Vol. 36 No. 12
INSTALLATION ACHIEVES SECURITY READINESS CERTIFICATION Story on page 3
HONORING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF WWII Story on page 6
SCHOOL’S OUT!!
June 14, 2019
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Direct Line
Teresa Goley, General Manager, Navy Exchange Sigonella
Benvenuti NAS Sigonella! I am honored to have recently joined the Naval Air Station Sigonella community. For the past 22 years, I have been fulfilling the mission of the Navy Exchange in five different countries. My most recent assignment was NEX Bahrain. I started my career in 1997 at NEXCOM’s Virginia Beach headquarters. Over the next several years, I transferred as a military spouse with our children to bases at Pensacola, Florida, Great Lakes, and Keflavik, Iceland. I have also worked at NEX Naples, Italy, NEX Yokosuka, Japan, and NEX Singapore. Time spent in all these locations has given me the opportunity and experience to become the General Manager of NEX Sigonella. Throughout my time working within the Navy Exchange community, I have held many positions ranging from a pricing specialist, to logistical support manager, to retail operations manager. It is my sincere goal that knowing so much about the inner workings of the NEX system will allow me to serve you most effectively. One of the most important aspects of my position is to know what the demographics of the base population are and what you need. These two factors play an important role in the product and services that each Navy Exchange offers. In the coming weeks, I will be reaching out to the different
organizations, commands, and most importantly, the people of NAS Sigonella. It is important for me to understand what the NEX as a command and service provider is doing right, and where we have opportunities to grow. It is my duty and obligation to ensure that the Sigonella community is provided with the best quality of goods and services as if our NEX was on a CONUS base. One of the most important things I have learned is how our service members and their families depend on the Navy Exchange to enhance their quality of life. We are not just a store, but a piece of home. I look forward to developing close relationships within the community and base to better serve you. The range of my experiences from being a military spouse and raising my children in several CONUS and OCONUS environments has increased my commitment to the NEX and to the ones we serve.
“We are not just a store, but a piece of home.� Before I sign off, I would like to remind the community that for every dollar that you spend at the Navy Exchange retail store, NAS II mini mart, or any service outlet, 70% goes right back to our service members and their families through our annual MWR contribution. Since 1943,
the Navy Exchange Enterprise has contributed $2.3 billion in support of MWR programs worldwide. Locally, Navy Exchange Sigonella has contributed $450,000 to the MWR programs on base here. We are more than a store, we are a community. I consider the NEX our home and I want everyone to feel welcome. I am always interested in learning how we can better support our communities with retail, services, or food outlets. We are never satisfied with the status quo, so please reach out to me any time with your inquiries or suggestions at Teresa.goley@nexweb.org. I look forward to serving the NAS Sigonella community and enhancing your quality of life and that of your families. Again, thank you for the warm welcome I have received, and I look forward to seeing you in the NEX!
June 14, 2019
Sigonella Security Forces Achieve CNIC Certification By Janine Scianna
NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
Since 2016, Naval Air Station Sigonella’s naval security forces (NSF) have been working toward the final evaluation problem (FEP) that was held June 12, 2019. FEP was the culminating exercise of a three-year certification process by Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC). After many months of training, drilling, and intermediate assessments, CNIC determined that NAS Sigonella’s installation security readiness exceeded their standards. The FEP was a four-day exercise that CNIC assessors used to spot-check the installation’s administration of its NSF, and it included drills designed to test whether the base can defend itself. The drills included simulated responses to scenarios involving a gate
runner, a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device, and an active shooter. The security department cannot defend the installations alone, which is why the evaluation also looked for integration with other emergency responders—emergency dispatch, fire, and medical—along with the support of the community. The CNIC security assessment process was put in place not long after the shooting death of Masterat-Arms second class Mark Mayo at Naval Station Norfolk, which was determined to be the result of security lapses. That event, coupled with a series of other significant issues across the security enterprise, brought the importance of MA training and certifications to the forefront. As a "SECURITY" cont’d on Page 11
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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 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.
Sailors onboard Naval Air Station Sigonella participate in a simulated security emergency as part of an installation security assessment, June 12. NAS Sigonella’s strategic location enables U.S, allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required to ensure security and stability in Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Josh Coté (Released)
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: LS2 Cody Frakes Command: Commander, Task Force 67 Hometown: Eureka, CA
Naval Air Station Sigonella plays host to many different commands, 36 to be exact. One of them is Commander, Task Force 67 (CTF-67). Its mission is to provide professional and relevant support to U.S. Sixth Fleet, Naval Forces Europe, Naval Forces Africa, NATO, and unified commanders in order to strengthen enduring and emerging partnerships and maintain our nation’s supremacy at sea. At the heart of CTF-67 are deployed squadrons that contribute to antisubmarine warfare, intelligences surveillance and reconnaissance, and theater security in Europe and Africa. One Sailor that has really stood out to leadership at CTF-67 is Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Cody Frakes, from Eureka, Calif. Frakes is part of the supply and ordnance department. Frakes is the government credit card holder for the command, so he is in charge of ordering supplies for
the command. He is also the flight logistics requester, and is responsible for organizing different flights for his command. Along with the business of his daily routine, Frakes also is the Morale, Welfare and Recreation president for CTF-67. He also serves as a command financial specialist and the assistant drug and alcohol program adviser. Everyone that joins the military has differing reasons for enlisting. “I joined to travel the world,” said Frakes. “I also wanted to go to college and have the opportunity to better myself.” This is Frake’s first time being assigned to a shore command. In previous tours, he was assigned to the USS Chosin (CG 65) and the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). A lot of people enjoy many different parts of the culture here in Sicily. His favorite things about Sicily are the
amazing pizza and travel opportunities. So far, Frakes has traveled to Amsterdam, Budapest, Rome, and Dublin, not to mention exploring the island of Sicily itself. One of the best things about being assigned to shore duty is that Sailors have a more free time to work on an academic degree. Here on NAS Sigonella, the Navy College office is very helpful with getting Sailors on the right track. Frakes is currently working on finishing up his associates degree at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Everyone has different plans for their career in the Navy, whether that means continuing on or moving on to the civilian side. Frakes is keeping his future options open for now. “I just reenlisted for four more years,” said Frakes. “This recent reenlistment will take me past 11 years, so my main goal right now is just working on making first class.”
June 14, 2019
Sigonella High School Class of 2019 (Photo by Randy Latimer)
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Fifth grade students graduate from Sigonella Elementary (U.S. Navy photo by Janine Scianna) Sigonella Elementary students celebrate the last day of school. (U.S. Navy photo by Janine Scianna)
Kindergarten students enjoy a splash day to celebrate the last day of school. (U.S. Navy photo by Janine Scianna)
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SIGONELLA HONORS WORL
Service members set the POW/MIA table. (U.S. Navy photo by GMSN Rashond Grant)
By Janine Scianna
NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
The world is now 75 years removed from World War II. As the decades go by, the first-hand accounts of wartime are waning, replaced with lessons learned in history books and generational storytelling. As time passes, our society must work harder to preserve and commemorate the important sacrifices of service members from “The Greatest Generation.” Naval Air Station Sigonella gathered to honor the veterans and campaigns of World War II. Service members from the U.S. Navy, Army, Marine Corps, and Air Force on June 4, 2019 to commemorate the anniversary of the critical Battle of Midway in 1952, one of the most decisive and
pivotal battles in naval history. The three-day Midway conflict changed the trajectory of the war in the Pacific. During the battle, seven ships sank and 3,364 men lost their lives in the service of their respective countries. But the U.S. casualties were an order of magnitude smaller than the Japanese, and the lopsided victory significantly stalled Japanese advancement in the Pacific. The victory has largely been credited to superior intelligence. Navy cryptologists were able to break Japanese code and know where and when the Imperial Navy was planning its next attack after victory in the Battle of the Coral Sea. Adm. Chester Nimitz was able to pool his resources for a surprise ambush, strategically positioning
three American aircraft carriers and staffing Midway Airfield with 105 land-based search and combat planes from across the services. Winning Midway meant that the U.S. Navy could switch from defensive to offensive mode in the Pacific, swinging the pendulum of momentum for the duration of the war. It also meant that Allied forces had more strategic options available to them in both theaters after the victory. During Sigonella’s ceremony, NAS Sigonella Commanding Officer Capt. Kevin Pickard was quick to note that the decisive victory at Midway required the efforts and coordination of everyone involved. “No man who fought goes unappreciated,” said Pickard. “Midway was an all hands effort,
June 14, 2019
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LD WAR II ANNIVERSARIES
A Sailor flies the POW/MIA flag. (U.S. Navy photo by GMSN Rashond Grant)
from the ships’ engine room Sailors to the gunner’s mates to the squadron maintenance crews.” June 6, 2019 also marked the 75th anniversary of the Normandy invasion. Like Midway, the Normandy invasion is credited as being essential to winning the war on the European front. Unlike Midway, however, the casualties were much more substantial. Nearly 160,000 Allied troops landed along a heavily fortified, 50-mile stretch of French coastline in the historic operation known as D-Day. More than 4,400 of them perished, and at least 9,000 were wounded or missing on D-Day alone. But by day’s end, the Allies had gained a foothold to begin liberating Europe. Many of Sigonella’s own traveled to Normandy, France to take part
Service members salute during the POW/MIA table-setting ceremony. (U.S. Navy photo by GMSN Rashond Grant)
in the worldwide celebration of the heroic actions of the Allied forces that fateful day. Lt. Steven Hervey, one of NAS Sigonella’s chaplains, made the journey along with his family. Along with seeing the remaining defenses at Pointe du Hoc and speaking with WWII veterans, he said the French hospitality was humbling to experience. “Seeing the beauty of the Normandy countryside and the appreciation of the French people even 75 years later was an inspiration for the work we do today as military members,” said Hervey. Shannon Harden, sexual assault response coordinator for NAS Sigonella, also attended. She remarked about how physically being in Normandy allowed her
to better appreciate what it might have felt like for Allied troops to land there on D-Day. “What an honor it was to participate in such a mission,” said Harden. “I will definitely go again next year.” These two campaigns altered the trajectory of the war in both theaters. Their significance and the heroism of service members that participated in them will never be forgotten. Yet, NAS Sigonella recognizes the spectrum of sacrifices that service members have made not only in these pivotal campaigns, but throughout our nation’s history. As part of the Sailor 360 leadership development program, service members from across branches "WWII" continued on Page 11
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Ancient Greek Drama Festival Continues in Siracusa By Alberto Lunetta NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
Imagine sitting down in a beautiful open-air Greek theater and enjoying the passion and drama of a Greek tragedy, in the same way theatergoers did over 2,000 years ago. Every summer, Siracusa hosts a season of live performances of Greek dramas in its ancient Greek amphitheater. The 55th edition of the INDA Ancient Greek Drama Festival runs from May 10 to July 6. It has been a world-renowned tradition since 1914 and hosts thousands of spectators every year. These performances will invoke empathy in its spectators of the stories of these tragic characters whose passion, fears, doomed love and tragedies are timeless. The drama will draw you in, truly creating a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gain a firsthand experience of a pillar of ancient Greek culture. The performances are in Italian but audio guides that simultaneously translate in English are available to rent. According to 4th century B.C. Greek philosopher Aristotle, “Tragedy depicts the downfall of a basically good person through some fatal error or misjudgment, producing suffering and insight on the part of the protagonist and arousing pity and fear on the part of the audience.” So be ready to cry or laugh with the characters as you enjoy their superb acting skills. Tragedy is one of the three dramatic genres of ancient Greece dramas. The word “tragedy” comes from the term “tragedia” or “goat-song,” named for the goatskins the chorus wore during the performance. It refers primarily to a tragic drama in which the central character—usually a king, queen, or hero—suffers an ill-fated situation in which they are deprived of all
The 55th edition of the must-see Ancient Greek Drama Festival continues to uphold its reputation as one of the preeminent cultural events focusing on the modern adaptation and performance of Western classics. Running through July 6 at the magnificent stage of the Siracusa Greek Theater, it features Euripides’ tragedies “Helen” and “The Trojan Women” and the comedy “Lysistrata” by Aristophanes. (Photo by INDA Press Office)
outward help, and are forced to rely on themselves. The character deals with external forces, which appear to rule his life. Eventually, tragedies express the vulnerability of human beings whose suffering is caused by a combination of human and divine actions. This year’s season features three different performances that are scheduled on alternate days: “Helen” by Euripides (directed by Davide Livermore), “The Trojan Women” by Euripides (directed by Muriel Mayette) and the comedy “Lysistrata” by Aristophanes (directed by Tullio Solenghi). For detailed information on tickets and performance schedules, visit www.indafondazione.org The Siracusa Greek amphitheater was built around 470 B.C. by Hiero I. Around 220 B.C., the theatre was expanded to its current size by Hiero II. The renovation expanded the theater to 140 meters in diameter and include 61 rows of seating for 15,000 spectators, making it the largest theatre of the entire
ancient world. Famous plays such as “The Persians” and “The Women of Etna” by Aeschylus were premiered here. Besides the famous tragedies of Sophocles and Euripides, the theatre also witnessed the birth of comedy. The Sicilian playwright Epicharmos, from the nearby Megara Hyblea, was the creator of Greek comedy. Under Roman rule, the theater was reduced in size to only 46 rows of seating in order to accommodate a larger stage area for gladiator games. Since then, the seats and auditorium have largely remained untouched, but visitors will need to use their imaginations to envision the original stage and scenes. Above the theatre there is an artificial grotto, the Nymphaeum. It was dedicated to the Muses and fresh spring water still flows from its holes through the ancient canals. On the left side of the Nymphaeum there is a small street of tombs dating to the Byzantine period. "ITALIAN NEWS" continued on Page 11
June 14, 2019
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Lone Sailor Statue Erected at D-Day’s Utah Beach From U.S. Naval Forces EuropeAfrica/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs
SAINTE-MARIE-DU-MONT, France (NNS) -- In the midst of the 75th Anniversary of D-Day, Adm. James G. Foggo III, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa (CNE-A), and the U.S. Navy Memorial teamed up to dedicate The Lone Sailor statue at Utah Beach, June 6, 2019. The Lone Sailor is an iconic symbol of the Navy Memorial’s mission to Honor, Recognize, and Celebrate the men and women of the Sea Services, past, present, and future and to inform the public about their service. The statue at Utah Beach is the first one located outside the United States. “The newest location was chosen to honor the “Frogmen” of the Naval Combat Demolition Units and all of the men and women of the Navy who heroically served at Normandy to defend freedom for the United States and our allies,” said retired Rear Adm. Frank Thorp IV, president and CEO of the U.S. Navy Memorial. In the predawn hours of June 6, 1944, they were the first Americans to set foot on to the shores of France as part of Operation Neptune. It was the largest seaborne invasion in history and part of an overarching plan code-named Operation Overlord - the beginning of the end of World War II in Europe, and commonly referred to as D-Day. “The Frogmen swam ashore to the beaches of Normandy to make them safer for the follow-on wave of Allied forces,” said Foggo. “The Lone Sailor statue is a reminder to honor and remember their bravery and to act as a link from the past to the present as we continue to protect the same values they fought to protect.” These Frogmen, the ancestors of
Stock Photo today’s SEALs, came onto the beaches to dismantle and demolish mines and anti-ship barriers in preparation for the amphibious landing of the 1st Army Division on June 6, 1944. “This statue will serve as a reminder of the historic day the United States and Allies arrived from the sea to free the world from tyranny and repression, forging a lasting relationship with the people of Saint- Marie-Du-Mont, the first city to be liberated in France during WWII,” Foggo said. The Lone Sailor statue stands on a plaza at the Utah Beach Museum overlooking the Atlantic Ocean from where the U.S. invasion force appeared on that historic morning. Although people come and go from this statue, the Lone Sailor will continue to serve as a universal sign of respect towards all Sea Service personnel for generations to come. CNE-A Fleet Master Chief Derrick Walters, a Navy SEAL, will participate in a swim that will emulate the journey the Frogmen took in the early morning of June 6, 1944. “It is an honor to be here for 75th Anniversary of D-Day, but also to participate in a dedication ceremony
that honors the Frogmen’s contribution and legacy is a once in a life opportunity and a very special moment for me and the Navy family.” The first Lone Sailor statue, the work of sculptor Stanley Bleifeld, was dedicated in October 1987. The Navy Memorial’s Statue City Program began in 1997 with the placement of a Lone Sailor statue at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, IL. The Lone Sailor in Normandy is the seventeenth, including the original on the Navy Memorial Plaza in Washington, DC. “The Lone Sailor monument represents all these Sailors and Marines that lost their lives at sea. And what they have given to us,” said Foggo. “Their steadfast commitment defeated tyranny and preserved freedom. To them, we are forever indebted. U.S. Naval Forces Europe - Africa, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts a full range of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation missions in concert with coalition, joint, interagency, and other parties in order to advance security and stability in Europe and Africa.
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Sigonella Players Impress During Debut Season Nominees: Best Sound Design Gary Anderson Best Stage Manager Lt. Michael Bertshinger Best Actress in a Featured Role Nancy Himes Best Stage Properties and Dressing Jessica Tuczinski, Ainhoa Gonzalez Best Supporting Actress Cassandra Smircic Best Male Military Performance PO2 David Lane, PO2 Robert Koepke Best Ensemble Sigonella Players 2019 Best Play Sigonella Players Winners: Best Male Military Performance
PO2 Robert Koepke
Sigonella Players receive nominees for outstanding theater production. (Photo by Ivan Messina)
PO2 Robert Koepke wins award for best male military performance. (Photo by Ivan Messina)
By Janine Scianna
NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
The Sigonella Players started as a brand new community theatre group in January 2019. The Players are a mix of active duty military, civilians, and dependents at Sigonella. After just a month of rehearsal, they hosted their debut performances of David Ive’s "Sure Thing," a series of short comedic plays, on March 7 and 8. Despite their novelty, the Players have already developed a reputation for excellence. In addition to the fun of performing in front an enthusiastic hometown crowd, the Sigonella Players were the first U.S. naval base to be represented at the annual U.S. Army Installation Management Command (IMCOM) Tournament of Plays. A military tradition for over 25 years, the tournament consists of American theater groups located throughout Europe on Army, Air Force— and now—Navy bases. Each year, IMCOM sends three judges to view live military productions throughout Europe, offer constructive feedback to the cast and crew afterwards, and conduct free theater workshops. After reviewing 19 shows from 13 military communities across the region, IMCOM selected the list of nominees and winners for 55 award categories. On April 27, the Tournament of Plays held their “TOPPERs” award ceremony, where they announced nominees and winners. The Sigonella Players, after only a few months of existence, pulled in nine nominations and one award for its production of “Sure Thing.” Congratulations to the Sigonella Players for an awardwinning inaugural first season!
June 14, 2019 "WWII" cont’d from Page 7
participated in decorating the symbolic POW/MIA table during the June 4 Midway ceremony. Each element of the symbolic place setting, from the pure white tablecloth to the slice of bitter lemon, invited ceremony observers to reflect on the sacrifices made by these service members. After the table was set, a bell was tolled once each for nine MIA and POW victims, who came from all service branches and whose sacrifices occurred during numerous U.S. military conflicts. At its conclusion, Pickard reminded everyone of the purpose in coming together for this ceremony. The gravity of each of these conflicts and their role in changing the tides of World War II reminds us of the mission of the U.S. military and its allies in advancing and keeping peace worldwide. “Whatever service or country you represent, this ceremony is about you. Take time to remember the sacrifices, but also be joyful "ITALIAN NEWS" cont’d from Page 8
“Helen” by Euripidies Synopsis from Britannica.com
In this light work, Euripides deflates one of the best-known legends of Greek mythology, that Helen ran off adulterously with Paris to Troy. In Euripides’ version, only a phantom Helen goes with Paris, and the real woman pines faithfully in Egypt. When Menelaus is shipwrecked in Egypt on his way home from Troy, he is baffled by the duplicate Helen until the phantom evaporates and permits his reunion with his real wife. The pair then escape from the Egyptian king Theoclymenus, who wants to marry Helen, by fooling him into believing that Menelaus is a shipwrecked mariner who escaped death when Menelaus died. Theoclymenus allows Helen to bury her husband at sea, equipping her and her disguised husband with a fast ship and all manner of
"SECURITY" cont’d from Page 3
result, existing security assessment programs previously only used to assess ships were adapted by CNIC to assess NSF programs ashore, too. “NAS Sigonella’s security forces not only passed the event, but did so with a score of 90%. That puts them at the very top of NSFs worldwide,” praised NAS Sigonella Commanding Officer, Capt. Kevin Pickard. “In all respects,
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our team excelled and exceeded the evaluators’ expectations.” Lt. Cdr. Allen Richmond, NAS Sigonella security officer, also praised the hard work of everyone involved. “Be proud in everything that you do. We demonstrated beyond a reasonable doubt that not only did we know our preplanned responses and standard operating procedures, but we also know how to apply them to defend our seven sites,” said Richmond.
Master-at-Arms 2nd Class John Villielm responds to a simulated security emergency during an installation security assessment onboard Naval Air Station Sigonella June 12. U.S. Navy photo by GMSN Rashond Grant funeral items. After they escape, the king learns of their subterfuge and eventually accepts the loss philosophically.
“Lysistrata” by Aristophanes Synopsis from Britannica.com
This comedy depicts the seizure of the Athenian acropolis and of the treasury of Athens by the city’s women. At the instigation of the witty and determined Lysistrata, they have banded together with the women of Sparta to declare a ban on sexual contact until their partners end the Peloponnesian War, which has lasted more than 20 years. The women hold out until their desperate partners arrange for peace, and the men and women are then reunited.
“The Trojan Women” by Euripides Synopsis from Wikipedia.org
This tragedy was first produced in 415
B.C. during the Peloponnesian War. It is often considered a commentary on the capture of the Aegean island of Melos and the subsequent slaughter and subjugation of its populace by the Athenians earlier that year. In the same year, the scandalous desecration of the hermai and the Athenians’ second expedition to Sicily occurred, events which may also have influenced the author. The Trojan Women was the third tragedy of a trilogy dealing with the Trojan War. The first tragedy, Alexandros, was about the recognition of the Trojan prince Paris who had been abandoned in infancy by his parents and rediscovered in adulthood. The second tragedy, Palamedes, dealt with Greek mistreatment of their fellow Greek Palamedes. This trilogy was presented at the Dionysia along with the comedic satyr play Sisyphos.
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