A Healthy Home
Everyday Heroes
Road Safety
Tips for Disciplining Your Child
American Red Cross Recognizes Volunteers
10 Safety Tips for Cyclists
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APRIL 20, 2018
Vol. 35 No. 15
Governor of Sicily Honors NAS Sigonella with Environmental Award
CATANIA, Sicily (April 13, 2018) Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella service members pose for a photo with Dr. Salvo Cocina, Region Water and Regional Waste Management Director General for Sicily, after receiving an environmental award at the Catania Conference Center as part of the European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Gordon/Released) by MC2 Christopher Gordon NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
CATANIA, Sicily – In the recent past, Southern Italy has had a problem with waste management. That problem stemmed from overflowing landfills, municipal workers going on strike, and just too much garbage for the trucks to collect. A lot has changed since the hiatus of the garbage crisis, and the government of Italy has put a much heavier focus on waste management, but there is always more work to be done. On April 13, Sicily’s Region Water and Regional Waste Management Director General, Dr. Salvo Cocina, on behalf of Hon. Nello Musumeci, Governor of Sicily, presented Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Sailors, Airmen, and Marines with an award recognizing the outstanding waste reduction efforts Sigonella made in 2017. “It felt good receiving the award on behalf of the efforts of the SPMAGTF Marines and Sailors that were deployed here before,” said 2nd Lt. James Mercure, Communication Strategy and Operations officer for Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Africa (SPMATF-CRAF). “They carried the torch of community service for the people of Sicily, and we intend on upholding that tradition.” The award specifically honors the Community Relations (COMREL) efforts conducted at Mt. Etna since 2013. Every year, Sigonella participates in “Meglio Parco che sporco,” which is an annual environmental cleanup that brings thousands from all around the volcano to pick up trash and educate
people on the importance of keeping Etna clean. Not only is Mt. Etna the largest active volcano in Europe, it also holds the title of being a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it even more important to keep clean for the locals. The award ceremony, held at the Catania Convention Center, was part of the European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR) and was hosted by the Regional government of Sicily. EWWR is an initiative aiming to promote the implementation of awareness-raising actions about sustainable resource and waste management over the course of a week. The aim is to reach as many citizens as possible to raise awareness about the easy steps that can be made to reduce the waste they produce. “Team NCTS Sicily is proud of the impact and changes we are making in our communities in Sicily,” said Cmdr. Manny Cordero, Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station (NCTS) commanding officer. “To see the appreciation of our Italian brothers and sisters energizes us.” Sigonella, in conjunction with local organizations and cities, hosted 153 waste reduction actions held all over the island, while 390 Sicilian cities and more than 5,000 people participated. But the initiative of Sigonella is evermore expanding. “We have doubled the number of COMREL projects to further impact and improve the communities at a faster rate and we have adopted a school in Catania where we work on improving facilities, donate school supplies, and engage students in the classrooms,” said Cordero. “We will also help teach the students at Coppola Middle School in Catania the importance of protecting the environment.”
COMRELs are volunteer opportunities for military personnel and/or dependents to service the needs of the local community. On average the base does about 200 COMRELs each year. The interesting thing about Sigonella’s program is the variety it offers, ranging from beach and park cleanups to soup kitchen and painting projects at local churches and charities. Italy has one of the highest concentration of cultural heritage sites in the world, and Italians are very protective of their landmarks. “This is something unique that only Sigonella does; there is no other U.S. military base in the world that has a sub-program part of community relations which supports the local heritage,” said Dr. Alberto Lunetta, NAS Sigonella COMREL Director. “We have Marines, Sailors, and Airmen cleaning up archeological sites and helping historical museums and churches. They’ve volunteered at the Ursino Castle, Benedictine Monastery, and the Roman Amphitheater in Catania, Greek Temples and amphitheaters in Termini Imerese, Siracusa, and Palermo, the Roman Villa in Noto, prehistoric graves in Ferla, and the Vizzini “Cunziria” historic tannery.” NAS Sigonella, “The Hub of the Med”, is a U.S. Navy installation and an Italian Air Force base in Sicily, Italy. NAS Sigonella is the Navy’s second largest security command, second only to that located at Naval Support Activity Bahrain. Because of its location near the center of the Mediterranean Sea, NASSIG is well placed to support operations by the U.S. 6th Fleet, other U.S. military units, and U.S. allies and coalition partners.
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Direct Line
Cmdr. Patrick J. Moran, NAS Sigonella Executive Officer Buongiorno Sigonella, The warmer months are fast approaching and the end of the school year will offer a time for many to take advantage of the wonderful travel opportunities available to the Sigonella community. Excursions to the rest of Europe, the African continent, and destinations beyond are often times a click away and the close proximity of the airport in Catania makes travel extremely easy. But before you purchase your transportation tickets or make lodging arrangements, be sure to do your homework. Know your destination and know the travel requirements before you go. Active duty personnel and DoD employees have a responsibility to ensure any travel for themselves and their dependents is safe and within current guidance. Though not a complete guide to cover the myriad nuances of foreign travel, the following is a good checklist in how to make sure your pre-travel homework gets done. Foreign Clearance Guide (https://www.fcg.pentagon.mil/fcg.cfm). The Foreign Clearance Guide (FCG) should be your first stop when plan-
ning any travel inside and outside your current theater. It is a US government website accessible to DoD military and civilian personal and contains information on the foreign country entry requirements agreed upon between the US and those foreign nations. The FCG is directive in nature for all DoD and DoD-sponsored travel abroad and travelers must ensure they comply with its requirements. Once on the site, users can select the country they wish to travel to and learn about the specific leave and official travel requirements they must comply with as DoD personnel. Aircraft and Personnel Automated Clearance System (APACS) (https://apacs.milcloud.mil/). The FCG will state which destinations require APACS approval, but a good rule to follow is that APACS is required if you are traveling from one theater to another. For instance, we are located in the EUCOM area of operations (AOR). When traveling from Sicily to a country in Africa (let’s use Morocco as an example), personnel must complete APACS requirements because they are traveling from the EUCOM
AOR to the AFRICOM AOR. A user will go to the APACS website and use a CAC login (if applicable) to start the process. Usually, there will be a lead time for approval, most likely 30 days prior to the expected travel date. However, if you are within that lead time don’t worry as it is possible to note on your application why you are requesting travel within the lead time, and most often a request will be approved. The process can seem frustrating and cumbersome at first but it is very important. You will be asked to give extensive identifying and contact information for yourself, basic information regarding accompanying family members, command contact information, and specific lodging and POC information for your destination. You will also be asked to provide some security related training completion dates, and if applicable, other force protection data depending on the destination. Essentially, requesting this approval does two things: first, it is notifying the theater commander and US Embassy that you, a military service member or DoD employee, are trave-
ling to a nation within that theater, and second, that you have completed training and have a force protection plan to aid you in the event of crisis or emergency. APACS is a requirement for all DoD military and civilians – do not ignore it. Individual Antiterrorism Plan (IATP). The IATP, when applicable, is a requirement within each service member or employee’s chain of command. A good rule to go by is that anytime you leave the island of Sicily
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Commanding Officer's Suggestion Box The ICE/CO Suggestion Box is for our community and Commanding Officer to discuss, with an eye toward constant improvement, how we are excelling* and how we can improve**. The community is strongly encouraged to leave contact information when submitting comments. This ensures that a response will come directly to you. The Signature and NASSIG Facebook Page typically publish comments and responses for the benefit of the Sigonella community. Comments/suggestions are useful when objective, constructive, and specific. ICE/CO Sug-
gestion Box is NOT a forum for mean-spirited attacks. Anonymous comments will be published only if they benefit the greater community at large. * If you submit a "BZ" about a specific person or department, PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR NAME in order to ensure comment authenticity and therefore publicly recognize employees or organizations. ** The Commanding Officer will ensure a response to all signed comments/suggestions and the vast majority of anonymous ones but reserves the right to disregard
those comments/suggestions disinterested in the spirit of the program! There are two ways to submit; go to: 1) Interactive Customer Evaluation (ICE) home page on a One-Net computer at: http://ice.disa.mil, All Sigonella services are found under the Navy Europe Listing in the scroll-down menu. – or – 2) NAS Sigonella's website www.cnic.navy.mil/Sigonella, go to the "About" drop down menu and click on "CO Suggestion Box".
Interactive Customer Evaluation Comment regarding “gym equipment”:
First of all, I wanted to express my gratitude with the gym staff. They are always very helpful and attentive. Secondly, the gym facility is always clean and very well kept. Unfortunately, there are various pieces of equipment out of order, such as the spin bikes. There are about eight bikes in what is known as the "graveyard." It would be nice to see some equipment up and running. Thank you very much.
Response:
Thank you for your positive feedback about the employees and general cleanliness of the MWR Fitness Centers. Your feedback about the fitness equipment was helpful for management to take corrective action. Although the fitness equipment is regularly inspected, it seems that we could have paid better attention to the spin bikes. Upon investigating the condition of the spin bikes at both fitness centers, several bike chains have been oiled and console batteries replaced. Several bikes that were unable to be repaired right away were pulled from the floor until they can be fixed with new parts. If you have further or future feedback for the MWR Fitness program, please contact Elizabeth Leonard, Fitness Director. She can be reached at 624-0504 (or +39-09556-0504) or via email at elizabeth.leonard@eu.navy.mil.
Comment regarding “Bravo Zulu for Personnel Support Detachment”:
This evaluation is for the DEERS/CAC ID Center on NAS 2. I am currently deployed aboard the USS New York and we have no CAC/ID Card services aboard. We were underway for over 60 days and had several Marines and Sailors whose cards were locked out or damaged. The staff aboard your facility voluntarily came in DURING A WEEKEND in order to ensure that we were taken care of. Our port visit was very short, and only on a Saturday and Sunday. I cannot express how grateful we are, and how indebted we are to their selflessness. They are outstanding staff who were very respectful and efficient in how they processed us. Please relay our thanks and gratitude. Job well done!
Response:
Thank you so very much for taking the time to provide us your valuable feedback. I will definitely pass on your gratitude and appreciation to the PSD team, as I'm sure members of the staff will appreciate it. Providing the best possible customer service is our number one priority. We understand the circumstances and were happy to accommodate. Please let us know if we can be of any further assistance in the future. Thanks again for your feedback.
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APRIL 20, 2018
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THE SIGNATURE U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA
Name: Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Ayawna Short Hometown: Portland, Oregon Department: EOC On the first day of any job, one would hope to have a slow, quiet day to ease themselves into the new position. For Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Ayawna Short, a slow day is the opposite of she encountered. Short works in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) as an emergency dispatcher. As she was sitting at her station for the first time as a qualified emergency dispatcher around two months ago, her phone rang. The caller was having difficulty breathing, had a
heart condition, and needed an ambulance immediately. “You could tell in her voice she was freaking out, so on my end I knew I had to be as calm as I could for her,” said Short. “It was my first time so I was nervous but I did my job and kept as calm as I could. Later my dispatch supervisor reviewed the call and said I did amazing, especially for my first call.” When Short isn’t answering emergency dispatch calls, she focuses on learning how to be a dispatch lead supervisor, and wants to further her knowledge and qualifications at the EOC. After work, Short can be found at the gym. “I’m a gym buff, so I’m always there,” said Short. “I’m working on dropping
some weight and being healthy; cooking and finding new ways to eat heathier than I was before and always keeping motivated to stay in the gym is my main hobby right now.” She also enjoys going out to the beach with friends or exploring the cities around Sigonella like Taormina and Catania. “After coming from the States and always having lived there, moving over here was an exciting cultural shift,” said Short. “I’ve been to different countries on deployments but, actually living here and seeing how unique Italians traditions and family interactions are, how they take others in like a part of their family, is my favorite part about living here.”
Commanding Officer Capt. Brent Trickel Executive Officer Cmdr. Patrick J. Moran Command Master Chief CMDCM Nancy Estrada EDITORIAL Public Affairs Officer Lt. Andriana Genualdi andriana.genualdi@eu.navy.mil Community Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil Editor MCC Jessica Vargas Jessica.Vargas@eu.navy.mil PAO Staff Writer \ Photographer MC2 Christopher Gordon Christopher.Gordon@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 PUBLISHER Stampa Generale S.r.l., Sig. Bruno Brandi, Publisher, Naval Support Activity Capodichino (Naples), Italy stampagenerale@tin.it Tel. 081-568-7884 Fax 081-568-7887 This civilian enterprise (CE) 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. The appearance of advertising in this newspaper, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DoD or Stampa Generale S.r.l., of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factorof the purchaser, user or patron. A confirmed violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected.
"DIRECT LINE" continued from Page 2 you should complete an IATP. Some travel destinations require approval by the first O-6, or in some cases, O-7 in an individual’s chain of command. The IATP requires personal contact information, destination lodging information, evacuation plans and safe haven locations. By completing this process, you are notifying your chain of command that you have done your travel homework and completed the required training and pre-travel clearances and planning. Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) (https:// step.state.gov). It is highly recommended to enroll in the STEP, sponsored by the Department of State. It is a free program that provides up to date safety and security information for your destination country, allows the U.S. Embassy to contact you in an emergency, and will even assist family and friends to contact you in times of need. Theater Restricted Travel. We live in a dynamic world.
Whether there are natural disasters or economic, social, military, or political events, we must constantly be aware of where we can and cannot travel. As circumstances dictate, theater commanders will impose travel restrictions on service members and DoD employees. It is our responsibility to be aware of these restrictions and abide accordingly. Sometimes the FCG or State Department website will not immediately post the most up to date travel restrictions. Recent world events have prompted restrictions on a few countries within and outside the EUCOM AOR though this information is not explicitly available outside of internal DoD communication networks at this time. When in doubt, you may contact NASSIG Antiterrorism (AT) Office at 624-6395 or 624-5927 for the latest information, to include theater restrictions. Please take advantage of the tremendous travel opportunities open to you while you are member of the Sigonella community. Remember to stay safe, do your travel homework, and always strive to stay informed.
The Signature is published weekly by Stampa Generale S.r.l., Sig. Bruno Brandi, Publisher, Naval Support Activity, Capodichino (Naples), Italy. Tel. 081-568-7884. Fax 081-568-7887. E-mail: stampagenerale@tin.it. 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, guard mail stop #68 or hand-delivered to our office no later than the close of business on the Friday proceeding the expected publication date. All articles submitted by non-staff members will be considered contributing writers. The Signature will not publish any anonymous articles. All advertisements in this publication are the property of Stampa Generale S.r.l. Any reproduction of advertisements in The Signature is unauthorized without the written consent of the publisher.
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Tips for Disciplining Your Child
Fleet and Family Support Center
Tips for Disciplining Your Child Deep breathing techniques sure come in handy while raising a child. You’ll need them to get through the toddler years. And the school years. And the teenage years. Parenting takes patience, especially when your child is misbehaving. That’s when you’ll need deep breaths, lots of patience and a strategy of positive discipline. Misbehavior is a natural part of growing up. By using positive discipline, you can keep your children safe, help them develop valuable skills for life… and receive the satisfaction that comes with keeping your cool [or something along those lines]. Positive discipline techniques The following approaches will help your child stay safe, maintain dignity and develop self-esteem and self-control. • Natural consequences. This is when the unacceptable behavior causes its own punishment. For example, if your child leaves the bike in the rain, it will rust. Warn your child beforehand. If it happens anyway, resist the urge to say "I told you so."
• Logical consequences. Make sure the discipline and the misbehavior have some relation to each other. Say your child breaks a rule by riding a bicycle without a helmet. A logical consequence would be for you to take the bicycle away for a reasonable period of time. • Positive time outs. When used correctly, these give your child time to calm down and regroup. Time out should not be used as punishment but as a chance for children to correct their behavior and learn from their mistakes. Tell your child to take some time to calm down and then to let you know when he or she is ready to talk about what happened. Stages of positive discipline Birth to 2 years old: Toddlers, as cute as they are, can certainly tax your patience. Try to keep your tot happy by creating a safe environment to play inside your home and by establishing routines based on your child’s needs. Use the following positive discipline techniques: • Redirect unwanted behavior. Infants and toddlers are too young to understand time outs and should never be left alone. Instead, draw your child's attention to something positive. • Ignore misbehavior when it's safe to do so. • Praise your child to encourage learning, independence and positive self-esteem. • Show your child natural and logical consequences to teach problem solving.
• Set a good example. Children learn more by watching adults than in any other way. (In other words, resist throwing the contents of the “easy-toassemble” play set across the room.) • Give your child choices that will avoid power struggles. For example, "Would you like apple slices or raisins?" A little decision-making power can give your child a lot of confidence. • Try giving yourself a time out if you think you are about to lose your patience. Step away from the situation and try to re-address it when you are back in full control. • Parent with the end game in mind. Look at long-term solutions that will eventually help kids make their own decisions. Show your child respect, and understand that criticizing, discouraging, blaming and shaming can cause more hurt than help. 2 to 6 years old Children this age learn by exploring and asking questions. They’re developing language and social skills, including sharing. They may want to try simple tasks on their own and will probably learn by trying new things and taking risks. Help your preschooler by adding the following age-appropriate discipline techniques to those above: • Use positive time out when your child needs to cool off. Time outs should be no longer than one minute for each year of your child's life. Do not give attention, but give your child comfort items to help him or her to calm down. • Focus on what your child should do instead of what not to do. • Praise good behavior rather than punish misbehavior. Rewards are fine but not when they become more im-
APRIL 20, 2018 portant to the child than the good behavior. • Establish rules, set clear limits and follow through if rules are broken. • Discourage tattling. Offer to listen while kids talk through their problems and use their own problemsolving skills to work things out instead of having you solve problems for them. 6 to 12 years old Children these ages have more self-control than when they were younger and they can follow rules, accept responsibility and make decisions. As your child gets older and develops new skills, the discipline you use should also change. Build on the positive discipline techniques already in place with the following: • Adjust time outs if you find they’re becoming less effective. • Answer "why" questions in simple terms. (Stay calm even if you have heard “why” approximately 5,000 times that day.) • Involve your child in the problem-solving process. If your kids constantly argue in the back seat of the car, hold a family meeting to discuss the problem. Ask both children to offer solutions. Discuss why the arguing is a distraction and a safety issue. • Make requests effective and positive. How you say something is just as important as what you say. Nagging, criticizing and threatening can be discouraging to your child. Save yourself from repeating instructions by asking kids to repeat back what you've just told them. When you do address their behavior, keep it short, or they may learn to tune you out.
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Artichoke festival in Cerda 25 April Story by Alberto Lunetta
Make sure to put a mark on your calendar for the mouthwatering Artichoke Festival (Sagra del Carciofo) that will be held in the Palermo Province. On Wednesday, April 25, the hilly town of Cerda, which is approximately two hours from Sigonella, will celebrate the local artichoke industry through a spectacular festival, which will take place in the main square (piazza La Mantia). The event will kick off at 9 a.m. with local town bands and Sicilian folklore groups performing at 10 a.m. Later at 12:30 p.m., after the Italian national anthem, which will be played to celebrate Italy’s “Liberation Day” (the end of World War II and the liberation from Nazi-fascist regime), festival booths will be open to the public, offering artichoke-based specialties and tasting activities. Make sure you try pasta with green artichoke sauce and freshly baked bread and wine! Entertainment will then continue through the afternoon with demonstrations and folklore parades by Sicilian folklore groups (“Tataratà” from Casteltermini, “Gazzara” from Caltavuturo and “I Picciotti di Raffadali” from Raffadali) that will be held, starting at 5 p.m., throughout the town’s historic center. Cerda can be easily reached by Buonfornello the exit on the A-19 Catania-Palermo highway. For more information and detailed schedules, visit http://www. comune.cerda.pa.it/
Ricotta and Cheese Festival returns to Vizzini Story by Alberto Lunetta It’s Ricotta time again! Whether you like it on pasta, in its salty version, or inside cannoli shells as a sweet, Ricotta is undoubtedly among the most delicious specialties of Sicilian cheese counters! The Sagra della Ricotta e del Formaggio, or Ricotta and Cheese Festival, returns to Vizzini April 24-25. Local cheese makers will perform the “Mescita” (the preparation of the ricotta) in piazza Marconi in the city’s historic center throughout the entire festival. The sagra kicks off on April 24 at 5 p.m. with booths selling tasty Ricotta and Sicilian cheeses as well as local produce and arts and crafts. Live music is later performed in piazza Umberto. On the following day (April 25), the ricotta making demonstration is repeated in piazza Marconi at 9 a.m. Other highlights include a show by folklore singers, Sicilian carts parades, and arts and crafts. The name ricotta derives from the Latin word Recocta which means cooked twice. Ancient Romans used to serve it to important guests and offered it as a sacrifice at religious ceremonies. Ricotta became very popular in the Middle Ages. Bartolomeo Sacchi, a 15th century novelist, wrote a vivid description of the ricotta making: “When the cheese is taken from the caldron, the whey is heated so that any remaining fat will float to the surface. The country people call it ricotta because it is cooked twice to extract the cheese from the buttermilk. Ricotta is extremely white and has a rather pleasant flavor.” Ricotta is considered more as a milk product than a cheese. The whey obtained from the curd of fresh sheep milk is poured into a pot, called a Quarara, and placed over a gas burner set an inch or two off of the floor. Ricotta forms when proteins from, the whey separates, rises and coagulates. Once ready, the cheese has a granular structure and is white in color. The flavor is tasty and appealing. It must be consumed fresh otherwise it acidifies. Ricotta is eaten as fresh cheese or used in baking and in fillings for lasagna, ravioli, and other pasta dishes. If mixed with sugar, candied fruits, and chocolate drops it is a perfect filling for “cannoli” and other pastries. Fresh ricotta is also set aside to harden and is heavily salted. After a week, “Ricotta salata” (salty ricotta) is ready to be shredded over pasta and other tasty specialties. Vizzini, a town placed between two hills, is located on the northwestern slopes of the Iblei Mountains about 40 miles from Catania. Its altitude ranges from 187 to 919 meters. Vizzini was first a Greek town, then it fell under the Roman rule and later the Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Swedes and eventually the Spaniards conquered it. In 1693, Vizzini was half destroyed by a terrible earthquake. Its reconstruction took more than 100 years. The natural disaster spared the medieval part of the town. Most of the 20 churches located in the historic center were rebuilt to their original beauty. The Chiesa Madre (cathedral) and the Church of San Giovanni Battista are among the city buildings worth being visited. The Chiesa Madre partly resisted the 1693 earthquake and was rebuilt on the old Senatorial Palace and on the remains of a Benedictine monastery founded by Gregory the Great, patron of the town. On the left flank of the church a beautiful Catalan Gothic style portal decorates the entrance. A wooden ceiling by Natale Bonaiuto
"ITALIAN NEWS" continued on Page 15
The ancient tradition of ricotta cheese making is at the center of the annual Ricotta and Cheese Festival, a mouthwatering food event running from Apr. 24 through Apr. 25 in the historic center of Vizzini, one of the most beautiful historic towns in the Ragusa province. The event will feature arts and crafts, ricotta cheese making demonstrations, folklore parades and entertainment. (Photo by Giuseppe Stimolo)
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The Gunslinger Never Left By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Cole Keller Carrier Strike Group 10 Public Affairs
NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- An F/A-18E Super Hornet lets out a burst of exhaust, rippling and shimmering like the hot Middle Eastern air it once flew through. But when it lands, the jet, belonging to the Gunslingers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105, touches down not on their "home air field" - USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), currently undergoing maintenance at a nearby shipyard - but at Naval Air Station Oceana. The eight aircraft that make up the squadron operate from early in the morning until long in to the night. While in the maintenance phase of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan (OFRP), the Gunslingers have turned their attention from leading strikes toward training and maintenance. "When we're out in the Arabian Gulf and operational, there's a certain amount of inherent danger that comes with the job," said Cmdr. Erik Stinson, VFA105's executive officer. "Back at shore we can maintain a peace of mind and truly focus all our attention on training safely and efficiently. Now is our chance to get our crew and our equipment healthy." Upon returning from deployment in 2016, the 14 pilots and more than 200 crewmembers of VFA-105 changed their mission and focus. Back in Oceana, there are opportunities to do intensive maintenance on jets and assign experienced crewmembers to other squadrons needing more expertise. "We're definitely not as lethal as we were on deployment," said Lt. David Klotz , a pilot assigned to VFA-105. "The good thing is we don't have to be. As a squadron, you're in a constant rotation of either being the best trained and most capable, or having plenty of time to work on baseline skills, training and maintenance. We've passed on the torch to the next set of
VIRGINIA BEACH (Mar. 22, 2018) Personnel Specialist Seaman Vanessa McKenzie gives commands to the pilot of an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the "Gunslingers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105 at Naval Air Station Oceana, Va. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Cole Keller)
pilots but we never forget that this downtime is setting the tone for the next deployment." Free from the concerns of being on deployment, the crew is able to run a fine-toothed comb through all aspects of squadron life. While on deployment, the Gunslingers have the responsibility of providing airpower as needed by commanders. This double-sided obligation means that if even one jet isn't ready to fly, the entire air wing feels the burden. "The work we're doing now may not look as detrimental, but a missed maintenance check now could mean a jet is down on deployment," said Aviation Structural Mechanic 2nd Class Corbin Hunt. "We're ensuring that we don't cause more work for ourselves
down the road. This is our chance to take our time and do it right." While the pace has slowed, the down time for VFA105 will soon draw to an end. Over time, the Gunslingers will begin to ramp up the training. Instead of focusing on baseline qualification, the crew will work harder and faster to become as mission ready as possible. They will fly more and point their aircraft back to the seas. "While it's nice to have a break and be able to rest and recover, I think we're all getting antsy to get back out to the fight," said Lt. Brian McNamara , a pilot assigned to VFA-105. "Soon it will be our turn to be the most senior qualified and that's when it's the most fun."
Navy Celebrates Global Presence for Earth Day 2018 From Chief of Naval Operations Energy and Environmental Readiness Division Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Operating as a global force, the Navy constantly delivers critical national defense capabilities at home and abroad. The breadth and diversity of the training, testing, and operations executed by Sailors and Marines speak to the farreaching effects conveyed toward the mission of security and beyond. To this end, the Navy recognizes its expansive, meaningful influence as a fighting force and environmental steward with the 2018 Earth Day theme, "Global Reach, Local Action." Performing missions at
sea, on land, and in the skies highlights the constant presence of naval personnel in ecosystems across the globe. The theme acknowledges the omnipresence of Sailors and Marines and reminds uniformed personnel and civilians of the many opportunities for the Navy to enact positive changes for the environment. Earth Day is acknowledged annually on April 22, but the Navy workforce celebrates throughout the entire month of April with a variety of Earth Dayrelated events. Previously, these activities included Earth Day fairs, beach and base cleanups, tree plantings, recycling contests, school and youth activities, fun runs, and more.
"for Earth Day 2018" continued on Page 12
SIGONELLA, Sicily (April 21, 2017) Personnel Specialist 1st Class Cody Ramsey, left, Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Lo Saechao and Personnel Specialist 1st Class Tyler Hendrix participate in a base clean up aboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella in observance of Earth Day 2017. NAS Sigonella is an operational ashore base that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where they are needed and when they are needed to ensure security and stability in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Gordon/Released)
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American Red Cross Volunteer Recogniti The American Red Cross at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella hosted their annual volunteer recognition and Everyday Heroes Service Award dinner on March 21. This year’s theme was (a little belated) Mardi Gras Celebration. The tables were decorated in purple, gold and green; gold balloons festooned the walls; and families took fun pictures with paper masks. This year’s celebration had a record turn out and the room was full. In addition to Red Cross Volunteers and their families, guests included NAS Sigonella Commanding Officer Capt. Brent Trickel, Naval Hospital Sigonella Commanding Officer Capt. Kim Lefebvre, Cmdr. Kelly Goodin, Fleet and Family Support Center Director Regina Fivella and Everyday Hero Award Nominees. Boy Scout Troop 53 kicked off the ceremony with the raising of the colors followed by an invocation and blessing by Chaplain Lloyd Wicker. “Every year we take the opportunity to celebrate contributions of volunteers,” said Samantha Wudel, Red Cross Regional Program Manager. “Volunteer service makes our communities better every day, and it is important to recognize those accomplishments.” All of the Red Cross volunteers in attendance were recognized with a certificate and small gift; however, one volunteer was recognized as best representing the Red Cross ideals of professionalism, commitment, and selfless service.
example helped solidify the relationship between the Dental Clinic and the Red Cross, encouraging further Dental Assistant Programs. In total, Angela volunteered at the dental clinic for 596 hours in 2017. Following the Red Cross volunteer recognitions, the Everyday Hero Awards were presented. NAS Sigonella has many “Everyday Heroes” who lend a hand to those in need whether in our local community or in our host nation community. Nominations are submitted by members of the community who know someone who has gone above and beyond to serve where they see a need.
American Red Cross Volunteer of the Year: Angela Sheafer Angela Sheafer began volunteering with the Red Cross through the Dental Assistant Program. After completing her program, she stayed on an additional year as a volunteer. She was a dependable, hardworking volunteer with a positive attitude. Angela’s great
Service to the Host Nation: Luke Larsen This award goes to an individual who goes above and beyond in volunteering their time in the Sicilian community. Luke Larsen is a top performer at Public Works. His dedication to his peers, the community, and his family is an inspiration to others. He has personally
Service to Families: Jon Morgan This award goes to an individual who goes above and beyond in volunteering their time to assist military families. This person might be an Ombudsman, church member, youth sports coach, or troop leader, etc. Jon Morgan hails from Detroit, Michigan and is the oldest of seven children. Jon is married and has six wonderful children of his own. He currently works for Northrop Grumman and he became the Scoutmaster for Troop 53 at Sigonella on 22 Aug 2017. Jon's approximate time serving Troop 53 alone is more than 180 hours. He has provided new avenues in completing required merit badges and earning community service hours. Jon always shows up to work with a smile and is ready to do whatever needs to be done.
From NAS Sigonella
American Red Cross volunteers at 2018 Volunteer Recogn
provided 92 hours of volunteer construction, landscaping, and other support to Lorrie's Farm, a local ranch which provides events for local US and Italian residents. He has recruited others in helping out as well, facilitating an additional 182 hours of volunteer support for the Farm. As an avid cyclist, he regularly organizes "adopt a highway" projects to clear brush and debris from the roadside outside base. This past
American Red Cross Volunteer of the Year: Angela Sheafer
Everyday Heroes
Red Cross Community Volunteer Lead (left) and CAPT Trickel (Right) present Volunteer of the Year Award to Angela Sheafer (Center)
(left to right) CAPT Kim Lefebvre, Dental Assistant Program 2017 Graduate / Volunteer of the Year Angela Sheafer, Volunteer Dental Hygienist Stephanie Autry, Dental Assistant Program 2018 Jhornalize Mundy, CDR Kelly Goodin, CAPT Benjamin Young
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ion and Everyday Heroes Service Awards American Red Cross
nition with CAPT Trickel
Christmas season, Luke and a dozen other volunteers visited the local Sava Foundation, a foster care facility in the community, to deliver clothes, gifts, and to share a meal with 27 kids and young adults. Service to the Military: Shyanna Smith This award goes to an individual who goes above and beyond in volunteering their time to assist other
military members. This person might be command financial specialist, an amazing sponsor for incoming personnel, or a great shipmate/wingman/battle buddy. Shyanna Smith always goes above and beyond to help the military and gives exceptional customer service. As an admin clerk she processes claims, transfer packages, and awards. She puts service members’ minds at ease whenever helping them. She has processed over 100 claims, ensuring $175,000 in monetary entitlements were awarded. She has volunteered in various capacities, such as reading to local school children throughout the year, serving as a member of the NAS Sigonella Navy Ball committee, and planning events, such as a prom night for elderly members of our community. Shyanna planned a surprise Christmas lunch for all the single sailors in her command. She is kind, professional, and it is a pleasure to work with her. Youth Service Award: Bo Pereira This award goes to a Youth under 18 who has made significant volunteer contributions in the NAS Sigonella community in any capacity. Bo Pereira is an honor roll student, swim team athlete, Girl Scout, and still finds time to volunteer. She has served to help mentor and guide younger Girl Scouts with their badge work for at least 25 hours. During her off time, she volunteers with the first graders in the elementary school. On weekends she volunteers on a local horse farm, helping the owner to give tours. Recently, Bo joined the volunteer force at the Sigonella Clothing Swap. For more information on American Red Cross programs at NAS Sigonella please visit Facebook.com/ ARCSigonella; email to sigonella@redcross.org; DSN 624-4900; or stop by Monday – Friday Bldg 318 Rm 1217 (2nd floor next the library).
Service to Families: Jon Morgan
Jon Morgan, Everyday Hero Service to Families
Service to the Host Nation: Luke Larsen
Luke Larsen (and his children), Everyday Hero Service to the Host Nation
Youth Service Award: Bo Pereira
NAS Sigonella Boy Scouts Troop 53 opened the recognition ceremony by raising the colors
Bo Pereira, Everyday Hero Youth Community Service Award
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APRIL 20, 2018
NAS SIGONELLA COMMUNITY PAGE All Hands News Bulletin:
SIGONELLA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - FIELD DAY VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED
Command: Sigonella Elementary School Date of Event: 4 May – Time of Event: 0700-1430 Location of Event: Sigonella Elementary School soccer field on NAS I Point of Contact Name: Anne Marie Politi Point of Contact Phone Number: 624-4406 Point of Contact Email Address: AnneMarie.Politi@eu.dodea.edu Additional Information: Sigonella Elementary School is seeking volunteers for their Annual Field Day. The event is on Friday, May 4th at the HS Track/Field, which is located on NAS 1 behind the school. We will need about 35 volunteers who will help set-up and assist with various games. Set-up is at 7:00 am followed by two sessions: 8:00 to 10:30 (Gr 3-5) and 11:30 to 2:00 (Gr K-2). Lunch break is 10:30 to 11:30. It works best when I have volunteers who can help with both sessions, but any amount of time will be greatly appreciated. Please contact annemarie.politi@eu.dodea.edu if you are interested in having fun, and making our Field Day possible. Thank you in advance!
"HIS NEEDS, HER NEEDS" WORKSHOP
Command, Department or Organization: Health Promotion and Wellness Center Date of Event: 26 April Time of Event: 0900-1100 Location of Event: NAS I Chart Room Point of Contact Name: Giuseppe Licari Point of Contact Phone Number: 624-4710 Point of Contact Email Address: usn.sigonella.navhospsigonellait.mesg.hp@mail.mil Additional Information: Facilitated by Mr. Richard Graves, the Credo facilitator, "His Needs Her Needs" is a powerful tool designed to help couples identify each other's most common needs, and to encourage them to invest in developing their marriage by committing to fulfilling one another's needs daily. His Needs, Her Needs, is highly recommended for every marriage relationship, as it can help increase intimacy even in strong marriages, as well as, alter the course of one that has gone astray by helping the marriage get back on track.
Sigonella Religious Ministries Department Worship Services NAS 1 Mondays AA Meeting:
1800-1900
Tuesdays Protestant Women of the Chapel: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0900-1100 Daily Mass: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1130-1230 AWANA: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1645-1900 Youth for Christ (YFC) Youth Meeting: . . . . . . . . . . . 1200-1430 Wednesdays Protestant Men of the Chapel: .0600-0700
Daily Mass: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1130-1230 Catholic Ladies' Guild (3rd Wednesday): . . . . . . . . . . 1600-1800 Thursdays Daily Mass: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1130-1230 Youth for Christ (YFC) Youth Meeting: . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1200-1530 Choir Practice: . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1630-1800 The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA): . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1800-2030 Fridays Daily Mass: . . . . . . . . . . 1130-1230 First Friday Mass and Holy Hour:. . . . . . . . . 1700-1830
Phone Numbers: NAS I 095-56-3975, NAS II 095-86-9049, Chaplain Duty: 335-831-4493, RP Duty: 335-786-1950. Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Naval Air Station Sigonella Chapel
Saturdays First Saturday Rosary and Mass: . . . . . . . . . . 1100-1200 Liturgical Protestant Service NAS I Chapel - . . . . . . . . . . . 1800 Sundays Catholic Mass: . . . . 0900-1000 Catholic Religious Education (DoDDS):. 1045-1200 Protestant Service: . . . . . . . . . 1100-1200 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1330-1600
NAS 2
Wednesdays Knights of Columbus (1st Wednesdays): . . . . . . . . . . . 1700-1800 Protestant Women of the Chapel (PWOC): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1800-2100 Thursdays AA Meeting: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1800-1900 Sundays Protestant Service and Fellowship: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1800-2000
Weekly Traffic Report: Apr. 9 - Apr. 16, 2018
As a reminder to everyone: There are no PTUs allowed at the Galley. Appropriate athletic gear is authorized at the discretion of the Galley staff. Please remember that for sanitation purposes and for the consideration of other customers, if you have been out for PT, been working out at the gym, or have just been engaged in any physical activity where you and or your clothing has become soiled or sweaty you will be asked to turn around.
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"for Earth Day 2018" cont’d from Page 7 Some of the 2018 activities scheduled at Navy commands across the globe include an Earth Day Fair at CFA Yokosuka; a 5K Run and tree planning at Camp Lemonier Djibouti; SUBASE New London's Annual Earth Day Challenge to compete with community organizations in environmental stewardship projects; a beach cleanup at NAS Key West; and many more. The Pentagon will also host an Earth Day Fair on Wednesday, April 18, featuring informational materials from the Navy, Army, Air Force, OSD, and others. Follow Currents: The Navy's Energy & Environmental Magazine on Facebook (https:// www.facebook.com/navycurrents/) and Twit-
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ter (https://twitter.com/navycurrents) for Earth Day updates and information on command events across the Navy. "We can't perform our national security mission effectively without routinely taking care of the environment where we operate," said Rear Adm. Carl Lahti, Director of the Navy's Energy and Environmental Readiness Division (OPNAV N45). "Earth Day is a chance to build relationships by demonstrating that stewardship." For more information on Navy Earth Day, including a Command Planning Guide, please visit http://greenfleet.dodlive.mil/environment/ earth-day/. For more news from Chief of Naval Operations Energy and Environmental Readiness Division, visit www.navy.mil/local/opnavn45/.
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GAMEZONE
ARCHERY ATHLETICS BADMINTON BASEBALL BASKETBALL BEACH VOLLEYBALL BOXING CANOEING CYCLING DIVING EQUESTRIANISM FENCING FOOTBALL GYMNASTICS HANDBALL HOCKEY JUDO
MODERN PENTATHLON RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS ROWING SHOOTING SOFTBALL SWIMMING SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMING TABLE TENNIS TAEKWONDO TENNIS TRAMPOLINING TRIATHLON VOLLEYBALL WATER POLO WEIGHTLIFTING WRESTLING YACHTING
MEDIUM
Note: Similarly named events are hidden separately. For example, SWIMMING and SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMING do not overlap.
EASY
Find and circle all of the Summer Olympic events that are hidden in the grid. The remaining letters spell a secret message.
DIFFICULT
Summer Olympics
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10 SAFETY TIPS FOR CYCLISTS From the NAS Sigonella Safety Office
1. Cycling Citizenship Familiarize yourself with all applicable traffic laws and cycling rules. Each locality has its own set; be aware of them. Do not run stop signs or red lights or use the wrong side of the street. It is best and safest to ride single file. 2. Right On It is generally either illegal or unsafe to ride on a sidewalk or on the road towards oncoming traffic. As a rule, it is best to ride in the direction of traffic, staying as far to the right as is practical. However, make sure there is room to handle emergencies and that you do not ride so close to the right that you run the risk of hitting the curb and being thrown into traffic. 3. Join In If you are traveling at the same speed as other traffic, it may be safer to jump in and ride with traffic; this may make you more visible to motorists. Joining traffic is sometimes necessary because the road is simply too narrow for both a bike and a car. When you do join traffic, make sure you never pass on the right. This is always dangerous, but particularly so in an intersection. 4. Use Your Head If you’re going to the corner store or heading out on a marathon ride, always wear a helmet. Make sure it is properly fastened and fitted. (The helmet should fit snugly and not move when you shake your head.) 5. Seeing Eye to Eye Make eye contact with drivers whenever possible. This ensures that the motorists see you and helps you assert your rightful place on the road. This “personal connection” reminds motorists that you are indeed real LIFE in need of attention and protection. Once you make that connection, motorists may give you more respect on the road. 6. The Road Straightly Traveled Try to ride consistently and predictably. For instance, at an intersection, do not veer into the crosswalk and then suddenly reappear on the road again. Don’t thread through parked cars. With such erratic behavior, motorists will not be aware of your presence when you try to reemerge into traffic.
"Your Child" continued from Page 4 • Use more actions and fewer words. Keep explanations brief and be sure to follow through. If you tell your children that you’ll pull over if they keep arguing in the back seat, do it. Stay parked in a safe place until they stop bickering. No words are needed. Misbehavior is a natural part of growing up. In between deep breaths, remind yourself that your children's behavior issues are valuable opportunities to teach them the skills they'll need
7. Playing Defense Make sure you are always aware of your surroundings. Know what is behind you and watch out for what is in front of you. Always be on the lookout for road hazards. Watch for parked cars where people may be opening doors on the driver side of the vehicle without looking. 8. Flaunt It Make your presence felt. Wear bright colored clothing. At night or in inclement weather, it is important to use reflective lights in the front, side and rear that make you visible from all directions. 9. Helping Hands Emergencies happen. Be prepared. Always make sure you have at least one hand on your handlebars, no matter what. Know and use your hand signals whenever you are changing lanes or making a turn. 10. Brake Away Make sure your brakes are always in topnotch condition. Be aware of how weather and road conditions can affect your ability to brake. to become successful adults. Using natural and logical consequences can help children: • Learn from their mistakes and problem solve. • Value themselves as individuals. • Understand that you love and trust them. The Fleet and Family Support Center also offers a wide variety of support services. To learn more about Parenting classes, workshops and counseling services, contact the Fleet and Family Support Center at DSN: 624-4291, Commercial: 095 56 4291.
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"ITALIAN NEWS" continued from Page 6 and two paintings by the Florence master Filippo Paladini embellish the interiors. San Giovanni Battista is the biggest church of the area. Stuccos from Natale Bonaiuto and splendid altars in Rococo style decorate the interior. Your Vizzini tour must also include the Capuchin Convent. The Capuchins are among the first religious orders that settled in Vizzini. Dominican and Augustinian Convents were also built in the area. The fascinating painting Deposizione (the Deposition) painted in 1607 by Filippo Paladini is preserved in the Capuchin Church. Vizzini is also very famous for being the setting of “Cavalleria Rusticana” and “Mastro Don Gesualdo,” two famous novels from Sicilian writer Giovanni Verga (1840-1922). Verga wrote realistic novels on the life of poor peasants and fishermen of Sicily. If you’d like to read them but you don’t speak Italian, you can look for the English translations by David Herbert Lawrence (1885-1930). Verga spent his childhood on his property in Vizzini at his beautiful family house (Palazzo Verga) located in piazza Umberto I, the main square. A few years ago, the Nava Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Public Affairs Office coordinated, along with the mayor of the time and Vizzini-based film director Lorenzo Muscoso, a Community Relations (COMREL) cleanup and renovation project of the “Cunziria” tannery. The historic neighborhood that hosted leather craftsmen until the 19th century and that inspired the novelist Verga to write one of his masterpieces. Local volunteers, Marines, and Sailors teamed up to beautify the site which hosted a “Cavalleria Rusticana” performance by Muscoso. During this year’s festival, director Muscoso will stage theater performances based on novels by Verga. For more information visit, https://www. facebook.com/sagradellaricottavizzini/ Vizzini can be reached easily by taking the Tangenziale highway toward Siracusa. Once you arrive
PAGE 15 at the Primosole Bridge (located above the river Simeto) turn right and take the national road 194 for Ragusa and after 26 miles you will find the crossroad for Vizzini. For more information and detailed schedule call Vizzini Tourist Office (Pro Loco) at 0933-1937323.
Ciao Italy: Jollibee opens first store in Europe Story by ABS-CBN News MILAN - Filipinos thronged the recent opening of Jollibee's first European store here for a taste of the fried chicken and spaghetti from back home. Patrons lined up outside the store, some coming from Turin, Rome, Venice and Florence and even other parts of Europe like Switzerland and Denmark. "Na-excite lang ako nung malaman ko na magkakaroon ng Jollibee rito. Pumunta ako dito kahit apat na oras ang byahe," said customer James Abanilla. (I was excited when I learned that Jollibee would open here, even if I traveled for four hours.) Swiss national Frank Fausch said he and his family traveled five hours from Swtizerland to Milan. "I know that it’s good so we want to taste again," he said. Italy is home to the seventh biggest population of expatriate Filipino workers, with close to 272,000 people working there in 2013, according to data from the Commission on Filipinos Overseas. Jollibee Milan has an all-Filipino crew. Labor Sec. Silvestre Bello said he hoped the company would expand to other parts of Europe, bringing more job opportunities to Filipinos. "It is a symbol of Filipino ingenuity. Talagang kayang-kaya nating iharap ang galing natin sa entrepreneurship," he said. (It is a symbol of Filipino ingenuity, that we can really hold our own when it comes to entrepreneurship.)
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