

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LIFE LESSONS FROM NASSIG’S CMC The Signature

Naval Air Station Sigonella’s Installation Command Master Chief Anna Wood is from Cecilia, Kentucky. She is married to Master Chief Hospital Corpsman Albert Wood and has four children, one of whom is also in the Navy. In this interview, she discusses her career, her family, and what Women’s History Month means to her.

How long have you been in the Navy?

All me bloomin’ life! Technically, I have been in for 27 years. I joined the World’s Finest Navy on June 28, 1993.

Why did you choose to be an HM (Hospital Corpsman)?

Carefully considering my options at the recruiting station, I chose to be a Hospital Corpsman because I thought that I could possibly leverage the experience into a career after the Navy if I decided to separate. But, I quickly realized that I especially loved the idea of helping others when they needed it most, when they were not at 100%, and I wanted to be in a position to make a difference to them.

Could you briefly describe your Navy career?

I spent 24 years as a Hospital Corpsman, which included advanced training as a Surgical Technician in the operating room. I specialized in orthopedics, OB/GYN and my favorite, general surgery. Additionally, I served with the Marines in Okinawa, Japan and Camp Pendleton, California. I was stationed at hospitals in Okinawa, San Diego and Jacksonville, Florida. I completed deployments on USS Cleveland and USS John C. Stennis. I served as the Senior Enlisted Leader at 1st Dental Battalion/Naval Dental Center and my last four years have been as a Command Master Chief with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron SEVEN ONE and currently here at Naval Air Station Sigonella.

What’s your biggest career or personal achievement?

By far my biggest career achievement was making Master Chief Hospital Corpsman and then subsequently Command Master Chief. To be considered as the top 1% of the enlisted Navy is humbling to me and I pray that I earn the respect for the title of CMC every day. I take my Chief role seriously and hope that it is seen that way!

However, my biggest achievement overall is my feeling of success in my personal life. My husband, aka Mr. CMC Wood, and I have been married for 24 years and have four super-star children. To navigate the waters for a successful career AND a healthy home takes devotion and balance. But, it wasn’t a sea navigated without heavy rolls of mistakes. Luckily, we had many years of marriage and a few children, so we have been able to practice a bit to

get it just right—haha!

I am very proud of the young men and women in both my professional and personal life. Very proud and blessed!

Can you share an example of an obstacle that you experienced during your career and how you overcame it?

No matter how hard I tried, I could NOT seem to get orders to a ship or with the Fleet Marine Force. At the time, Sailors’ orders were posted online with a WAS (Women at Sea) column. For my first nine years in the Navy, there were zero WAS billets and Field Medical Service School training seats available for me. So, I turned to the next best thing—I requested an arduous shore duty billet assignment and was approved to serve as a Recruit Division Commander at Recruit Training Command.

Super awesome job, by the way!

What’s some advice you would give to female Sailors?

I would advise female Sailors to know who they are and love themselves for it. I remember many times in my career that I thought I should adjust or alter my style of leadership to “fit in” with what was expected. For example maybe I should be a little more serious for certain things and a lot less strict on other things, especially when I started picking up rank. I realized quickly (with the encouragement of my husband) that I couldn’t change and I really shouldn’t. He said that I made it to where I am because of who I am, inside and out.

Do you have a woman in your life that you look up to?

Oh, for sure! My mother is someone who I have always looked up to, even at her tiny stature of 4’11”. She is one of the toughest women I know. She taught me to work extremely hard for absolutely EVERYTHING and to take nothing for granted. As most of us would agree, we don’t realize the lessons from our childhood until we are old enough to have our own children. I can certainly say that is true in my case. She taught me about respect, resilience, and loyalty. She taught me to be a woman of moral courage.

March 12, 2021 How do you empower Sailors?

First, I try to “give and let go”. What I mean by that is to “give” an assignment and/or area of responsibility, my expectations and a few tips and then “let go” of the process.

Second, I encourage mistakes. Yes, make lots of mistakes; just keep them small, try not to repeat them and then tell others so they don’t make the same mistakes. I believe that you have already failed if you don’t even try. Third, I build into the deadline enough time for mistakes and failure.

With time, you can mentor and train to get Sailors back on track. Most people feel empowered when you don’t micromanage them, so when you set clear expectations and a realistic deadline with room to address any issues, you set the tone for empowerment.

What does Women’s History Month mean to you?

I love celebrating the history of all of our diversity in the military. Women’s History Month is special to me because I am able to serve in the world’s finest Navy in the world’s most powerful country due to the women who were trailblazers before me. I have a strong foundation of appreciation for the struggles of our early women in society who paved the way and our women of today who continue to make the world a better place for me and all women.

Women in Naval History

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omen have volunteered to serve their nation during every war or conflict since the American Revolution.

The first women to serve in U.S. Navy were nurses, beginning with the “Sacred Twenty” who were appointed after Congress established the Navy Nurse Corps on May 13, 1908.

The female Yeomen of WWI continued this legacy and remained focused despite strong criticism.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Public Law 689 creating the Navy Women’s Reserve Program on July 30, 1942 which paved the way for officer and enlisted women to enter the Navy.

On February 22, 1974 the Navy designated Barbara Ann Allen Rainey as the first female naval aviator.

On March 7, 1994 the Navy issued the first orders for women to be aboard a combatant ship, the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.

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St. Joseph’s Tables Celebrate A Beloved Saint

By Dr. Alberto Lunetta, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

ave you ever wondered why so many Italians are H named Giuseppe? A very popular saint in Italy, San Giuseppe (Saint Joseph) was a carpenter, the foster father

One of the most fascinating Saint Joseph’s traditions in Western Sicily takes place in Salemi, a town located in the province of Trapani. Here, devotion to San Giuseppe of Jesus, and the husband of the Holy Mary, and he is now takes the form of altars decorated with local food that is this patron saint of fathers, the poor, workmen, the sick, symbolically offered to the poor and needy. This is one and families. On March 19, is celebrated during the “Festa way townspeople publicly show gratitude to their celestial del Papà” (Father’s Day). patron for a good harvest or for a miracle received in time According to the Catholic tradition, the origin of the of need or illness. celebration dates back Medieval Sicily. Peasants invoked Elaborate bread altars have been an important part of Saint Joseph after a terrible drought, and he answered Salemi’s public celebration since the 19th century. The their prayers, saving them from starvation.

“Cene di San Giuseppe” (St. Joseph’s Dinners), also called Bread is at the heart of this celebration. Nowadays, we “St. Joseph’s Tables,” actually take place at midday. Tables can choose from a variety of different breads at any market, at several venues throughout the city’s historic center so it might be difficult to understand its importance for the hold a banquet offered to three children who symbolize rural communities of the past. Peasants worked hard in the the Holy Family. These children are referred to as “Santi” fields, and bread was their “reward.” (saints) or “Virgineddi” (virgins).

At the beginning of the 20th century, “pane” (bread) was Preparation for the dinner begins eight days before the almost considered holy in Sicily. “U pani non si ietta mai!” festival. The tables must include between 19 and 101 (bread should never be thrown away) is an expression courses, all meatless due to Lenten obligations. Spaghetti uttered a thousand times in Italian households by parents mixed with olive oil, breadcrumbs, sugar, cinnamon and and grandparents. parsley, along with different kinds of cakes and vegetarian Bread as “holy food” is linked to the cult of San Giuseppe omelets, is among the food choices offered to the young through rituals to fulfill vows and give thanks for miracles. guests. The devotee who prepares the meal is someone who shows gratitude and reverence to San Giuseppe.

Another unique ritual in this celebration is conducted next to the tables: the construction of a chapel-like structure made of wood or iron. This chapel contains a three-tiered altar surrounded by an ornamental roof-like projection framed in myrtle and laurel and hung with lemons, oranges, and hundreds of small, ornately shaped breads.

The altars contain candles, crosses and other religious objects, flowers, select foods, a jar of wine, and three large, more intricately ornate breads (Cudduri) intended for the children.

These breads, which represent the Holy Family, are set on the front steps while a large framed print of St. Joseph Despite the cancellation of the traditional public celebrations on March 19th, St. Joseph’s Feast Day, or of the Holy Family is placed at the due to the pandemic, devotees will still set up the elaborately-decorated altars in their homes to fulfill a center of the chapel. promise or give thanks for a favor granted. Photo by Alberto Lunetta "Italian News" cont’d on Page 11

March 12, 2021

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VP-46 REAFFIRMS EXCELLENCE SUPPORTING DYNAMIC MANTA 21

By Lt, Ryan E Miller, Commander Task Force SIX SEVEN

he “Grey Knights” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 46 T once again reaffirmed their title of “Oldest and the Best” by flying their P-8A Poseidon Boeing aircraft in the

annual NATO Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) exercise Dynamic Manta, held in the central Mediterranean Sea. This exercise enhances the interoperability and tactical proficiencies of anti-submarine warfare forces.

They bring complex and challenging warfare training to enhance the participants’ interoperability and proficiency in anti-submarine warfare skills.

These hardworking aircrews, maintainers, and support team have been in Europe since October 2020 assigned to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 67, home-based at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella in Sicily, Italy.

Lt. Michael Gehle, CTF 67’s Assistant Operations Officer, remarked, “I’ve seen numerous deployed patrol squadrons, and the Grey Knights have been the hardest working squadron I’ve ever seen. It’s been non-stop excellence since getting here.”

That excellence was demonstrated as the P-8A flight crew conducted six training sorties tracking highly capable NATO submarines. These submarines included the Italian ITS Todaro and ITS Venuti, Greek HS Papanikolis, Turkish TCG Canakkale, and the USS San Juan. The Grey Knights didn’t do it alone though, as NAS Sigonella also hosted French, German, and Greek maritime aircraft. These flight crews worked alongside land-based Italian helicopters and surface vessels from Spain, Greece, Turkey, Italy, and France, including the Charles De Gaulle Carrier Strike Force.

“Our crews put in lot of time and effort mission planning leading up to Dynamic Manta and it showed,” said Lt. Cmdr. Kyle Atakturk, one of VP 46’s top mission commanders as he discussed his aircrew’s participation in the larger Dynamic Manta force. “Multinational events like this are critical for training and really showcase the multiplied strength when NATO partners work together.”

All these forces together were led by NATO’s Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) who planned and organized from a distance due to coronavirus precautions.

These combined forces were able to practice and develop NATO anti-submarine warfare tactics and procedures.

Exercise Dynamic Manta 2021 is a HQ Maritime Allied Command (MARCOM) live exercise (LIVEX) designed to sharpen anti-submarine warfare (ASW)

Aviation Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class Michelle Dao, assigned to the “Grey Knights” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 46, signals the pilot of a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft during a huffer start, March 1, 2021. VP-46 is currently forward-deployed to the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations and is assigned to Commander, Task Force 67, responsible for tactical control of deployed maritime patrol and reconnaissance squadrons throughout Europe and Africa. U.S. Sixth Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts a full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national security interests and stability in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3nd Class Zach Dalton/ Released)

skills of participating surface, submarine, and air units and to enhance anti-surface warfare (ASUW) training, and exploit tactics and methods applicable in real world operations.

Participating nations include Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and the United States.

U.S. Sixth Fleet regularly exercises in MARCOM-led exercises including Dynamic Mariner, Dynamic Move, and Dynamic Mongoose.

Task Force 67 is composed of helicopters and landbased maritime patrol aircraft that operate throughout European and African waters in anti-submarine, searchand-rescue, reconnaissance, surveillance, and mining roles. Task Force 67’s official mission is to provide responsive, interoperable, and expeditionary combat ready maritime patrol aircraft and supporting forces to U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa and U.S. Sixth Fleet.

U.S. Sixth Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

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VP-46 Welcomes U.S. AFRICOM Leadership to NAS Sigonella

By VP-46 Public Affairs

rey Knights” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 46 hosted “G Gen. Stephen Townsend, U.S. Africa Commander (AFRICOM), and Rear Adm. Heidi Berg, AFRICOM intelligence

director, during a visit to the installation March 6, 2021.

Part of the visit consisted of showcasing the squadron’s P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance aircraft and its versatility.

“General Townsend’s visit afforded VP-46 Aircrew an invaluable opportunity to share P-8A Poseidon’s vital intra-theater role and to demonstrate how our multi-mission capabilities dramatically enhance the operational advantage of a Combatant Commander,” said Cmdr. Clay Waddill, VP-46 commanding officer.

With the capabilities of broad-area, maritime and littoral operations, as well as search and rescue, Waddill said that the aircrafts mission plays a key role in supporting U.S. AFRICOM’s mission of protecting and advancing national interests in Africa.

“As the commander of U.S. AFRICOM, Gen. Townsend and his staff oversee all military operations and activity to protect and advance national interests in Africa,” said Waddill. “As a forward deployed squadron with a detachment in Djibouti, Africa, VP-46 currently conducts operations in the African maritime theater.

For this reason, the Georgia native was particularly interested in the efforts of our personnel and the P-8A’s capabilities.”

One of the Sailors, Naval Air Crewman Operator 2nd Class MarcAngelo Lizza, helped facilitate the visit and said that the visitors were keen to hear about the aircraft’s state of the art technology.

“General Townsend showed a keen interest in the Poseidon, and how the aircraft stacked up as a formidable force against our

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) (left), tours a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, assigned to the “Grey Knights” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 46, Feb. 22, 2021. VP-46 is currently forward-deployed to U.S. Sixth Fleet and is assigned to Commander, Task Force 67, responsible for tactical control of deployed maritime patrol and reconnaissance squadrons throughout Europe and Africa.

U.S. Sixth Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts a full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national security interests and stability in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Austin Ingram/ Released)

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) (left), is shown the flight station of a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, by Lt. Michael Kropp, assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 46, Feb. 22, 2021. VP-46 is currently forwarddeployed to U.S. Sixth Fleet and is assigned to Commander, Task Force 67, responsible for tactical control of deployed maritime patrol and reconnaissance squadrons throughout Europe and Africa. U.S. Sixth Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts a full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national security interests and stability in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Austin Ingram/ Released)

enemy submarines,” said Lizza, VP-46 acoustic sensor operator.

“Once the tour started, General Townsend was eager to hear about the capabilities and the range of operations of the P-8A.” Lizza said that Rear Adm. Berg was especially interested in the aircrafts mission as she has over a thousand hours as a communications intercept evaluator onboard the EP-3E Aries II. Naval Air Station Sigonella (NASSIG), home to 37 tenant and deployed commands, serves as the premier operational installation supporting joint service, NATO, and interagency partners. Currently among one of these 37 commands are the VP46 Grey Knights with the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance community.

VP-46 is currently forward deployed to the US Sixth Fleet area of operations and is assigned to Commander, Task Force 67, responsible for tactical control of deployed maritime patrol and reconnaissance squadrons throughout Europe and Africa.

Task Force 67 is composed of helicopters and land-based maritime patrol aircraft that operate throughout European and African waters in anti-submarine, search-and-rescue, reconnaissance, surveillance, and mining roles. Task Force 67’s official mission is to provide responsive, interoperable, and expeditionary combat ready maritime patrol aircraft and supporting forces to U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa and U.S. Sixth Fleet.

U.S. Sixth Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

"Italian News" cont’d from Page 8

March 12, 2021

During the banquet, believers recite monologues and prayers known as Parti in honor of San Giuseppe. The three children offer food to the visitors, and the landlords offer visitors some of the food at the end of the meal, including some of the “blessed” bread.

This popular tradition has been kept alive in Salemi for a very long time, and every year it attracts thousands of tourists. This year, the traditional festivals held in the public squares of many cities across the island were canceled due to the pandemic. However, many Sicilians will still set up the traditional tables in their houses. Some of these displays will be open to visitors, so if you happen to walk around a town’s center, you might get a chance to take a glance at some of these masterpieces of religious devotion.

Salemi is located on a hill in the heart of the Trapani province. It can be easily reached through the CataniaPalermo highway. Once in Palermo, take the Palermo-Mazara del Vallo highway and exit Salemi. For more information visit the town of Salemi tourist information Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ pro.salemi/ The word bread is also closely connected to the town of Ramacca in Eastern Sicily where another big festival is held every year to honor San Giuseppe. Nestled in the hills of the plain of Catania, this picturesque town boasts a longstanding and unique “pane di casa” home-baked bread making tradition. Ramacca also participates in the famous St. Joseph’s Table tradition, but this year’s celebration was also canceled due to pandemic safety regulations.

In normal times in Ramacca, I guarantee you that the meatless offerings are as mouthwatering to the eye as to the palate! Tables display all sorts of Sicilian cakes, cookies

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and sweets (cannoli, fucacani, crostate, almond cookies, fig cakes, cucciddati), vegetarian omelettes, artichokes, asparagus, fava beans, fruit, chickpeas, flowers, fish, and more. The fresh bread on display on the altars is baked into distinctive and symbolic shapes including “a cuddura,” (ring shaped), the hearts (Holy Family), the Cross (Jesus’ Martyrdom) and the saint’s walking stick that, according to legend, miraculously sprouted flowers. Those beautifully ornate altars also showcase images of San Giuseppe, Jesus and the Holy Family, as well as laurel branches adorned with citrus fruits to symbolize the fertility of the earth.

In non-pandemic times, guides from the local tourist office (located in # 7 via Luigi Capuana) typically offer tourists a free tour of the main altars that are set up in private houses scattered throughout the historic center on March 18.

March 19 is also a day dedicated to the traditional free sampling of the “Pasta Co’ Maccu” (pasta with lentils and mashed fava beans) that is offered to tourists in piazza Umberto (main square). In the afternoon, foodstuff and offerings are auctioned for charity in the main square. In the evening, the procession featuring a chalk statue depicting San Giuseppe with the child Jesus carried shoulder-high by devotees is performed throughout the historic heart of Ramacca.

Due to its extensive and large fertile lands, Ramacca is a town of great farming tradition that has been known as a melting pot of Sicilians since the 18th century. If you are able to visit, make sure you check the variety of local produce from the farmers’ market. For more detailed information, visit the Ramacca Pro Loco tourist office Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/proloco.ramacca.