Direct Line

Direct Line

ETCS William Marshall, OPS Departmental Leading Chief Petty Officer

Thank you team Sigonella for uniting in shared sacrifice to stand against COVID-19 despite the challenges of social distancing, minimal manning, and mandatory masks. As the acting NASSIG CMC for the past two months it has been truly inspirational to see people unite and take care of each other. I want to express my gratitude to not only Americans, but all nationalities whom call NAS Sigonella home and went the extra mile in helping all of us get through this trying time. For example, some people freely made and distributed facemasks using their own materials, others helped fill the gap in childcare, while others used social media to provide ways to help cope with stress and boredom across the community. I don’t mean to leave anyone out, but the truth is there were more planned and random acts of kindness than I can list here. Just know they are all vitally important, as you never truly know the depth that your actions, kind words, and patience have.

Throughout the pandemic, as I have digested information from a vast array of websites, social media, NAVADMINs, and other directives; I noticed a trend in key words such as resiliency, self-care, and mindfulness. Many sources emphasized the importance of seeking help at the beginning signs of anxiety, depression, and anger to minimize the stress of our current world situation.

Don’t underestimate the damaging effects that stress can have on your health. Even something as simple as not getting enough sleep can inhibit our immune systems and make you more receptive to illness. Stress effects how we interact with those around us and if not properly managed can escalate into violence against others to include those whom we love most. It is imperative that we all continue to find ways to de-stress and demonstrate the strength to seek help.

Always feel free to reach out to the Fleet and Family Support Center or the Sigonella Religious Ministries Chaplains or CREDO for in person support. I would also like to mention other Facebook pages worth following include MWR Sigonella, U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella, USO Sigonella, Navy Region Europe Africa Central, CREDO Sigonella, and Fleet and Family Support Center Sigonella. On these pages you will find exercise routines, stress abatement, communication and coping skills, as well as recipes for healthy eating and ones for comfort foods. Some of the organizations on base continue to provide virtual classes, competitions, webinars, and ESPORTS Tournaments.

For some of us right now, as the days become warmer and restrictions loosen around the world, we will struggle the most. I caution, this is not the time to let our guard down. We have seen the resurgence of the COVID-19 virus in many states and countries as they eased up on the restrictions. We have been fortunate onboard NAS Sigonella in that we have had no positive COVID-19 cases. A positive case of COVID-19 now, could extend the time we remain with implemented restrictions. I implore you continue to follow the rules, understand that the threat of the virus remains, even as restrictions are lifted.

The coming months will be dynamic as the lockdown restrictions ease so continue to keep tabs on Athoc announcements, all hands emails, your ombudsman network, and the NAS Sigonella Facebook page.

The Chain of Command has nothing but your health and welfare in mind as we work to define what Sigonella will look like post pandemic. We will take it slow and deliberate as we open the base services and ease restrictions. You should expect approximately a one week delay from the release of an Italian decree until base leadership release our guidance. This will give them time to evaluate the effects out in town while providing valuable information in determining our path forward.

Continue to look out for each other and share the resources that have helped you cope with the added stress. We are stronger together!