May 17, 2019
Vol. 36 No. 10
SIGONELLA HONORS FALLEN DEFENDERS Story on page 6
CAPT. PICKARD
Introductory Direct Line
DEFENSE SUPPLY CHIEFS VISIT SIGONELLA
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Direct Line
NAS Sigonella Commanding Officer, Capt. Kevin Pickard
here at Sigonella flying the MH53E as a member of the Black Stallions of Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Four during my first operational tour from 1999-2002. Of all of the places that I have been stationed, Sicily is at the top of the list. I can honestly say that I, and my family, are incredibly excited and honored to be back in Italy as a part of the Sigonella family. So as your new commanding officer, you may ask yourself, what are Capt. Pickard’s expectations? A nautical metaphor may help illustrate my philosophy: constant process improvement. One of my “Every day, favorite tours was as a Navigator make small, aboard an aircraft carrier. On incremental, the bridge of a ship, just a few and positive degrees of rudder change can changes. Strive make huge differences in course to do something and can shift the direction of the vessel either toward open better. ” water or toward shoals. This is very similar to my expectation every day to make Naval Air of you. Every day, make small, Station Sigonella so successful. incremental and positive I am extremely impressed changes. Strive to do something and honored to be part of this better…improve the quality of incredible operational team. life for your Sailors and their So many of you may also be families, streamline a process wondering about the new guy. Well, I am a helicopter pilot and in your workcenter, find an have been fortunate enough to be efficiency, make an effort to stationed in a ton of great places: engage with your direct report or your boss. The options are Pensacola, San Diego, Norfolk, Boston, Guam, Washington DC, endless, but the name of the game is process improvement. etc. In fact, I was even stationed If you make even a few degrees Buongiorno Sigonella! Wow! Has it already been almost six weeks since the change of command? I can honestly say that the first month and half has been a non-stop whirlwind of meetings, tours, and discussions. But that is a good thing. It is always the highlight of my day to get out around the installation, to meet and talk with as many of you as possible, and have the opportunity to see where you work and what you do. It is easy to see the amount of hard work and dedication each one of you puts forth
of improvement every day, over the course of time, your efforts will steer us toward open water away from the shoals and positively impact the base in a very meaningful way. As a direct result of your hard work, we have earned the reputation as one of the most critical operational nodes in Europe. My charge to you is to always remember that we are the strategic “Hub of the Med.” We are indispensable to our nation’s mission throughout Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia. Thanks for all that you do and thank you all for the gracious welcome. I look forward to meeting with you and hearing from you. See you around Sig! Ci vediamo!
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Interactive Customer Evaluation Comment Regarding NAS I ECP Construction: My question is regarding the NAS I ECP construction project. During construction (or at least during high traffic times), can the annex gate be used as the entrance? In past situations, the annex gate was used as the entrance, with three lanes set up with cones--two for cars and one for school busses. Then the main gate was used as an exit. I am asking because I have been here four years and this has only been done twice. From a driver’s perspective, the system seemed to work really well and I wanted to see if it could be considered as an option. Thank you. Response: Thank you for thinking creatively and proposing an idea for consideration. As you might expect, there are many factors at play when it comes to securing and manning the ECPs, including safety, manpower, and logistics. Please know that every effort is made to consider all options and minimize the inconvenience on the community. The previous traffic configuration you are referring to was during a drill simulating a higher force protection condition. During these heightened security drills, manning was doubled which allowed us to temporarily increase the number of traffic lanes. Due of the length of the NAS I ECP project, doubling the manpower at the Annex gate would not be sustainable. The new traffic pattern has been in action for a couple of weeks now, and our security team has identified the biggest back up times as being between 0720 and 0745. So, if your schedule permits it, I would encourage all incoming personnel to try avoid arriving during that window to lessen your wait time. I understand that this is frustrating now, but traffic volume will lessen once
the school year ends in mid-June. Thank you for your continuing patience during this construction project to make Sigonella safer and better. For future suggestions or concerns, please contact the Security Officer, LCDR Richmond, at DSN 624-6392. Comments Regarding NAS I ECP Construction: There have been mixed reviews regarding the handling of the recent NAS I gate changes while the main ECP is being worked on. Some have praised the Security department for minimizing delays, and others have suggested that changes be made to the annex gate to allow for smoother passage. Please allow me to address this important topic. Response: Thank you to those who have taken the time to complement our hardworking Security department. It is sometimes a thankless job, and I definitely agree that our Masters-at Arms and Auxiliary Security Force personnel are doing an excellent job processing vehicular traffic in a safe and courteous manner. In response to suggestions received to move barriers at the annex gate and/or to repave the surfacing of the annex gate roads, I’d like to take a minute to explain why the current setup is necessary. Part of fully securing any ECP includes setting up serpentine traffic patterns with barriers. The current annex gate setup is a critical part of our effort to maintain an effective security posture. Unfortunately, as a U.S. military installation overseas, we are always a potential target for groups and individuals that wish our country harm. The serpentine traffic pattern helps prevent bad actors from simply running through the gate and driving "ICE" cont’d on Page 11
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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. 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: PS2 Rabi Serna Department: Personnel Support Activity Detachment Hometown: Jacksonville, Fla.
Every installation’s Personnel Support Activity Detachment has one of the most important support missions— to process pay, personnel records, and travel entitlements. It takes Sailors like Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Rabi Serna to ensure that across the installation, Sailors are getting all of their paperwork and pay processed correctly. Serna works in the customer service section, one of seven in PSD. His branch processes pay changes, overseas housing allowances and entitlements, and cost of living adjustments. They also update personnel and dependency records. Serna used to work in the education services branch, which is responsible for administering the base-wide advancement exams. He anticipates rotating to at least one other branch while he’s at Sigonella, as PSD tries to train their Sailors on multiple facets of the job. Outside of his normal duties, Serna recently was appointed to be the as-
sistant lead petty officer, since there is only one first class petty officer at PSD. Serna says that he joined the Navy to get a stable job and picked the PS rate because it seemed like a job that would capitalize on his organization skills. He says that his rate has helped develop his confidence and gotten him out of his shell. “When I joined the Navy, I wasn’t sure what I was capable of. I was scared of speaking in front of people. Now I feel more confident and enjoy meeting new people,” said Serna. Serna says that being in the customer service section means that every day, there are unique personnel challenges that need to be solved. He enjoys the challenging of researching each situation to come up with the correct solution. Sigonella is Serna’s second tour in the Navy and he enjoys it so much that he is planning to make a career out of it, hopefully becoming an officer along
the way. But his immediate goals are to advance to the rate of E-6, and his first opportunity is during the September testing cycle. Serna is also taking advantage of Navy’s education opportunities. He only has three more courses to go before earning an associate’s degree in general studies. After that, he wants to pursue a bachelor’s degree that aligns closely with the PS rate—maybe human resources, business management, or accounting. Like many other service members stationed at Sigonella, Serna is traveling a lot while overseas. He saw a lot of Western Europe when he was stationed aboard the USS Carney in Rota, Spain. While at Sigonella, Serna has been busy exploring Sicily, Eastern Europe, and the Scandinavian countries. “I love it here. I believe that you have to make the best of it,” said Serna.
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Congratulations, Graduates!
Sailors, spouses, and family members assigned to various commands onboard Naval Air Station Sigonella receive their diplomas during a Navy College Program graduation May 17, 2019. Forty-six people received associates, bachelors, and masters degrees, and one person was awarded her high school diploma. U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Karl Schonberg.
Leaders of Defense Logistics Tour Sigonella
By Joe Yanik
NAVSUP FLC Sigonella Public Affairs
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Sustainment Robert H. McMahon and the Department’s seniormost personnel responsible for military logistics met with NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Sigonella Commander, Capt. Dion English May 9 to tour the installation’s logistics facilities that enable the support of the warfighter. On the flight line, the group observed a simulated refueling demonstration of a P-8A Poseidon aircraft using the Pantograph underground hydrant system. Due to its capacity to transfer high volumes of fuel from storage tank to aircraft tank, the Pantograph provides a more efficient method of responding to fueling requests on the flight line than the traditional method of deploying refuel trucks. While at Sigonella, the group
Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuels) Bernard Willis explains the mechanics of the Pantograph fueling system to Assistant Secretary of Defense for Sustainment Robert H. McMahon. U.S. Navy photo by Joseph Yanik.
also toured the Defense Logistics Agency warehouse and U.S. Air Force Global Hawk facilities, the munitions magazines, as well as
NATO and Italian Air Force facilities. Collectively, the tour highlighted the many facets of logistics support that occur at Naval Air Station Sigonella.
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Final Guardmount Ceremony U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Joshua Coté
By Staff Sgt. Kaylee Peterson
U.S. Air Force 7th Reconnaissance Squadron
National Police Week has been celebrated ever since 1962, when President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation that designated May 15th as Peace Officers’ Memorial Day and the week in which that day falls National Police Week. Throughout the country, cities host events to honor law enforcement officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. For the second year in a row, National Police Week was celebrated at Naval Air Station Sigonella May 10-15. Security forces from the 7th Reconnaissance Squadron at Sigonella again spearheaded the planning efforts and infused elements of Air Force culture into each of the week’s events. “National Police Week was a great opportunity for law enforcement officers from all of the U. S. and Italian military services and civilian agencies to come together to compete in fun physical challenges, build camaraderie, and honor those who have fallen in the line of duty,” said 7th Reconnaissance Squadron Commander Lt. Col. Del Rivera. “The bonds we’ve forged this weekwill go a long way towards strengthening security.” The week kicked off with a Fallen
Defender 5K May 10. Participants ran in honor of law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. The following day at Marinai Housing, the community was treated to demonstrations from Sigonella’s vast array of force protection units from both nations and across services. Carabinieri of the Cacciatori di Sicilia helicopter squadron, the Italian Air Force, the U.S. Navy K-9 unit, the U.S. Air Force, and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service all provided demonstrations that showcased the breadth of local law enforcement capabilities. Attendees saw military working dogs in action, weapons and EOD demonstrations, and the “red man suit” demonstration allowed children to practice their strikes on the padded role-player. The third event was a grueling 10K ruck march held May 13. Teams carried a 35-pound pack during the length of the course, symbolizing the load that the fallen officers can no longer carry. The May 14 “Battle of the Badges” event was a great opportunity for friendly competition between Sigonella’s various force protection agencies. Teams competed in four different events including an obstacle course, a relay race, a High Mobility Multiple Purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HUMMWV) push,
and tug of war. After a hard battle, the Air Force Security Forces team took home the trophy for the second time. Police Week ended with a Final Guardmount ceremony. “Guardmount” is a formation that law enforcement officers attend before posting out for shift. Roll call is conducted to ensure that each member is accounted for. During a Final Guardmount, the name of the individual who is no longer with us is called, and a moment of silence is recognized for them. At Sigonella’s ceremony, a moment of silence was conducted for each branch of the military and civilian law enforcement officers to honor defenders who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. NAS Sigonella Security Officer Lt. Cdr. Allen Richmond, who was the ceremony’s guest speaker, shared inspirational words about the vast duties and responsibilities all law enforcement officers. Invoking the words of President Barack Obama, Richmond reminded everyone of the character engrained in each officer. “We hold up those who wear the badge as heroes,” said Richmond. “Though they too often spend their days witnessing American at its worst, in their extraordinary examples, we see America at its best.”
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Battle of the Badges U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Joshua Coté
HONORING OUR DEFENDERS
Sigonella Celebrates National Police Week Final Guardmount Ceremony U.S. Navy photo by GMSN Rashond Grant
10K Muck Ruck U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Joshua Coté
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Infiorata Flower Festival Kicks off in Noto By Alberto Lunetta NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
It’s that time of the year again! Noto’s enchanting Infiorata flower festival returns this weekend and will be open through May 18. Along the streets of the historic center, festivalgoers will get a chance to see flower decorations that cover about 700 square meters. Every year, the city administration announces the theme of the year and then organizes a competition for the best arrangements. This year’s festival, which marks the 40th edition, will be dedicated to the Sicilians who immigrated to the United States. Mayor Corrado Bonfanti said the festival would focus on maintaining the emotional bond between Sicily and its immigrants and discovering their success stories. Make sure to visit Noto’s Infiorata Flower Festival this weekend. The festival features floral art displays, entertainment, wine tasting, arts and crafts booths and more. Photo by Domenica Prinzivalli. Infioratori, the artists working with the Genzano decorators to Noto, and Sicilian approaches, Italy is honoring Leonardo flowers, will begin to fill their drawings artists quickly learned the techniques and Da Vinci with a series of exhibitions and with petals a few days before the official the secrets of this ancient art. Since then, events. Among the foremost exhibits is opening on May 17. About 400,000 Infiorata has become one of the most at the Scuderie of the Quirinal Palace in flowers of all varieties are used to create floral artwork of holy images and modern important annual cultural events in Noto. Rome, where the exhibition “Leonardo: Noto is a picturesque Baroque city Science before Science” is on view topics. Most of the displays can be seen located southwest of Siracusa. Along with through June 30. This exhibition offers along Via Corrado Nicolaci, although seven other towns in southeastern Sicily— a fresh reading of Da Vinci’s work there will be smaller decorations in in engineering, technology, art and adjoining roads, courtyards, and squares. Caltagirone, Militello Val di Catania, Catania, Modica, Palazzolo, Ragusa, thought at the dawn of the 16th century, The balconies of Palazzo Villadorata, whose scientific revolution gave birth Montevergini Church, and the aristocratic and Scicli—Noto’s unique architecture has been recognized by UNESCO on to the modern age. Along with the palaces of Modica and Giunta form a its World Heritage List. Noto boasts a exhibition, adults can take lessons in the unique Baroque backdrop for the event. plethora of Baroque churches and palaces technique of Renaissance-style fresco The festival will also feature a vintage are among the most valuable examples painting and drawing in perspective. car parade, dance and music shows, art of the skills of talented artists of the time Also in Rome, the Primoli Foundation exhibits, and food booths selling local has organized an exhibition at the specialties as well as spectacular Baroque such as Gagliardi, Sinatra, and Labisi. For a detailed flower festival schedule National Academy of the Lincei costumes parade and fireworks show. or tourism information on Noto, visit devoted to “Leonardo in Rome: Noto’s tradition of decorating its main Influence and Heritage.” And at the streets was borrowed from the one that is http://www.comune.noto.sr.it. Palazzo della Cancelleria near Campo annually organized in Genzano, a small Italy Celebrates 500 Years of de’ Fiori is a permanent exhibition village in the center of Italy. There, petals Da Vinci devoted to Leonardo, with largewere traditionally spread during religious From www.iitaly.org scale models of his projects. processions honoring the Virgin Mary. In 1980, Noto administrators invited the As the 500th anniversary of his death "ITALIAN NEWS" continued on Page 10
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DOD Leaders Concerned Over Revelations in Sexual Assault Report By Jim Garamone Defense.gov
WASHINGTON -- DOD officials said they are concerned over the revelations from the annual report on sexual assault in the military released today. Navy Rear Adm. Ann Burkhardt, director of the DOD’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office, said the military had made progress on combatting the crime over the past decade, but this year’s statistics show sexual assault rates increased for women and stayed the same with men. The survey noted that last year, one in three service members who experienced sexual assault filed a report – either restricted or unrestricted – to DOD officials. This is similar to 2016 statistics, the admiral said. Statistics for sexual assaults on men remained about the same, but “we did find this year is that sexual assault prevalence for our women has increased,” she said. The focus has been on younger enlisted women – 17- to 24-year-olds. “This is where we saw the highest risk of sexual assault,” Burkhardt said. “We need to equip our youngest servicemen and women and the unitlevel leaders with the right tools to deal with the climate in which they lead.”
Leadership Issue
Leaders at every level must be aware of what these statistics mean and be ready to intervene to ensure good order and discipline are the rule in the military, she said. “I submit that this is a leadership issue,” Burkhardt said. “We can’t be
deterred when we see rates that we see that we can’t sustain. Our progress over the decade is we have seen the prevalence of sexual assault decrease, but what we have learned from this year’s report is this is a situation that can bounce back, and we have to then be deliberate and kind of confirmed in our resolution to take action. Leaders must reassess how to evolve strategies to address the changing circumstances of the at-risk populations, she said. Burkhardt said her office and the services are working on ways to equip junior leaders with the tools and skills they need to take action in their units and to reach out to “informal leaders” who can help influence the environments where people work every day. The number of restricted and unrestricted reports of sexual assault increased. Restricted reporting allows victims to get help for the trauma suffered without getting into the legal realm. Burkhardt noted that if DOD did not have restricted reporting, many service members would not report the crime at all. About a quarter of those who file restricted reports ultimately change it to an unrestricted report.
Getting Help
The main concern is that service members get the help they need, she said. Burkhardt detailed what service members should do if they are sexually assaulted. First, she said, they should ensure
they are safe and then reach out to the sexual assault response coordinator that is available at every base or installation. They can also speak with victim advocates, Burkhardt noted. “That’s key so they can be informed about what resources are available to support them, but also that they understand their reporting options,” she said. Victims can also speak with legal counsel to advise them during the process, she said. “It is a passion of mine to think about an environment one day, where we won’t have a sexual assault in the military, both as a mother and as a leader,” Burkhardt said. “It is very critical that the department continue to make efforts to reduce the occurrence of the crime, but also with the goal to eliminate the crime.”
Command Climates
“I think it really is a leadership issue, and that means it really is all of us participate in the process to look at ways to address the climates — whatever unit you are in, whatever microenvironment, wherever you are,” she said. “It can be the smallest things we say when people aren’t being treated right, when you hear a sexist comment or a racial slur or any way that somebody is not being treated appropriately. It’s on all of us to take action, to say something, step up or to notify somebody that they can take action. “All of us have a responsibility — every leader — to create an environment where these crimes will not occur.”
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The Signature
Sigonella Family Helps Rebuild Local Park By Contessa Larsen
A Sigonella family recently coordinated the renovation of a local playground in the nearby town of Santa Maria di Licodia. Luke and Contessa Larsen noticed that their neighborhood park in Santa Maria Di Licodia was in need of some renovations. But instead of avoiding the park altogether, they saw it as an opportunity to redesign a portion of it. After bringing the idea to Naval Air Station Sigonella’s Community Relations Director, Dr. Alberto Lunetta, it was decided to take the idea to city officials and coordinate a joint community relations project. From there, the Larsens began hosting volunteer events to give the park renewed purpose. Volunteers from Sigonella and from the town helped get the renovations across the finish line. Many reclaimed materials were used to maximize the town’s investment.
The renovations were completed and a grand opening was held on Saturday, May 4. Mayor Totò Mastroianni and Deputy Mayor Mirella Rizzo oversaw the ribboncutting ceremony, celebrating the efforts of over 400 volunteer hours. Many families from Santa Maria di Licodia came to enjoy the new playground Along with the Larsen family (left) and Deputy Mayor Mirella Rizzo equipment and listen (right), Santa Maria di Licodia Mayor Totò Mastroianni performs a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open up the renovations at a neighborhood to music provided by the Sigonella volunteer park. said Luke Larsen. “Since we’re band, “Magnetic Wood.” PCSing soon, we just really hope “It comes down to seeing an we can leave a positive impression opportunity to give back to your on Licodia and all the people that community and then taking the live there,” added Contessa. steps to make a positive change”,
"ITALIAN NEWS" cont’d from Page 8
Visions, the Technological Challenges of the Universal Genius.” The focus is movement, including inanimate flight. On view is a self-propelled cart that has been compared to an automobile. 3-D videos created by the Florentine Galileo Museum dramatically illustrate Leonardo’s. In his youth, Leonardo worked in Milan, where he painted the now much-restored “The Last Supper” on a monastery wall. Not surprisingly, Milan offers eight Leonardo exhibitions. The Ambrosiana museum offers a selection of 46 drawings by Leonardo drawn from the 1,750 in his famous Codex Atlanticus, normally seen by only a few scholars. On view at the Ambrosiana will be 130 rarely visible models of Da Vinci projects – navigation, artillery, underwater engineering – built in the 1950s on the basis of Leonardo’s drawings. On two walls are paintings and frescoes, only rarely on view, on loan from the
In nearby Civitella del Lago is an exhibition entitled “On the Traces of Genius: Maps and Cosmography in the Time of Leonardo.” The maps on view – only rarely shown to the public – include 15th Century efforts to interpret Ptolemy’s 27 world maps from the 2nd century AD. It is believed that Ptolemy influenced Leonardo, fascinated by maps and cartography, in making his own maps of hydro-engineering projects for Florence, Milan, Arezzo, and the Vatican. In Florence, his birthplace, Da Vinci is being celebrated at Palazzo Pitti with the exhibition “Leonardo, The Landscape of the Mysteries,” which includes a delightful Da Vinci drawing of the Arno River valley landscape. In the picturesque town of Sansepolcro, near Arezzo, the Museo Civico hosts the exhibition entitled “Leonardo Da Vinci:
Pinacoteca di Brera. The nearby National Museum of Science and Technology will open a three-month exhibition on July 19 called “Leonardo Da Vinci Parade.” Elsewhere in Italy, Turin offers an exceptional exhibition on Leonardo called “Designing the Future.” On view through July 14 at the Royal Museums are 13 signed works acquired by King Carlo Alberto plus the Codex on the Flight of Birds. Works on view include his celebrated self-portrait and the studies for the Battle of Anghiari. Venice’s Gallerie dell’Accademia’s theme is “Leonardo Da Vinci, Man as the Model of the World” with 25 drawings by Leonardo including the celebrated Vitruvian Man and the disputed “Madonna Litta.” And finally, Genoa’s Sant’Agostino Museum hosts works by 19 contemporary artists with works inspired by Leonardo, through May 31. The exhibit is called “Leonardesca.”
May 17, 2019
Ajaka.chesterfield@eu.navy.mil DSN: 314-624-5558 straight onto the installation. With this Leading Chief Petty Officer: in mind, I am sure that all would agree LSC Christopher Strehl that the safety of our community more Christopher.strehl@eu.navy.mil than outweighs the inconvenience of DSN: 314-624-2023 an indirect route exiting the base. Comment Regarding NAS II Gym Regarding the surface of the exit Equipment: lanes at the Annex gate, while I The state, condition, and variety know it’s a rough ride, unfortunately of equipment at the NAS II gym is that part of NAS I is on leased land. terrible. There are currently six pieces This provides challenges to both of equipment that are inoperable. paying for and receiving permission Instead of updating the equipment to make improvements. I have, and maintaining it on a regular basis, however, asked our Public Works signs are posted stating the estimated Officer to look into “the art of the possible” to see if we can fix potholes. repair date. Some equipment has had signs like these on them for six Again, I thank you all of you for months. It is unfathomable that even bearing with us as we complete the when 80% of active duty units are improvements on the NAS I ECP. located on NAS II, they are stuck Comment Regarding Postal Service: with substandard fitness equipment, Bravo Zulu to NAS Sigonella post while NAS I gets the newest and nicest office clerks LSSN Rochester, LSSN facility. This is doing service members Gomez, and SGT Wilson for a great a disservice. Please let me know your experience last week. I was running plans to invest in the NAS II gym. late and the weekend was closing in Response: fast! A huge thanks to Rochester who Thank you for your feedback was quick and responsive in locating regarding the NAS II gym. I am sorry my package that was lost. Also a big to hear that your experience was shout out to Gomez and Wilson who less than satisfactory. We know that made a valiant team effort to deliver keeping our fitness facilities in good the item into my possession right working order is an important part before the weekend. Thanks again! of morale and mission readiness, Response: especially for our overseas personnel. Thank you for the BZ for our postal Both CMC Estrada and I are dedicated team members. Positive feedback like to improving the gym conditions at yours helps us to constantly improve NAS II. We recognize that the NAS our customer service by letting us II gym sees almost 10,000 visits per know what we are doing correctly month more than NAS I. As you can and what we can continue to improve imagine, this puts a lot of stress on on. I’m always happy to hear when the equipment. Monthly maintenance customers have a positive customer is performed on equipment in an service experience. I will make sure effort to keep it fully functional for to pass along your comments to them everyone’s use and our staff will also and the rest of the postal team. conduct repairs or maintenance on Thank you again for taking the equipment when a discrepancy is time to send us your feedback. For brought to their attention. In order any future comments, questions, to help you understand some of our or concerns, you are welcome constraints, it can take weeks for to contact the Fleet Mail Center replacement parts to be received and leadership team directly at: sometimes much longer depending Postal Officer: on what is broken and where the Mr. Ajaka Chesterfield parts need to come from. We will "ICE" cont’d from Page 3
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continue to do everything in our power to keep up with the demand placed on the NAS II gym equipment. Please continue to let us know of any issues that arise while utilizing the fitness facilities. For any future concerns or suggestions, feel free to contact the fitness director, Elizabeth Leonard, at elizabeth.leonard@ eu.navy.mil or DSN 624-0504. Comment Regarding NAS II Gym Hours: The fitness center hours at NAS II are too short. As aircrew, we often land late and are unable to make it to the NAS II gym before it closes. I request gym hours be extended to 0500-2359 all days of the week. Response: Thank you for your patronage and feedback. As an aviator myself, I understand the challenges of fitting in a workout after a flight…especially after a late night event. The gym condition, size, and availability is at the top of CMC Estrada’s and my quality of life priorities. Believe it or not, the NAS II fitness center is actually currently operating on extended hours. We are funded and manned by Commander Navy Installations Command for 90 hours a week. We currently operate a total of 109 hours per week (M-F 05002200 & Sat-Sun 0700-1900). BUT WE NEED YOUR HELP TO CONTINUE TO JUSTIFY EVEN THOSE HOURS. Unfortunately, the facility currently averages less than five patrons per day during the later hours. With that level of usage, our funding for expanded hours could actually be reduced. Please know that the command understands the need expressed in your ICE comment and is exploring all feasible options for expanded equipment and services with our limited resources. For future concerns or suggestions, please contact the fitness director, Elizabeth Leonard, at elizabeth.leonard@ eu.navy.mil or DSN 624-0504.
Recreation & Entertainment
