October 15, 2021
Vol. 38 No. 18
NAVSUP SUPPORTS OAW PAGES 6 & 7
THE SOUNDS OF FIRE SAFETY OMBUDSMEN APPRECIATION
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Direct Line
Patricia Chapin, NAS Sigonella Fleet and Family Support Center
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ctober is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This year, I would like to remind everyone in Sigonella that preventing domestic abuse is a shared community responsibility, and that we are here to support anyone who has been a victim of domestic abuse. Throughout October, the Fleet and Family Support Center will introduce simple but safe and effective ways for family, friends and concerned community members to help individuals who are at risk for domestic abuse during a time of heightened isolation. Getting help for an abusive relationship is difficult, especially during a global crisis. The public health measures designed to slow coronavirus disease have created conditions that may contribute to domestic abuse. Stay-at-home orders may increase risk factors for victims by keeping them in quarantine with their abuser and possibly cutting them off from friends, relatives and safe havens. If you are worried about a friend or family member, there are ways to help. If you are experiencing domestic violence, assistance is always available. Here are some key points for everyone to remember: • When it comes to domestic abuse, everyone’s situation is different – it can happen to anyone and is not their fault. Whatever the circumstances, a call to your installation’s Family Advocacy Program (FAP) or Military OneSource can link you to resources and support. • Preventing abuse starts with promoting what safe and healthy relationships look like. Providing ways for individuals to take steps such as setting boundaries and seeking help in stressful times helps establish better parameters for healthy relationships while also raising awareness of available support. • FAP is committed to supporting service members and their families impacted by domestic abuse through victim advocacy and crisis intervention. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, and you are not sure what to do, make a call to one of the Family Advocacy Counselors on your installation (624-4291/095 56-4291). • If you are concerned about your safety and need immediate support, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or a live chat with an advocate at www.thehotline.org.
• If a friend or family member is experiencing domestic abuse, do not pressure them to leave. Instead, tell them you are there for them and that you can help them plan for their safety or seek outside support when they are ready. Ask them how they prefer to stay in touch while you support and believe them. • In times of increased isolation, make yourself available for scheduled check-ins with loved ones who may feel unsafe at home--whether it be by phone, text or social media--so you will know if they are OK or if you need to call for help. Your Family Advocacy Program, command, and all agencies of NAS Sigonella are here to support you. If you or someone you know is at risk, reach out to your local Family Advocacy Program (624-4291/095 564291), the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1800-342-9647), or the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (1-800-799-7233). Learn more: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/ familyrelationships/relationships/domestic-abusehelp https://ncadv.org/ https://www.thehotline.org/
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THE SIGNATURE
Happy Birthday, Navy!
U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA
Commanding Officer Capt. Kevin Pickard Executive Officer Cmdr. Ronald Cappellini Command Master Chief CMDCM Anna Wood EDITORIAL
Here’s To...
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Public Affairs Officer Lt. Drake Greer drake.greer@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: Brianna Gonzalez Command: NAS Sigonella Department: Administration By MCSN Triniti Lersch, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
eoman 2nd Class Brianna Gonzalez, a native of Y Bradenton, Florida, joined the Navy in April 2017 because it gave her the best opportunity to travel.
“I have always been so interested in learning about new cultures,” said Gonzalez. “Traveling allowed for a new level of understanding because I would be able to experience it as well.” Gonzalez’s first duty station was USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) as an undesignated airman, unsure of what rate she wanted. “I worked with Aviation Boatswain’s Mates. We did a homeport swap because we would be going into dry dock so I started working with the Yeomen for fun because I was bored in air department,” said Gonzalez. “I ended up liking it and decided that I wanted to be a Yeoman.” Gonzalez currently works as the directive yeoman at Naval Air Station Sigonella; her daily duties consist of updating the command directives and notices as well as disseminating them to the command. NAS Sigonella is her third command after Bonhomme Richard and Unmanned Patrol Squadron (VUP) 19. “I will be transitioning over to being the Command Pay and Personnel Administrator here in the upcoming month so my duties will change to checking in newly reporting Sailors, checking out and PCSing Sailors, and any of the financial issues Sailors may have,” said Gonzalez. In her short time onboard NAS Sigonella, Gonzalez has made a strong impression on her department. “Petty Officer Gonzalez has been an absolute stellar superstar since checking onboard to the Base Administrative Department,” said Yeoman 1st Class Corey Henderson, lead petty officer of the administration department. “She completely revamped the command’s directives program into a more efficient program, created
a training program to assist her peers for advancement, and was hand-selected to be the triad’s travel Yeoman.” In addition to excelling at her job, Gonzalez enjoys it. “I would say the best part about my job is that everyone from the command has to come through admin so I get to meet basically every person on base,” said Gonzalez. “Providing customer service is something I like to do, and I try to do that to the best of my ability.” The most difficult part of administration for Gonzalez is that it seems like the work never stops. “There is always going to be someone that needs admin,” said Gonzalez. “There is always going to be some major issue that someone has that we might have to stay late to figure out how to best help the Sailor.” Gonzalez is also a full-time student at University of Maryland Global Campus where she is taking classes to major in computer science with a minor in cyber security. She is planning on getting her bachelor’s degree in computer science. She would like to work for a major company doing software development, but she is also looking at staying in the Navy and becoming an officer. According to Henderson, the Navy would be lucky to keep her. “Petty Officer Gonzalez’s performance, both military and professional, is nothing short of outstanding and emulates the Navy’s core values,” he said. “She combines abundant natural talent with extraordinary commitment to achieve superior results in every endeavor.” Gonzalez has been stationed in Sicily since March 2021 and already has many positive statements about it. “One of my favorite things about Sicily is the people,” said Gonzalez. “I have had so many great experiences with the locals here and I find that they are always helpful and kind.”
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Sigonella Celebrates Ombudsmen By Ky Resel, NAS Sigonella Dispatch
eptember was Ombudsman Appreciation Month, and the Naval Air Station Sigonella S commanding officer Capt. Kevin Pickard hosted the annual Ombudsman Appreciation Dinner on Oct. 1, 2021.
The role of the ombudsman first became an important part in the Navy’s history and mission over 50 years ago when former Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Elmo Zumwalt Jr. created the program as a place for spouses to air grievances, make suggestions and become more involved. Since then, ombudsmen have been making a difference and continue to carry on that mission. “An ombudsman is a military spouse volunteer appointed by the commanding officer who can help with various things such as information, referrals, assisting the commanding officer with disseminating information to the commands families, and addressing any concerns,” said Agata Carnazza, ombudsman program manager for NAS Sigonella. Carnazza went on to add that she believes the role of ombudsman is even more essential while being stationed overseas. “Being overseas, I believe the program plays a crucial role to make the families feel part of the community and overcome the sense of loneliness for being far away from family and friends,” she said. The COVID-19 pandemic has proven the need for open lines of communication from the commands to the families. “Especially in the last 18 months, the ombudsmen have helped disseminate accurate information about the pandemic and the continuous changes with local decrees by attending monthly meetings that became weekly meetings when we were in lockdown,” Carnazza said. Carnazza stressed that one of the biggest achievements of being an ombudsman is the ability to give back to their communities. “Being an ombudsman can make a difference in someone’s life,” she said. “I often see spouses becoming ombudsmen because they want to give back to the community and because they want to be helpful for other spouses.” If being involved in the ombudsman program sounds appealing, Carnazza said that the best place to start is by reaching out to your command’s current ombudsman to ask how you can support them and what options might be available. New spouses to Sigonella not sure who their ombudsman is can check the two boards at both the Commissary and the Fleet and Family Support Center with photos and contact information. Individual command ombudsmen present at the spouse orientations. The ombudsman appreciation dinner was held at a local restaurant and included a certificate of appreciation signed by several NAS Sigonella triad leaderships, a gift and pin from the Navy Exchange, an invocation by Chaplain Ryan Albano, and a speech by Courtney Silvestre, fleet readiness director.
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NAVSUP at NAS Sigonella Leverages Logistics Story and Photos by Joe Yanik, NAVSUP FLCSI Public Affairs
s thousands of Special Immigration Visa (SIV) applicants transited A from Afghanistan through Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, Italy and Naval Station (NAVSTA) Rota, Spain during Operation Allies Welcome (OAW), Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Sigonella (NAVSUP FLCSI) leveraged its logistics support capacities and resources to support the humanitarian effort. Fueling and Refueling For OAW, NAVSUP’s military and civilian logisticians adjusted focus of their logistics support mission sets temporarily to the evacuees, including refueling aircraft that land at and depart from NAS Sigonella. During the weeks-long humanitarian operation, the command’s fuels department refueled 90 commercial and military aircraft carrying SIV applicants and mission equipment so they could depart on schedule to their final destination. “With this operation’s high tempo, we’ve had to optimize our processes for obtaining and delivering fuel to NAS Sigonella,” said Rey Santos, Regional Fuels deputy director. “Our fuels team set up an intuitive program which enabled a more proficient dispatching system. This forward posture allowed trucks to have a hose on the aircraft within 10 minutes of the fuel ladder being in place.” Santos added that NAVSUP FLCSI’s fuels division delivered more than 511,000 gallons of aircraft fuel and 3,900 gallons of diesel fuel used to power the generators that had been placed around the installation. Camp 720 One of the command’s resources at NAS Sigonella re-purposed in support of OAW was building 720, a 16,000-square-foot warehouse facility that is under construction to become the installation’s future fleet mail center. During September 2021, the building was used as a temporary lodging facility for evacuees, then later converted into a storage location for operation-related supplies.
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Support Capabilities, Manpower to Support OAW “With its proximity to the flight line, building 720 was a perfect location to house evacuees as they worked their way through the screening process,” said Lt. Cmdr. Treven Feleciano, NAVSUP FLCSI operational officer. “Within a 24-hour time period, Camp 720 was established with cots, dining tents, bathroom facilities, and Wi-Fi to make it as comfortable as possible for the arrivals from their long journey.” U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Joseph Melendez, NAVSUP FLCSI, helped set up cots at building 720 before the arrival of the qualified evacuees, and continued assisting with the deliveries of meals and other living supplies to the travelers staying at building 720. “It’s been very rewarding to play a role in caring for the travelers during their temporary stay with us,” Melendez said. “First impressions are everlasting, and I wanted them to feel welcome.” “A Greater Sense of Purpose” More than 100 of NAVSUP’s military and civilian personnel were temporarily re-assigned from their normal duties to augment a number of base-wide logistics efforts. Support efforts included inventorying and distributing mission-essential equipment and quality-of-life goods, escorting linguists to locations where they provided interpreting services, and preparing and maintaining the temporary housing facilities. Normally assigned to the installation’s logistics support center, Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Patrick Hanlon, NAVSUP FLCSI, became qualified to provide security for the perimeter of one of the temporary housing facilities during OAW while on temporary active duty orders with the base’s security forces. “Being a part of this operation means coming to work with a greater sense of purpose,” Hanlon said. “Taking part in this humanitarian mission means something much larger than myself and I take great pride in playing my role. Not only am I accountable to the people in my command but now I have a responsibly to the thousands of these travelers seeking safety and refuge.” "NAVSUP" cont’d on Page 11
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Day of the Dead in Sicily: A Celebration of Life By Dr. Alberto Lunetta, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
It might sound like an oxymoron, but Il Giorno dei Some traditions were a bit darker, though. In one, on Morti (The Day of Dead), an ancient Catholic celebration the night before the Day of the Dead, people used to hide honoring departed ancestors, loved ones and relatives, all the food graters in the house because legend had it is not a time to be sad. Instead, it is a time to celebrate that the deceased would use them to scratch the feet of the cycle of life and a way to exorcise the pain of losing children who misbehaved while they were asleep. beloved ones. Sicilian anthropologist Giuseppe Pitrè tells that, in the The name of the celebration, which falls on Nov. 2, past, Sicilian children used to leave their shoes on window might sound like a scary Halloween movie. However, sills in the hope that their dead relatives would place gifts even though it falls close to Halloween, it feels more like for them. Some would say dead relatives “turn themselves Christmas time in Italian culture. This holiday is similar to into ants” so they can enter easily into the homes to fill the El Dia de los Muertos, a traditional Spanish and Latin the baskets and the socks prepared by the kids with gifts. American celebration in which Catholic families gather to Since presents are only for good children, on the night make a pilgrimage to cemeteries and spiritually reunite of Nov. 1, kids who misbehaved promise to work on with their beloved ones. changing. On Il Giorni dei Morti, the spirits of the dead are Over the past few years, the Day of Dead has been welcomed in a friendly way. Their “annual homecoming” often connected to Halloween, raising concern among is a time to be symbolically connected with their families some groups of Catholics who fear that the latter might and loved ones by eating, drinking, and bringing back the overshadow this ancient religious celebration. Indeed, good old memories. It is a way to keep “alive” the bond Halloween parties are now often organized across the between the living and the dead. country in discos and clubs. According to some historians, this festive tradition, As for every Sicilian holiday, a plethora of eye-catching which blends paganism and the Holy Scriptures, dates sweets are prepared during this celebration. back to early Christian times. It was first established by The traditional “cosi ruci” (sweets) include “frutta St. Odilo, fifth Abbot of Cluny, in 998 AD. martorana” (martorana fruits), a confection of almond Many different stories and explanations for the Day of the Dead celebrations exist in Sicilian culture. According to one legend, on the night of Nov. 1, departed ancestors, loved ones and relatives visit children in their homes to bring them presents. Giovanni Verga, Italian novelist and playwright, vividly describes this old tradition: “On the ‘Day of the Dead, walking on tiptoes, mothers put toys and sweets in the tiny shoes of their children while they are dreaming of long lines of white ghosts carrying glittering presents. Smiling young girls try on, in front of the mirror, the earrings or If you have a sweet tooth, the Sicilian Day of the Dead celebration honoring the ones who passed away, will be your favorite time! Rame di Napoli cookies are among the most popular treats. You will find them in any pasticcerie (pastry shops) and panifici (bakeries) during the brooch they were given by this time of the year. (Photo by Alberto Lunetta) their fiancées.” "Italian News" cont’d on Page 11
October 15, 2021
Fire Prevention Week Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety
By Lincoln Ratliffe, NAS Sigonella Fire and Emergency Services
s Naval Air Station Sigonella Fire and Emergency Services A Department has wrapped up this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety”, we would like
to remind everyone that fire safety is a year round campaign. It is important to know what to do when an alarm sounds to keep you and your family safe. When an alarm makes noises or a beeping sound, you must take action. In a fire, mere seconds can mean the difference between a safe escape and a tragedy. Fire safety education is not just for school children. Teenagers, adults, and elderly are also at risk in fires, making it important for every member of Team Sigonella to take some time and ensure they understand how to stay safe in case of fire. Here are some friendly tips to keep you safe. • • • • •
Plan Your Escape Route Test Your Smoke Alarms Choose An Outside Meeting Place Make a Regular Reminder Practice Home Fire Drills
For more information on fire safety, please feel free to stop in at one of our Fire Stations on NAS I or NAS II, our doors are always open.
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Working on Your Resume? FFSC is Here to Help! By MCSN Triniti Lersch, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
reating a document that explains all of your past job C experiences and skills can seem daunting, but Naval Air Station Sigonella’s Fleet and Family Support Center has the right kind of workshops to help you with creating your resume. “The resume is the best way for job seekers to show off their skills and ability to communicate,” said Cate Murphy, Work and Family Life Specialist onboard NAS Sigonella, and a Certified Federal Job Search Trainer® (CFJST)/Certified Federal Career Coach® (CFCC), The Resume Place, Inc.®.
experience to show connections. If there are gaps in your resume from years when you were not in the workforce, especially while stationed abroad, you are not alone. “Spouses who may not be able to find employment here at NAS Sigonella or other duty stations often have gaps in resumes,” said Murphy. “Volunteering, furthering education, and focusing on career development are great ways to fill in any gaps in your resume. Use this time as an opportunity to try something new, refine your skills, and develop new ones.”
What Is a Resume? A resume is an important tool that helps employers make hiring decisions. How it is structured and what information you provide are important for marketing yourself. A resume should outline your background, skills, and education, all tailored to the job you are applying for. Resumes need to have a header that includes your name, phone number and email address, as well as a mailing address if the resume was not submitted online. The most traditional format lists your education in one section and your work experiences in another, usually in reverse chronological order with bullets underneath explaining your specific responsibilities and accomplishments. Some resumes include a separate skills section as well. If you are in the early stages of your career, you may not have much work experience. In this case, a stronger emphasis on your skills can convince an employer that you can function effectively in the position while also highlighting a solid understanding of the job requirements. Resumes should generally be 1-2 pages long, so it is important to highlight the most relevant information and skills. This might mean omitting irrelevant work experiences or changing the way you describe your
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes (With Apologies to David Bowie) Your resume should change and grow with you. Updating your resume regularly lets you add skills and experiences as they develop so any important information is not forgotten, including all the necessary details that display your qualifications. It also eliminates the researching of these details. “A resume is an ever-changing document and should be updated on a continuous basis,” said Murphy. “At a minimum, it should be updated and tailored to each specific job you are applying for. Best practice is to update any time there is something new to include. Therefore, with every PCS, job promotion, new training/ skill/accomplishment, etc., you should re-visit your resume. Updating your resume frequently will save you time and energy in the end and make it easier when you are applying for jobs.” Even if there is not much to update, it is still important to review your resume to reflect the world around you. “Since the job market is always changing, it is important to ensure that your resume reflects the most up-to-date terminology, information, and desired skills in your career field. Ideally, you should tailor your resume to each job that you are pursuing.” One type of job that requires a very specific resume is anything in the federal government. "Resume" cont’d on Page 11
"Italian News" cont’d from Page 8
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paste made into the shape of different fruits; “n’zuddi” (almond cookies); cocoa-based cookies (“rame di Napoli,” “totò” and “bersaglieri”); “pupi ri zuccaru,” or puppets of boiled sugar; and “ossa di morti,” (bones of the dead), crunchy cookies that were once shaped as skulls and phalanges. Ossa di morti are made with a white dough that contrasts with the dark base where the sugar darkens close to the pan during baking. Don’t miss the traditional “Fiera dei Morti” (All Souls Day’s Fair), which is also known among Sigonellans as the “shoe fair” because of the many stalls sell shoes. It actually features more than 200 booths selling furniture, shoes, clothing, arts and crafts, antiquities, food and more. It will be typically open during the last week of October in Catania and last until the beginning of November. Traffic is typically restricted in the fair area. Parking spaces will be set up in the venue’s adjoining streets and will be limited. Carpooling and parking far from this festival area is strongly recommended. Other similar smaller markets will be set up in the Catania province as well as other cities and towns across the island. "NAVSUP" cont’d from Page 7
“The Right Thing to Do”
“We enthusiastically embrace our logistics support role, ensuring the evacuees have adequate food, medical supplies and quality-of-life services during their time with us,” said Capt. Douglas S. MacKenzie, NAVSUP FLCSI commanding officer. “Assisting these qualified evacuees is the right thing to do, and on behalf of our NAVSUP team, we are very proud of our ability to support to the Commander of Navy Region, Europe, Africa, Central, the installation Commanding Officers, and the inter-agency teams by providing world-class logistics support to this humanitarian mission at our bases in Sigonella and Rota, and we remain committed to meeting the needs of the Navy, Joint, Inter-Agency, NATO mission partners for the duration of this operation.” Known as the “Hub of the Med”, NAS Sigonella’s strategic location as the Navy’s only overseas air station enables U.S, allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required to ensure security and stability in European, Africa, and Central Command areas of responsibility. NAS Sigonella is currently supporting the Department of State mission to facilitate the safe departure and relocation of U.S. citizens, Special Immigration Visa recipients, and vulnerable populations from Afghanistan. “Our logistics teams are giving their all to meet this surge,” said U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Duke Heinz, U.S. European Command director of logistics. “Our ability to rapidly meet this high demand is a testament to the skill, training and interconnectedness of our logistics professionals, and of course the pre-positioning of equipment we need for the operation.” FLCSI is one of NAVSUP’s eight globally-positioned logistics centers and provides for the full range of solutions for logistics, business and support services to the Navy, Joint and Allied Forces at NAS Sigonella and throughout the USEUCOM and U.S. Africa Command areas of responsibility. "Resume" cont’d from Page 10
“If you are applying for a federal job, I recommend attending the “10 Steps to a Federal Job” workshop as we go into detail on a specific structure for federal jobs,” said Murphy. “In the Business Resume Writing workshop, we focus on the common resume formats in the business/civilian fields and how to determine which structure works best for you.” Overwhelmed? There’s Help! Fleet and Family offers many resources for building your resume as well as tips on how to best prepare for an interview. “We offer monthly resume classes as well as one-on-one consultations to assist with resumes, job interview preparation, job search strategies, networking and more,” said Murphy. “In addition, for the Fleet and Family employment classes/ resources, service members who are transitioning out of the military are eligible to attend additional employment workshops offered through Transition Assistance Program (TAP).” “10 Steps for a Federal Job” is a three-hour workshop that helps you write and format your resume so that it follows to the federal standards and guidelines as you navigate the federal hiring process. The Business/Civilian Resume Writing Workshop teaches you how to select and compose the most suitable format of resumes that best represents you and the job that you are targeting in the business/civilian sector. For more information or assistance, the Family Employment Readiness Coordinator at FFSC is here to help. Please contact Cate Murphy at DSN: 624-4291 / Comm: (+39) 095-56-4291 or Catherine.murphy@eu.navy.mil. You can also check out Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ffsc.sigonella/ for the calendar of upcoming classes.
