Interactive Customer Evaluation

Comments Regarding NEX Prices:

We have received multiple comments regarding a difference in prices between the DeCA commissary, NEX main store, and the NEX mini mart on NAS II.

Response:

To address any concerns on discrepancies between the commissary and NEX pricing please understand that the NEX and commissary are two different organizations with differing laws, goals, and profit structures. For example the commissary has operated as an organization to save service members money on groceries since 1867. The NEX operates to give back to organizations on a for-profit basis to give back to organizations such as MWR and on-base support activities.

With respect to concern about differing prices between the main NEX and the mini-mart we agree that there should not be a significant price difference between the two NEX locations. The point of sale system is one unit for both the Main store and Mini Mart. There are certain items, which may be getting deleted from stock or close to expiry, which may be individually marked down but you should not see varying overpriced items across the two stores. Please feel free to reach out directly to the NEX Manager Teresa Goley at Teresa.goley@nexweb.org with the specific items of concern and she will address it as soon as possible.

Comments Regarding AFN Radio:

We have received multiple ICE comments regarding the music offering and requests for an additional AFN stations.

Response:

The music you hear on AFN “The Eagle” is selected by experienced programmers at the AFN Broadcast Center in California. They study industry trends, music chart positions and other data to select the most popular songs on American radio stations from coast to coast.

Although we only have one station on the airwaves here in Sigonella, AFN has migrated all additional selection to online streaming as part of the overall effort to streamline Department of Defense spending. We highly encourage you to download and use the AFN Europe app which offers the AFN 360 internet radio service. This internet radio service has a variety of stations including an all-country music station and an all-talk radio station. The AFN 360 service is available for free on desktop computers and mobile devices by searching for “AFN Europe” on the web or in your app store.

Comments Regarding The Galley:

We have received multiple comments regarding the Galley’s menu.

Response:

In response to a submitted comment regarding a discrepancy between the galley’s advertised menu and what was actually served, our Food Service Officer (FSO) has addressed your concern by conducting training with our galley staff to meet your expectation in the future.

Please be mindful that there are times we must adjust the menu due to unforeseen circumstances. For example, we must allow flexibility to provide and permit substitutions for out-of-stock food items, allow timely use of perishable foods, and adjust to incorporate once per month special meal events. If any instance occurs where we need to adjust what was already advertised via the weekly menu, our menu board will reflect those changes.

If at any time you are not satisfied with your experience at the galley, you are encouraged to talk to any of our galley staff during your meal visits. We have a great staff of local nationals, a Leading Culinary Specialist and an FSO who are more than willing to address your concerns on the spot as they occur. In addition, you are also welcome to utilize the Food Service Officer’s suggestion box located at the head of the serving line to voice any positive or negative comments, suggestions or concerns. This ensures a quicker response than through the ICE system.

Comments Regarding The Food Court Bushes.

Yesterday I was with my son and he was walking outside the food court area where there are potted plants near the tables outside. He walked too close to the bushes and was fortunately only lightly scratched by the large “thorns” that these bushes have. These bushes have overgrown the pots they are in and need to be trimmed up. I would hate to see a kid get their eye scratched. Thanks!

Response:

We received multiple comments regarding the overgrown thorny bushes in front of the commissary/food as posing a hazard to children. Thank you for your feedback and you will see the bushes have been removed.

Comment Regarding The Signature.

It has been a while since the Signature has be digitized but most of the time my experience has been broken links plus who wants to look at a computer screen any more than we have too. I wish you would bring back the paper format. It is also better for the eyes!

Response:

Thank you for your suggestion. I fully understand your desire for a paper format. Shifting to a digital paper has provided NAS Sigonella a number of benefits which were not well advertised.

First we have greatly reduced our environmental impact around base. Due to contractual advertising agreements, we had to accept thousands of paper copies weekly even though our readership was in the hundreds. Over the course of time, these extra papers lined the sidewalk in the wind, became carpets for pet cages, and place an unnecessary waste system. As you know, trash is a problem here in Sicily, so switching to digital has enabled the Public Affairs Office to fulfill the NAS Sigonella’s commanding officer focus area of “resource management” as good stewards of the environment.

Additionally switching to digital and cutting out the publisher middle man not only allowed us to update the format to a more modern look but greatly enhanced our ability to deliver timely and relevant news to you. The publishing process takes about two days of going back and forth between the publisher and the editor to correct layout mistakes then a day for delivery, so by the time some news may get to you it’s already well past expiry. By switching to digital, if a story happens on Friday, we can get it in the paper on Friday because there is no more back and forth, print and delivery time required.

Switching to digital has also allowed us to simplify our online presence thus delivering a better online experience. We have worked hard to try and make our online content more engaging and more seamless with the Signature content, so you get an up-to-date and more engaging flow of information on base happenings. This has greatly expanded our readership base as we get a lot of retirees asking about the latest copy.

We understand there may be some people who prefer the feel of paper between their fingertips. If you are one of those people, we post the paper in PDF format on our website at: https://www. cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnreurafcent/ installations/nas_sigonella/news/The_ Signature.html. We do this so that way we know the paper, ink and resources aren’t being wasted since relatively smaller numbers will be printed. We try our best to get it uploaded on the Friday of publication, but sometimes there are difficulties in updating the website, so usually the latest upload is on Mondays. I hope this helps you to understand the value in shifting to digital only. If you have any questions or want to talk about it further, please call the Public Affairs Officer, Lt. Karl Schonberg at 624- 6986.

BZ to Subway

BZ to Stefy, who works at Subway on NAS1 and is so friendly, efficient, and hard-working. Even when there is a long line and she is clearly in the midst of a busy shift, she always has a big smile and a kind word for every customer. Stefy is a real example of excellent customer service.

BZ to Security

Petty Officers Gomez and Bonner of security by the front gate on NAS 1 were so kind and professional when I got a flat tire on base! So glad they were around to help and get me back on the road. Thanks for all that your department and all the MAs do to keep us safe every day!

BZ to Hospital Mail Room

Amanda working the mailroom at the hospital is absolutely awesome! I was really stressing about an important package and she check every available resource and thoroughly explained some of the more complicated systems and interruptions only a seasoned mail clerk would know.