The Signature | May 04, 2018

Barracks Bash

Patrol Squadron 10

Safety Do's and Don'ts

AOSC Hosts Single Sailor Dinner

Building Relationships in Portugal

10 Tips for Ladder Safety

PAGE 4

PAGE 5

N A S SIG O N E L L A

PAGE 12

MAY 4, 2018

Vol. 35 No. 17

NPC’s Fleet Engagement Team Conducts Seminars for Sigonella Sailors

by MC2 Christopher Gordon NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

SIGONELLA, Sicily – Representatives from Navy Personnel Command’s Fleet Engagement Team (FET) visited Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella and conducted informational seminars with Sailors April 26 – 27.

The visit was intended to help command leadership teams with current manpower issues and programs, as well as promote the professional and personal development of Sailors. They focused on Navy Force Shaping initiatives to include a leadership brief, an enlisted force management/career waypoints brief, and enlisted detailing/distribution/billet based distribution brief.

“These visits are important for our Sailors because it’s our opportunity to express our concerns and get answers to our questions directly from Community Managers and Detailers,” said Navy Counselor 1st Class Roberto Vite. “The Fleet Engagement Team covered topics like the detailing process and different incentives to stay in the Navy, so it’s was an extremely valuable visit.”

Topics the FET covered included: • Sailor 2025 / Rating Modernization • Force Management – Strategic Drivers • Force Stabilization Tools for both officers and enlisted • Enlisted Advancements • CWAY Checklist for success and reenlistment algorithm • BBD Overview • Changes to CMS/ID “Over the next five years [the Navy] will grow to an enlisted end-strength of 344,800, an increase of about 21,000 personnel from FY-17 to FY-23,” said Vice Adm. Robert Burke, Chief of Naval Personnel. “To retain the force to meet this increase, the Navy has adapted personnel policies to support this growth, and Sailors can expect improved retention incentives, advancement, and leadership opportunities.”

One of the incentives talked about was the Tar-

geted Reentry Program (TRP). TRP is designed to benefit both Sailors and the Navy by allowing a return to service for those who are well trained leaders with valuable and needed skills and will be offered to selected Sailors prior to their departure from the Navy. A commanding officer can recommend O-3 and O-4 officers and E-4 to E-6 enlisted who have completed their minimum service requirement but not yet reached 14 years of active service. Those Sailors are given either a Gold or Silver ticket.

The Golden Ticket recipients are guaranteed a quota and an expedited return to active duty within one year of release, while Silver Ticket recipients are afforded an expedited return to active duty within two years of release and are subject to the needs of the Navy. Golden Tickets, if not used, will convert

to Silver Tickets for an additional year.

“As our Navy grows for the first time in nearly a generation, we need Sailors who are personally engaged in the success of our Navy as well as their own personal success,” said Burke. “We also need leaders who encourage and enable this.”

For more NPC news, visit www.npc.navy.mil.

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.

SIGONELLA, Sicily (April 27, 2018) Capt. Dave Whitehead, Director, Military Community Management, gives opening remarks as part of the Fleet Engagement Team seminars conducted on Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella. 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 photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Gordon/Released)

THE SIGNATURE

PAGE 2

MAY 4, 2018

Direct Line

Jay Oshiro, NAS Sigonella Navy College Office Director Greetings Sigonella, My name is Jay Oshiro and I am your new Navy College Office (NCO) Director. I’ve called San Diego home for the last 30 years and now I’m looking forward to serving you here on NAS Sigonella. My previous 18 years have been associated with military voluntary education. I have worked at public and private colleges and state universities. I was also a contract academic advisor at the NCOs on Naval Base Coronado, NAS North Island and an Educational Service Specialist at NCO Naval Base San Diego which closed last year. My positions and duties started as a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) work study. I then moved on to duties as an Administrative Assistant, Academic Advisor, Program Advisor, VA School Certifying Official, Senior Academic Advisor and Registrar. I feel my experience in post-secondary education can assist all military, their dependents and civilians here on NAS Sigonella.

I am a retired Aviation Electron-

ics Chief Petty Officer. I have served with VA-115 onboard the USS Midway, VQ-1 Detachment Atsugi, Japan, USS Independence which was in the Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) at the Philadelphia Naval Ship Yard (PNSY).

During my tour on the Independence we transited around South America to its new homeport in San Diego and deployed for WESTPAC. This ended up being Operation Desert Shield then turned to Desert Storm. I then reported onboard Recruit Training Command (RTC), San Diego as a Company Commander, now called a Recruit Division Commander. While at RTC, the Base Realignment Closure decided to close RTC and Naval Training Center (NTC). One duty day, I was asked to drive the very last Apprentice Training student to the airport. I drove the Sailor to the airport and that day we officially closed RTC San Diego and NTC was soon to follow. The area is now called Liberty Station. I made

Chief Petty Officer on USS Kittyhawk and I retired while attached to AIMD, NAS North Island.

During my 20 years on active duty, I never took advantage of off duty education opportunities. I kept saying to myself “I’ll take a few classes on the ship during deployment.” When reporting to shore duty I said the same thing “I will go to school and take a few classes” but it never happened.

The Navy allows Sailors $4,000.00 every year in Tuition Assistance (TA) benefits. I’m guessing I saved the Navy over $80,000.00 in unused TA funds during my tour on active duty.

Does the above sound familiar? I’m here to encourage personnel to take advantage of Tuition Assistance and not make the same mistakes as me.

Also please do not confuse TA and your GI Bill.

What is the difference between the schools and the NCO? Aren’t you the same thing? My function is outreach, needs assessment and providing options based on goals and needs. The

schools are here to provide you with the degree plans and classes. I provide the required counseling, approve degree plans on the Myeducation website, and amend TA vouchers. I explain accreditation and why it’s so important when looking for a school.

I explain the Joint Service Transcript (JST) and the schools will show you how the JST credits are applied to their programs. I’m here to provide you the information you need so you

"DIRECT LINE" cont’d on Page 5

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 – or – scroll-down menu.

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 “NAS 1 morning traffic”:

Good Morning Sir, My daughter currently attends the Child Development Center (CDC) and in the mornings traffic is typically bad. To enter the CDC parking lot I make a right at the stop sign as if I'm driving to the hospital and then make that left into the CDC parking lot. Upon exiting I use the out lane adjacent to the speed radar that is currently occupying what would be the enter lane. On numerous occasions I have had people nearly smash into the front end of my car while I am stopped at the stop sign and then proceed to flip me off and yell at me because they believe that since the speed radar is in their enter lane it automatically means they may now enter through the exit side. On one occasion I had an officer get out of her car and start screaming at me while my daughter was in the car with me. She refused to move her car to allow me to exit the parking lot. I then had to back all the way up and exit through the other entrance/exit lanes.

I think that this is extremely unsafe and should be taken care of immediately before someone else nearly gets hit or does in fact get hurt.

Response:

Thank you for contacting me regarding the issue you encountered at the CDC parking lot. I understand that there may be issues pertaining to morning traffic and the lack of options available to vehicles entering and exiting certain

parking lots. The speed limit throughout NAS I is 20 kph and that speed radar is placed in that location because Halsey Road is where the majority of speed related infractions occur on NAS I. Although this may cause a slight inconvenience, motor vehicle operators should take that into consideration and use the other entrance when making use of that parking lot. Your interaction with that officer was unsatisfactory and caused a potential safety hazard. I hold all of the NASSIG family to a high professional standard so please take the time to document their license plate number and report it to Security. I am currently exploring possible options to move the speed radar but, for the time being, it assists in the deterrence of speeding and contributes to the safety of pedestrians and schoolage minors. Again, thank you for your comment and if you have any additional questions, please contact the Security Officer, LCDR Richmond at 624-6063.

Comments regarding “overflowing trash bin”:

There is a trash can that is constantly overflowing which willing members from our office continue to clean on a monthly basis. This trash can is located outside of building 465 and does not belong to us and we are just tired of seeing such a mess. I'm not sure whose responsibility it is to empty this trash can, but there are always large amounts of trash in and around this can. Amazingly enough, people still pile on more trash on top when it’s already full. Within

"ICE" continued on Page 3

THE SIGNATURE

MAY 4, 2018

PAGE 3

THE SIGNATURE U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA

Name: ABH2 Matthew Page Hometown: Bradford, Mass.

Command: Operations/ T-Line While the Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Air Traffic Control Tower communicates directly to pilots in the air and on the flight line, the Transient Line (T-Line) communicates with and directs aircraft from the flight line to their parking spot on the ramp. Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Matthew Page is one of those Sailors who help direct aircraft to their spot.

On top of his regular duties, Page also facilitates all of the administration work and career counselor assistance for all 18 Sailors in his department.

“The favorite part about my job is working with all the different squadrons and people,” said Page. “You get a bunch of different people from many different nations; Canadians, Germans, Turkish. We get to work with multiple nations and meeting the people is something I really enjoy.”

Page checked onboard NAS Sigonella in June, 2015 and is just about to head out to his next duty station, USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6). During his tour, Page tirelessly worked on his bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering, using up all of his tuition

assistance each year – even though he already has a master’s degree in International Business Management and Global Finance.

When he isn’t at work, Page likes to play with his German Shepard and has an affinity towards gardening.

“I’ve been growing some flowers for 3-and-a-half months in my greenhouse and just planted them outside last week,” said Page. “It’s relaxing, you can just be out there helping something grow and I find that very relax-

"ICE" continued from Page 2 walking distance there are two large dumpsters, so my suggestion is to get rid of this small trash can altogether. It is an eyesore and creates unnecessary work for people who end up taking the time to empty it monthly.

Sincerely, TSgt Lauren Marcus

Response:

TSgt Marcus, Thank you for taking the time to voice your concern regarding the overflowing trash can located outside of building 465.

We investigated the site and have determined a solution which we have already set in motion. We are placing new containers at the facility entryway which will be regularly serviced by the trash removal contractors. The container you referred to, residing next to Bldg. 465, will be removed. Again, thank you for bringing this eyesore to our attention. If you would like to discuss this further please contact Jonpaul Thomasseau, Deputy Public Works Officer, at jonpaul.thomasseau@eu.navy.mil.

Comment regarding “safety suggestions”:

Hello, I would like to suggest a few things.

1. An illuminated crosswalk between buildings 465 and 413 (flight line ECP) and the parking lot where the recycling center is located. Many cars speed on this road.

2. Illuminating the parking lot where the recycling center is located. There are safety concerns like dogs and the possibi-

ing. Opposed to the chaotic nature of the military lifestyle, you get full control of what’s going on and you can get creative with it.”

Page’s favorite part about living in Sicily over the last three years was the ample travel opportunities and the experience of living in a new culture.

“I didn’t know much about Italian life, let alone Sicilian life,” said Page. “I learned how they’re so very different, and I also learned how to drive a lot better.”

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

lity of being hit by a car. The MA's and the folks that work in building 413 share this parking lot and it is very dark at night.

Thank you.

Response:

Thank you for your comments and concern for the safety of our personnel here on NAS 2. Your comments help to encourage us all to work to make our base the very best it can be. Our Public Works Department (PWD) has investigated the area around buildings 465, 413, and the parking lot off of Eucalyptus, and has made several observations and have taken several actions to address these concerns.

1. Along Eucalyptus PWD notes there are LED street lights but two of them are obscured by trees. PWD has issued a Service Request (SR) for the trees to be trimmed.

2. There is no existing crosswalk across Eucalyptus. PWD will modify the current construction contract to add a crosswalk to the existing road repair project.

3. There are two existing light poles in front of building 465. PWD will validate they are properly working and submit a SR to troubleshoot the parking lights adjacent to Bldg. 465.

To address your comment regarding many vehicles speeding on this road; in the future I would like to suggest that you take note of the speeding vehicle’s license plate and report it to security. While our security forces enforce the speed limits, they cannot be everywhere at once. If stray animals are in the area, again please contact security.

If you would like to discuss this further please contact Jonpaul Thomasseau, Deputy Public Works Officer, at jonpaul. thomasseau@eu.navy.mil.

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.

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.

PAGE 4

THE SIGNATURE

MAY 4, 2018

AOSC Hosts Successful Single Sailor Dinner Story by Ashley Terpstra AOSC Vice President Photo Courtesy of Melissa Grady, AOSC President

The Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella All Officers’ Spouses Club (AOSC) held a dinner for single and unaccompanied service members living in the NAS 1 Barracks on April 18. Twenty-five members of AOSC prepared and served the home-cooked meal. The feast was comprised of marinated pulled pork, barbequed chicken, homemade macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, vegetable salads and lots of delicious desserts including red velvet cake and chocolate chip cookies!

The event was led and organized by AOSC Service Committee Member Dr. Jen Shippy, who is an Officer Spouse and who herself was active duty for eight years.

“One of the things I miss the most about being active duty is working with young Sailors,” said Dr. Shippy. “The energy, drive and fresh perspective that these men and women have are contagious and gives me hope in our service and country. My favorite part of this event was the opportunity to be a part of their

community and to show them how much their work is appreciated.” said Dr. Shippy.

She worked alongside Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Adam Hart and Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Gladys Quiboyo, who are both Barracks Resident Advisors to advertise and set up the dinner.

Hart estimates that nearly 80 single Sailors enjoyed the dinner and stated, “I thought the dinner turned out amazingly well. We had a lot of happy faces and a lot of full stomachs going through the barracks. Everyone had the opportunity to get together, socialize, meet and welcome people who we may not have seen, and show them what it’s like to live in the barracks.”

A highlight of the evening was leadership representation. Capt. Brent Trickel, commanding officer of NAS Sigonella, and Cmdr. Patrick J. Moran, NAS Sigonella executive officer, both spent time dishing out food to the single service members alongside their spouses Marla and Cheti, both of whom are AOSC Advisors. It was also a pleasure to have the Executive Officer of Naval Hospital Sigonella; Capt. David Webster and his wife Rachael personally deliver containers of food to emergency service, quarterdeck and other onduty crewmembers working overnight at the hospital.

When asked why events like the single Sailor dinner are worthwhile, Webster replied, “It’s important to recognize all the contributions and hard work that our single Sailors do every day. Providing a cooked meal is a small but meaningful way for the Spouses’ Club to say thanks for all they do for the community.”

In addition, meals were distributed to the security forces working on NAS 1, NAS 2 and Marinai.

American Forces Network (AFN) DJ Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Young, otherwise known as Captain Fantastic, made it clear that he enjoyed the AOSC dinner, “I think any event that we can put together with the interaction between the junior members and our leadership benefits everyone. Leadership doesn’t often have time to interact with junior members in such a laid back environment, and I think Sailors feel more comfortable talking and opening up to leadership at events such as these. Huge shout out to all those who made food and came out and served us. We are very appreciative!”

The single Sailor dinner was a huge success for everyone involved. It is just one example of AOSC’s many contributions through service outreach to the Sigonella community this year.

MAY 4, 2018

THE SIGNATURE

PAGE 5

Patrol Squadron 10 Builds Relationships in Lajes, Portugal From VP-10 Public Affairs

Patrol Squadron Ten (VP-10) arrived in Lajes, a Portuguese island in the Azores, to conduct routine operations, demonstrating the P-8A’s expeditionary capability to operate from remote locations.

The VP-10 Red Lancers were able to build and improve relationships with Lajes Air Base, home to both the United States Air Force and the Portuguese Air Force. This detachment was led by Lt. John Leeds, VP-10’s Squadron Maritime Tactics Instructor.

“The Red Lancers are extremely excited to begin our first P-8A detachment within the 6th Fleet area of responsibility with an opportunity to work with the Air Force stationed at Lajes

AFB,” said Lt. j.g. Michael Szemplinski, a Naval Flight Officer with VP-10.

“We look forward to continuing to build relationships with the Air Force and Portuguese in order to allow for greater cooperation in future operations.”

QUICK FACTS: - This detachment marks the first VP-10 detachment of the P-8A Poseidon during their 6th Fleet deployment.

- VP-10 is beginning their first P-8A deployment to the 6th Fleet.

- VP-10 is based out of Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville, Florida.

- This is VP-10’s second deployment with the P-8A. - VP-10 is deployed to Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily under Commander, Task Force 67.

Lajes, Portugal (April 14, 2018) Aircraft 764, of Maritime Patrol Squadron Ten (VP-10), sits on the parking apron of the flight line in Lajes, Portugal. Lajes was the first detachment site for VP-10 on its maiden deployment to 6th Fleet using the P-8A aircraft. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nate Morin/Released)

"DIRECT LINE" continued from Page 2 can ask the right questions to make the right decisions.

While I was at the San Diego NCO it seemed that every month someone would come in with a degree plan that did not transfer.

These were mostly associate’s degrees with large student loans and promises of getting great jobs once they attained their degree. Yes,

education is a business. Do you know the difference between national and regional accreditation? I am speaking in very general terms, and there are other types of accreditation, but if you don’t know anything about accreditation or can’t find the accreditation of a school, you should contact me. Your TA and VA educational benefits are worth a lot of money. My job is to make sure you have the right knowledge before

making your decision. Your decision is very important because it’s your time and money, so let’s not waste it.

I plan to eventually visit every command to talk oneon-one with NAS Sigonella service members. I encourage command leadership to contact me directly so I can meet the most amount of people at one time. I can be reached at jay.oshiro@ eu.navy.mil or by phone at 624-4517.

THE SIGNATURE

PAGE 6

Ancient Greek Drama Festival returns to Siracusa

MAY 4, 2018

NAVSUP volunteers give back to San Cono

Story by Alberto Lunetta

Imagine sitting down in a beautiful open-air Greek theater and enjoying the passion and drama of a Greek Tragedy. Just like it has been happening for 2,000 years, the Greek theater of Siracusa will host a new season of the world-renowned Ancient Greek Drama Festival (Festival del Teatro Greco di Siracusa) in about a week.

This year the festival, organized by the INDA Foundation, celebrates its 54th anniversary. A top-quality cultural event boasting a tradition that started in 1914, the festival attracts thousands of spectators from all over the world. Last year, 140,300 spectators attended the festival, 38,000 of them were students.

The festival begins Thursday, May 10 at 6:45 p.m. at the breathtaking Siracusa Greek Theater dating back to the 5th century B.C. and runs through Wednesday, July 18 featuring the following works by ancient Greeks playwrights: “Oedipous at Colonus,” a play by Sopholcles, “Heracles” by Euripides, and “The Knights” by Aristophanes.

Tragedy is one of the three dramatic genres of Ancient Greece dramas. The word tragedy comes from the term "tragedia" or "goat-song," named for the goatskins the chorus wore during the performance. It refers primarily to a tragic drama in which a central character, usually a king, queen or hero, suffers some serious ill-fated situation in which man seems to be deprived of all outward help and is forced to rely on himself. The man deals with external forces, which appear to rule his life. Ultimately, tragedies express the vulnerability of human beings whose suffering is caused by a combination of human and divine actions.

For more information and performance schedules, visit www.indafondazione.org As reported by Zainoo.com, the Siracusa Greek Theatre, the largest theatre in the ancient world, was built by Hiero I around 470 B.C. With a capacity for 15,000 spectators and a diameter of almost 140 meters, it was truly massive. Famous plays such as "The Persians" and "The Women of Etna" by Aeschylus premiered here. Besides the tragedies of Sophocles and Euripides, the theatre also witnessed the birth of comedy. The Sicilian playwright Epicharmos, from the nearby Megara Hyblea, was the creator of comedy.

Around 220 B.C., the theatre was expanded to its current size by Hiero II. Sixty-one rows of seats offered space for 15,000 spectators. The Romans reduced the rows of seats to 46 to have a larger stage area for bloody gladiatorial games. The remaining seats and the auditorium are largely untouched. On the other hand, we can only guess as to how the stage and scenes were constructed on the basis of their foundations. In the summer months Greek tragedies are performed here and they attract many enthusiastic spectators to Syracuse.

There is an artificial grotto above the theatre called the Nymphaeum. It was dedicated to the Muses and fresh spring water still flows from the fountain’s holes through the ancient canals.

On the left side of the Nymphaeum there is a small street of tombs dating from the Byzantine period.

The 2018 Festival’s Highlights/Plots

By Indafondazione.org Press Office The men of Ancient Greece saw both a virtuous and a perverse dialectic emerge in the soul of mankind, thanks to the exercising of power. Power can turn a wise and balanced ruler, even a hero, into an ‘absolute’ sovereign, ready to use violence and oppression, and to alienate himself: it can drag him from the heights of good fortune to the abyss of ruin in a short circuit summarized in the word “tyranny”.

This tragic short circuit is what inspires the 2018 season of the Greek Theatre of Siracusa. The metaphor of power is the metaphor of life itself; it is a moral apologue that forces us to react on the precarious nature of human destiny, on its unfathomable and often irrational mutability. The existential essence of the heroes

"ITALIAN NEWS" continued on Page 15

San Cono, SICILY - On April 28, a group of sailors from Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Sigonella conducted a Naval Air Station (NAS) Public Affairs Office (PAO) community service project in the historic heart of the town of San Cono.

The event was promoted by the local Pro Loco tourist office (Pro Loco San Cono) and was aimed at raising environmental awareness among the middle school students from Scuola Media “E. De Amicis.” Pro Loco volunteers joined forces with Sailors and middle school students to spruce up around the main square (piazza Gramsci) and via Conciliazione, paint flowerpots and plant flowers. Pro Loco President Emilio Grassenio greeted the Sigonella volunteers and thanked them for the support, along with San Cono Mayor Salvatore Barbera and Debora Cicero, a Sigonella base employee from San Cono who helped with the event’s organization.

Grassenio reminded students about the importance of being continuously engaged in improving landscapes and keeping the town litter-free. The event was historic as it was the first ever Community Relations Project held in this town. (Photo story by Alberto Lunetta)

THE SIGNATURE

MAY 4, 2018

PAGE 7

MCPON Holds All-Hands Call in Guam, Announces Laying the Keel

By JoAnna Delfin U.S. Naval Forces, Marianas

ASAN, Guam (NNS) -- Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Steven Giordano kicked off his tour of the Indo-Pacific region with a stop in Guam to meet with Sailors during an all-hands call at the U.S. Naval Base Guam theater, April 24.

During his visit, MCPON announced "Laying the Keel -- Developing the Backbone of Our Navy," a document which serves as a vision for enlisted leader development.

"Laying the Keel" provides junior Sailors an earlier opportunity to learn leadership skills and prepare themselves to become future leaders.

"This was developed by Sailors for Sailors," Giordano said. "This deliberate and comprehensive approach is a path to becoming more authentic, competent and courageous leaders. Laying the Keel sets our course towards a stronger culture of ownership, an environment of positive energy, and intrinsically motivated teams, driving towards maximum level of performance with one goal in mind - winning."

The "Laying the Keel" announcement aligned with MCPON's visit to the region during a time of increased operational tempo.

"I want (Sailors) to feel that the Navy is now taking a very committed investment into their development as leaders," he said. "They can look at this and see that investment moving forward with both a process that shows institutional structure but also a level of flexibility that allows all the units to feel

empowered to go own their responsibilities in that enlisted force."

While MCPON announced the Navy's newest initiative, he also spoke to Sailors about quality-oflife concerns, Sailor 2025, advancement opportunities and Sailors' perspective of the operational environment within the Fleet and region.

"On behalf of the secretary of the Navy, chief of

naval operations and myself, we are so extremely proud of our Sailors and everything they do out here," he said. "We maintain extreme situational awareness of where and how they're operating, and how we can better support them. But what we need more than anything else is feedback from them and how we can make things better for them and their families."

Navy COOL Announces Expanded Opportunities for Funding of Credentials

By Center for Information Warfare Training

PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- Navy Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) announced expanded creden-

PENSACOLA, Fla. (April 9, 2018) The logo for Navy Credentialing Opportunities On-line (COOL).

(U.S. Navy graphic/Released)

tialing opportunities for active and Reserve enlisted Sailors, May 1.

A new policy update now provides a wider array of opportunities for Sailors to earn civilian certifications and licenses (credentials) funded through Navy COOL. Expanded opportunities for funding of credentials now include: * Sailors who have cross-rated remain eligible for credentials mapped to their prior rating. * Navy Reserve Sailors currently working in a civilian occupation to which the credential is mapped for credentials outside of their specific rating, and the credential has relevance or applicability to the current or future needs of the command or the Navy. * Sailors who have documented completion of on or off-duty training or course that fully prepares the Sailor for an associated industry certification or state license (e.g., working on a degree in biotechnology and passed a semester course on instructional design

and facilitation relates to CompTIA certified technical trainer certification; command-sponsored course on emergency medical technician (EMT) relates to EMT basic certification; command provided training on welding relates to certified welder certification; and/or attended a seminar, webinar or boot camp on Microsoft Word relates to Microsoft Office Specialist certification).

"Widening the aperture of credentialing opportunities provides Sailors greater flexibility in managing their military careers," said Jim Johnson, the Navy's voluntary education service chief.

"In the future, the marketplace detailing environment will draw on a more holistic set of each Sailor's information, including credentials, to match them with possible assignments, a key element of the Sailor 2025 Rating Modernization initiative. These changes further align with education trends toward 'stackable' credentials, which can be a blend of academics, technical training, apprentice-

ships, certifications and licenses."

These expanded opportunities add on to the already available credentialing opportunities based on rating, collateral duty, out-of-rating assignment, or current work in a position to which the credential is mapped. Sailors may also be funded for credentials based on an earned academic degree or Service Members Opportunity Colleges (SOC) Career and Technical Education (CTE) certificate, which can be directly associated to an industry certification or state license.

Navy COOL provides information about licenses and certifications applicable to all Navy occupations, offering resources and funding to help Sailors gain appropriate civilian desired, and in many cases required, credentials.

For more information about Navy COOL, visit http://www.cool.navy.mil/ or call (850) 452-6683.

“COOL� continued on Page 12

PAGE 8

THE SIGNATURE

MAY 4, 2018

Congratulatio

MAY 4, 2018

THE SIGNATURE

ons A wardees!

PAGE 9

THE SIGNATURE

PAGE 10

MAY 4, 2018

NAS SIGONELLA COMMUNITY PAGE All Hands News Bulletin:

BOOTS TO BUSINESS (B2B)

Command, Department or Organization: Fleet and Family Support Center Date of Event: 17-18 May 2018 • Time: 0800-1600 Location of Event: NAS 1 Fleet and Family Services Bldg. 319 Point of Contact: Tiffany Butler or Alicia Dalloo • Point of Contact Phone Number: 624-4291 Point of Contact Email Address: Tiffany.a.Butler@eu.navy.mil or Alicia.Dalloo@eu.navy.mil Additional Information: Veterans have the motivation, character, discipline and skills needed to succeed as small business owners and entrepreneurs.

Are you a transitioning service member thinking about business ownership as a post-service vocation?

Wondering what it takes and what you can do now to prepare? Enrolling in Boots to Business, the entrepreneurship career track of the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) is one step you can take now. To register, contact the Fleet and Family Support Center at 624-4291 or COMM 095-56-4291.

PEST CONTROL SPRAYING AT NAS 2 - MOSQUITO CONTROL

Date of Event: Saturday, 5 May • Time: From 1600 until complete Location of Event: NAS 2 Streets and Public Areas Additional Information: On Saturday 5 May the Italian Air Force has arranged for a pest control company to come to

NAS 2 to spray for mosquitos and crawling insects. Starting at 1600 a truck will be driving around the base spraying the pesticide.

Please be sure to close all windows and doors when departing work Friday afternoon. Service Members who will be on base are advised to stay indoors until spraying is complete and 30 minutes after. All personnel are advised to avoid the areas where the truck is actively spraying.

Although your chances of experiencing any health effects from spraying are quite low, the following common sense steps will help you reduce possible exposures to pesticides before, during, or after spraying.

Steps you should take: 1. If possible, remain inside or avoid the area whenever spraying takes place and for about 30 minutes after spraying. That time period will greatly reduce the likelihood of your breathing pesticides in the air.

2. Close windows and doors and turn off window air-conditioning units or close their vents to circulate indoor air before spraying begins. Windows and air-conditioner vents can be reopened about 30 minutes after spraying.

3. If you come in direct contact with pesticide spray, protect your eyes. If you get pesticide spray in your eyes, immediately rinse them with water. Wash exposed skin. Wash clothes that come in direct contact with spray separately from other laundry.

Steps you may want to take: 1. If spraying just occurred, minimize your contact with outdoor surfaces and wash skin that has come in contact with these surfaces.

2. Cover outdoor tables and play equipment before spraying or wash them off with detergent and water after they have been sprayed.

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. 23 - Apr. 30, 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.

MAY 4, 2018

THE SIGNATURE

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

THE SIGNATURE

10 Tips for Ladder Safety

From NAS Sigonella Safety Department

Every year too many workers are seriously injured from ladder-related falls. These injuries include dislocated limbs, broken bones, head injuries, and in a few cases, some even die from their injuries. These accidents occur because: - the ladder moves, falls over, or is set up improperly - the worker slips on the rungs, overreaches, or carries objects while climbing the ladder - the worker stands on the top cap of the ladder - the ladder being used is not in good condition The first tip to properly using a step ladder is to determine the correct ladder for the job. Unfortunately, most of us only have room for one ladder in the house which is typically a step ladder and at most we may also have an extension ladder. Many times these still aren’t suitable for our task so we improvise, BIG MISTAKE. Here are 10 tips for ladder safety: 1. Carefully inspect the ladder for defects, checking for cracks, corrosion and that bolts and rivets are secure. Tag and remove unsafe ladders from service.

“COOL” continued from Page 7 Navy COOL is located with the Center for Information Warfare Training, which delivers trained information warfare professionals to the Navy and joint services, enabling optimal performance of information warfare across the full spectrum of military operations.

For more news from the Center for Informa-

2. Make sure the ladder's feet work properly and have slip-resistant pads.

3. Use a fiberglass ladder if there is any chance of contact with electricity.

4. When setting the ladder, look for a safe location with firm, level footing and rigid support for the top of the ladder. Be sure to set it at an angle per the manufacturer's guidance.

5. When climbing off a ladder at an upper level, make sure the ladder extends three feet above the landing.

6. When climbing the ladder, use three points of contact – keep one hand and both feet or both hands and one foot in contact with the ladder at all times.

7. Never carry any load that could cause you to lose balance.

8. Never stand on top of a ladder.

9. Don't pull, lean, stretch or make sudden moves on a ladder that could cause it to tip over. A scaffold or other safe working surface may be a better choice for your task.

10. Avoid setting the ladder near exit doors, near the path of pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

Feel free to contact the Sigonella Safety Office at 624-5630 for more information. tion Warfare Training organization, visit www. navy.mil/local/cid/, www.netc.navy.mil/centers/ ciwt, www.facebook.com/NavyCIWT, or www. twitter.com/NavyCIWT For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter. com/usnavy.

For more news from Center for Information Warfare Training, visit www.navy.mil/local/cid/.

MAY 4, 2018

MAY 4, 2018

THE SIGNATURE

GAMEZONE LANA'I LUAU MACADAMIA NUTS MANTA RAYS MAUI MOLOKA'I NAPALI COAST NI'IHAU NORTH SHORE O'AHU PACIFIC OCEAN PEARL HARBOR PINEAPPLES RESORTS

SAND SCUBA DIVING SNORKELING STATE SUGARCANE SURFING TOURISTS TROPICAL UKELELE VACATION VOLCANOES WAIKIKI WAIMEA BAY WARM WHALE WATCHING

MEDIUM

ALOHA ARCHIPELAGO BEACHES CANOEING COFFEE GRASS SKIRT HAWAIIAN HONOLULU HULA HUMPBACK WHALES ISLANDS KAHO'OLAWE KAUA'I KAYAKING KONA COAST

EASY

Find and circle all of the words that are hidden in the grid.

The remaining 48 letters spell a secret message.

DIFFICULT

Hawaii

PAGE 13

PAGE 14

THE SIGNATURE

HHG Peak Season Story by Tia McMillen NAVSUP Public Affairs Officer

NAVSUP FLC Sigonella encourages Sailors to start planning now to navigate through the peak season household goods moving rush as tens of thousands of Navy Sailors receive orders to new assignments across the nation and worldwide. Peak season for household goods moves runs from May 15 to August 15. During this time, almost 65 percent of all DoD household goods moves for the year will be executed.

Personnel preparing to execute a permanent change of station (PCS) move are encouraged to take the following actions 30 days prior to receipt of orders: *Visit the NAVSUP HHG and personal property website at https://www.navsup.navy.mil/household/ dps. If using a tablet or mobile phone, be sure to include the "https" prefix to the web address. *Explore the informative tutorials available on the website. Tutorials cover subjects including initial processing, self-counseling, storage information, tracking your shipment, and claims processing. *Register for a Defense Personal Property System account at the web address, www.move.mil/. *Self-counsel on your move entitlements. *Submit your household goods shipment application. *For guidance on account creation, application screenshot assistance, and notices for moves outside of the continental United States (OCONUS), go to https://www.navsup.navy.mil/household/dps.

Members will submit shipment applications in the DPS, while also providing a copy of PCS orders and all other required documents to the applicable local counseling office. These documents must be provided a minimum of three weeks prior to the desired pack-out date and are required before any action can be taken on an application.

The transportation service provider (TSP), or moving company, will call to conduct a pre-move survey over the phone. Final pack and pick-up dates are not confirmed until the conclusion of the premove survey.

Be flexible when arranging your dates for packing, pick-up and delivery. Often during the summer months local moving companies are operating at capacity and sometimes a first choice of moving dates cannot be accommodated. Keep in mind although all

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (Mar. 24, 2004) - Navy family members relax on their front lawn while movers deliver household goods to their new home on Ford Island. U. S. Navy photo by Photographers Mate 1st Class William R Goodwin.

efforts will be made to meet agreed upon dates, mechanical failures, natural disasters or other delays can affect scheduled pick-ups.

Required delivery dates must be realistic, allowing for transit time and can be negotiated with the TSP. Be sure to document in writing agreed upon dates if they are other than the originally scheduled move dates.

Immediately notify the local personal property office should any unforeseen issues arise.

For those packing light, consider performing a personally procured move (PPM). Eligible service members may be paid up to 95 percent of the government's cost for performing a similar TSP-executed move.

Consider purging unnecessary personal property and household goods items to avoid exceeding your authorized weight entitlement. Members exceeding their entitlements are subject to excess costs recovery or paying out of pocket for the weight above the entitlement.

If you have household goods in storage, remember to contact your servicing personal property office with the desired disposition of your storage.

And finally, upon completion of your move, go into DPS to complete a customer satisfaction survey.

Your survey score has a direct impact on the shipments the moving company will receive in the future.

Sailors may submit questions via email to householdgoods@navy.mil or call 1-855-HHG-MOVE (1855-444-6683).

Navy Household Goods is also on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/navyhhg/; YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/navyhhg/; Twitter at www. twitter.com/navyhhg/ and Pinterest at www.pinterest.com/navyhhg/.

MAY 4, 2018

MAY 4, 2018 "ITALIAN NEWS" continued from Page 6 of Greek tragedy is tangled up in these reactions.

The biographies of the tyrants of Greek history are tinted with the traits of the lives of mythical heroes: marginal infancy and pre-destiny, important marriage and social ascent, activities of conquest and foundation, decline of power and unusual death.

Imbalance and disharmony are intertwined in an impulse towards contradiction and excess - for better or worse. Thus hero and anti-hero are two faces of the same coin and the same person, and so it is that in Greek tragedy, the tyrant becomes titanic in his grandeur, but his prestige and power turn against him, even against his will. The tyrant is forced into solitude and crime and thus becomes victim of himself. This is the common thread that links the three plays presented during the 2018 Season at Siracusa.

Oedipous at Colonus by Sopholcles The season starts with “Oedipus at Colonus”, the last surviving, posthumously staged tragedy by Sophocles, which acts as an ideal bridge between the fratricidal struggle between the sons of Oedipus to possess the city, staged in 2017.

Written by the ninety-year old playwright in an Athens diminished by the events of the war with Sparta, it offers a possibility of rebirth; the desired, symbolic return of the good father-king to Colonus. Thus even the inexorable verdict on Oedipus the King, (the most shameful of criminals may hide within the best of sovereigns) finds hope in an ‘open’ ending, which represents a revisionist recantation of the verdict (the best of sovereigns may lie within the most terrible criminal).

Oedipus, blind and begging, reaches the sacred wood of Colonus, supported by his daughter Antigone. This, according to the Oracle, is where his life will end. Initially, the chorus of old Athenians try to make him leave, but nally, moved to pity, they al-

THE SIGNATURE

low him to stay. Ismene, Oedipus’s other daughter, comes to tell of the struggle between Eteocles and Polynices who are fighghting for dominion of Thebes. Ismene reveals a new Oracle claiming that Oedipus, dead or alive, will bring salvation to his allies; for this reason, his city will try to gain his favor or to have power over him. A sudden roll of thunder is the sign sent by the gods to announce the imminent death of Oedipus.

Heracles by Euripides Thus Oedipus becomes the bringer of a hope of salvation for Athens, received by the ruler Theseus – a truly good sovereign who represents “benign” and “inclusive” tyranny in Attic theatre, and who also appears in the final of “Heracles” by Euripides, the other tragedy staged for the season of 2018, a passionate and dramatic play, full of surprises and intense pathos.

This is the drama of madness that strikes the civilizing hero and benefactor of humanity, dragging him into the dust. Heracles, the ‘positive’ hero saves his family at the last minute from the massacre planned by Lycus, the tyrant usurper of the throne of Thebes, and then, just like Oedipus, his personal destiny is overturned and irreparably contaminated: the irrational vendetta of Hera induces him to kill his own family in a fit of madness, giving rise to one of the most lucid and theatrical representations of the delirium of the human mind in theatre, both ancient and modern. Both Oedipus and Heracles, contaminated and fallen into the blackest despair because of their involuntary guilt, will find in their friendship with Theseus – and therefore metaphorically with Athens – the light of solidarity and welcome. The old superhuman hero dies to be reborn as a man: this time he receives help from his neighbor rather than giving it and has to endure the suffering of common mortals.

Megara, the wife of Heracles, the three children of the hero and his father Amphitryon, await the

PAGE 15 return of Heraclesfrom Hades after his last labor; their lives are endangered after Lycus seizes power in Thebes, killing Creon, Megara’s father and King of the city. Just when it appears they are to be sacrificed, Heracles returns and enters the palace to kill Lycus. Justice is done - or so it seems...

The Knights by Aristophanes The larger-than-life tyrant and hero are grotesquely overturned in the demagogue of the comedy “The Knights” by Aristophanes, a play that won first prize at Lenaia in 424 B.C. and has never been staged in the INDA seasons, where ‘tragic’ grandeur represents abasement and degradation in a provocative and demagogic way.

The protagonists are the old, senile Demos (allegory of the people of Athens) and a servant Paphlagonian, representation of Cleon (the ultimate demagogue of Athenian comedy and the favorite target for Aristophanes’ political satire), a crude but astute and powerful man, who through adulation and trickery has earned the favor of the master. Surprisingly, thanks to the schemes of other two servants who are tired of being bossed around, but also to the decisive support of the chorus of knights (sworn enemies of Athenian democracy) Paphlagonian/Cleon falls into disgrace with a tragicomic overturning, to be replaced by an “improvised” politician, a Sausage-maker – the third element of this comic trio!

Who is the tyrant here? Who is the hero? History – ancient or modern – will have to answer.

In this play, Aristophanes aims to warn the people of Athens about the dangers lurking in Cleon’s demagoguery. Aristophanes presents Demos as a personification of the people; old, grumpy and halfdeaf, completely under the thumb of Pa¬agone (representing Cleon), who tricks and ruins him without Demos even noticing. Two faithful servants try in vain to make their master aware of what is happening, supported by the Knights, the only social class that still has any moral integrity...

PAGE 16

THE SIGNATURE

MAY 4, 2018