From Emergency Management Wildfire Preparedness PAGE 4
Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
USO Sigonella Calendar of Events
PAGES 8-9
N A S SIG O N E L L A
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MAY 18, 2018
Vol. 35 No. 19
NAS Sigonella conducts Operational Readiness Assessment
SIGONELLA, Sicily (May 9, 2018) Firefighters transport a simulated casualty as part of an Operational Readiness Assessment onboard 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 photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Gordon/Released) by MC2 Christopher Gordon NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
SIGONELLA, Sicily – On May 7-10, Sailors and personnel from around Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella tested their response capabilities to major attacks against the base as part of a Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia (NREURAFSWA) Operational Readiness Assessment (ORA) to evaluate the current readiness of the installation. First responders from Security, Carabinieri, Fire and Emergency Services, U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella, ITAF medical teams and Emergency Management participated in the events. The ORA included
an extended period of field training exercises and drills during which the installation demonstrated its ability to conduct routine operations as well as simultaneously responding to simulated emergencies and consequence management scenarios. At approximately 9:30 a.m. an MV-22 Osprey, simulated by a Mobile Aircraft Fire Training Device (MAFTD), experienced a crash-landing on the Sigonella flight line. From there, 15 Marines roleplayers from Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force (SPMAGTF) posed around the crash site with numerous simulated injuries of varying severity. The Installation Training Team (ITT), who
SIGONELLA, Sicily (May 9, 2018) Hospitalman Kaitlyn Acevedo, left, and Hospitalman Mikala McGarity, right, transport Cpl. Klep Siu as part of an Operational Readiness Assessment onboard 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 photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Gordon/Released)
helped coordinate the exercise, and those who participated as active members during the exercise met following the conclusion of the training to discuss what went well and what didn’t during the drill, and also went over what improvements needed to be made. “There are always things that we can improve on, but all-in-all we did a great job doing what needed to be done,” said Christopher “Frog” Steinnecker, NASSIG Installation Training Officer. “These simulated training environments provide valuable opportunities for both the U.S. and our host nation partners to flex that muscle so that we are able to respond in a coordinated and efficient manner should a real world event occur.” The exercise was the culmination of many months of planning by the ITT and Security Department. The ITT will incorporate feedback and lessons learned from the ORA into the Command Assessment for Readiness and Training (CART) exercise at Sigonella, which will be evaluated by CNIC this July. This training exercise directly supports Air Operations and Security, two out of the six key shore missions laid out by NREURAFSWA. Those two missions, along with Port Operations, Safety, Quality of Life, and Core, are the key pillars that enable U.S., allied and partner nation forces to be where they are needed when they are needed to ensure security and stability in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia. 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, NAS Sigonella 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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MAY 18, 2018
Direct Line
CMDCM Nancy Estrada, NAS Sigonella Command Master Chief College Success! It’s about that time of year! Graduation time! This year my baby boy, David, will be graduating from the Sigonella Middle/High School and I wanted to share some of the information I have learned on my journey to figure out how to fund his higher education. A website that was extremely helpful to me while choosing a college with my son was https://www.vets.gov/gi-billcomparison-tool. The following applies to those who have already been approved to transfer their Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits to a dependent. If your child gets married it doesn't affect their eligibility to receive the transferred benefits; however, you can take away or change the transferred benefits at any time. If you get divorced, your ex-spouse can still use the transferred benefits; however, you can take away or change the transferred benefits at any time, depending on the divorce settlement. How to Transfer Your Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits:
You can only apply to transfer benefits while you are on active duty, once you leave active duty it is too late. You should either apply online at the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) Website or follow your service's instructions. While in the armed forces, service members use the Transfer of Education Benefits (TEB) website to designate, modify, and revoke a Transfer of Entitlement (TOE) request. After leaving the armed forces, they may provide a future effective date for use of TOE, modify the number of months transferred, or revoke entitlement transferred by submitting a written request to VA. Tuition funds will be sent direct from the VA to the school. Children are eligible for the monthly living stipend and/ or the books and supplies stipend while you are serving on active duty. You may transfer up to the total months of unused Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, or the entire 36 months if you haven't used any. Your child’s use of transferred educational benefits is subject to the following: • May start to use the benefit only af-
ter the individual making the transfer has completed at least 10 years of service in the Armed Forces. • May use the benefit while the eligible individual is on active duty or after separation from active duty. • May not use the benefit until he/she has attained a secondary school diploma (or equivalency certificate), or reached 18 years of age. • Is entitled to the monthly housing allowance even though the eligible individual is on active duty. • Is not subject to the 15 time limit, but can only use the transferred benefits until they are 26 years old. Once you figure out how to pay for it and whether your selected school will be fully covered by the Post 9/11 GI Bill, it’s time to ensure that your selected school is all it’s cracked up to be. Since it is presently easier to get approval to use the GI Bill at various institutions than it is to get Tuition Assistance approved, you can check DODMOU.com to see the level of accreditation that your selected school has. Why do you care? Well, your student
may want to transfer at some point. Nationally accredited schools are less likely to have transferrable credits than regionally accredited. For more information on this you can pick up the “Understanding Accreditation” Quick Series flip book at the Navy College office or talk to our new Navy College Director! Don’t forget, if your student fails or doesn’t complete a class YOU may be on the hook to reimburse expenses—tuition AND possibly the living stipend. Yikes! You definitely don’t want that!
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 “Noise at Marinai MWR Events”:
MWR does a great job with organizing entertaining community activities. However, I wonder if it is possible to relocate future evening events to the Marinai soccer fields or even to NAS 2. I am a resident of base housing who lives nearby the gazebo area outside of Umberto’s. Leading up to the recent Glow in the Park Run, the band/event coordinators were testing the sound equipment beginning at 3 p.m. and lasting intermittently until 6 p.m. From 6 to 9 p.m., the band was continuously performing. The sound was so loud that my family and I were shouting to hear each other inside the house. For those of us living in the vicinity of the gazebo, the length and volume of the noise was intolerable and ruined an otherwise peaceful afternoon/ evening. Thank you.
Response:
Thank you for reaching out and expressing your concern. We sincerely apologize for the noise and inconvenience that the Glow Run event caused you and your family. Your suggestion also made us understand that we need to increase our communication to the impacted areas in Marinai, if not the entire neighborhood, for any future events. With more notice of an event timeline, location and a description of the activities, we can prepare customers for any inconvenience it may cause. We will also explore alternate locations for future events. MWR does host the annual Eggstravaganza at the field in Marinai. MWR offers multiple events at different locations so that a wider audience is able to enjoy the activities. For example, most of the live entertainment is held on NAS 2 in an effort to maximize attendance from single Sailors and deployed forces. Based on customer feedback, MWR planned the "Glow in the Park" event to gear it towards families that live in and around Marinai.
MWR management considered various aspects of logistics, security and safety when planning this event. Since the event occurred into the dark hours of the evening, safety was crucial to the success of the event. Security confirmed that the safest location for running events on Marinai is starting/ending at the Community Center. This location provides ample space and is also away from the entrance gate and any major vehicle traffic. In regards to the live entertainment, the local band arrived at 1600 to begin setting up their equipment and stage. Sound checks started around 1700. The live music lasted from 1900-2100 in support of the event. Although I understand you found the noise bothersome, the Marinai Housing Handbook (updated on 2 MAR 2018) states that quiet hours in Marinai on Saturdays are midnight-0700. The live music was over well before quiet hours went into effect. Overall, this event was very well received by the Sigonella community with over 300 runners participating and even more in attendance for the live music. Thank you again for providing your suggestion. Customer feedback is the only way we can get better. We hope that you and your family will continue to enjoy MWR events in the future. If you have additional inquiries about MWR Special Events or Entertainment, please contact the MWR Community Recreation Director, Bill Gatlin, who can be reached at 624-4941 (or +39-095-56-4941) or via email at William.Gatlin@eu.navy.mil.
Comment regarding “Bravo Zulu for Housing Employee”:
I would like to recognize Miss Simona Tringali. My family and I moved from Marinai to Motta and found out that getting internet there was going to be a fight, one that no one saw coming. Miss Simona, did her best to get us appointments with
"ICE" continued on Page 3
MAY 18, 2018
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THE SIGNATURE U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA 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
"ICE" continued from Page 2 Telecom/TIM and communicated very well with us about the process. Through no fault of her own, TIM/Telecom would come out, talk on their cell phone, walk around and then say we couldn't get internet. After a little over a month of this, I called a satellite guy to install internet, and we are good. This whole process was incredibly frustrating and I feel that Miss Simona went above and beyond in trying to help and was empathetic with what my family and I were dealing with. Thank you Miss Simona! I would also like to Recognize Mr. McKnight for recognizing my frustrations and being a wonderful customer service representative and ensuring that I felt heard. Sincerely, Corey Davies
Response:
Dear Corey Davies, Thank you for your comment recognizing Ms. Simona TringaliThank you for your comment recognizing Ms. Simona Tringali and Mr. James McKnight. The Housing team takes great pride in providing the Sigonella community with the highest standard of customer service no matter what the situation. I am sorry you had a difficult time setting up internet at your residence. Unfortunately this is one of Housing’s main issues. Every internet company has issues depending on location, type of house, services wanted, reliability and customer service response. Again, thank you for your comment.
Comment regarding MWR Swim Fees:
Problem: I learned today that the MWR Splasher's Pool will be charging admission for the upcoming Summer Season. I also understand that a fee was assessed up until 2014 and then discontinued for the last few years. Why was the fee stopped at that time? And why was it reinstated? As an active duty military member I find it frustrating that we are being charged for this recreational activity. Possible solution: I would suggest charging Italian Nationals, DOD contractors, GS employees and retirees rather than active duty for use of both the pool and gym on NAS I and NAS II. You could offset, or at least decrease, the cost for all active duty members use of the pool for the very short summer season which lasts a mere 11 weeks. I appreciate your time and response. CDR Rowena Papson
Response:
Good afternoon CDR Papson, Thank you for reaching out about your concerns regarding our recreation swim fees. Before 2015, admission was charged for recreational swimming as instructed by the Navy Installation Command (CNIC).Recreational swim fees were eliminated in 2015 at NAVSTA Rota, NAS Sigonella and NSA Naples. This was the result of a strong MWR financial condition within the
"ICE" continued on Page 5
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.
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MAY 18, 2018
Wildfire Preparedness GM3 Joshua Neal Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
Every day, seven people die in home fires, most in homes that lack working smoke alarms. The American Red Cross wants to improve the odds and save livesthat’s why they launched the Home Fire Campaign in 2014. A critical part of the campaign is Sound the Alarm, a series of home fire safety and smoke alarm installation events across the country. Together with fire departments and other community partners, Red Cross volunteers canvass at-risk neighborhoods to install free smoke alarms, replace batteries in existing alarms, and provide fire prevention and safety education to communities. In just a few years, Red Cross home visits have installed more than 1 million smoke alarms and have helped prepare more than 1 million people for home fires. Along with home fires though, here in Sigonella with summertime upon us, we also want to prepare for the infamous wildfires. During my time here our community has been key in notifying 9-1-1 and responders of encroaching wildfires before they can reach us and cause home fires. With that said, it’s not only up to our responders to respond to wildfires. It’s up to each of us to prepare for and to do our best to prevent wildfires. So what classifies as a wildfire? Wildfires are unplanned and unwanted fires burning in natural areas such as forests, grasslands, or prairies. As civilization expands into these places, homes and businesses may be established in or near areas prone to wildfires. This is called the “wildland urban interface.” Wildfires can cause death or injury to people and animals, damage or destroy structures, and disrupt community services (transportation, gas, power, communications, etc). The impact from wildfires may cover large areas with extensive burning where embers can travel more than a mile away from the wildfire itself, and the smoke can cause health issues even for people far away from the fire. Wildfires can also damage watersheds, dams, or berms like the ones we have in Marinai and leave areas prone to flooding. Wildfires can occur anywhere and everywhere. They can start in remote wilderness areas, in national parks, or even in your back yard. But what causes them exactly? The same as any other fire the we prepare for, wildfires can start from natural causes such as lightning, but most are caused by us either accidentally—from cigarettes, campfires, or outdoor burning—or intentionally. They can pop up at any point throughout the year, however, the potential is always higher during periods with little or no rainfall, which makes brush, grass, and trees dry and they become much more susceptible to catching ablaze. We tend to see this dry type of environment develop as early as April or May here in the Sigonella area and it continues until the late September time frame. So now for my favorite part: how to prepare for wildfires. Ready.gov, FEMA, Sigonella Emergency Management, and others all can agree on the following ways to
prepare, mitigate, and protect yourself and your family from the dangers of potential wildfires. First, know your community’s risk for wildfires. Any time you transition to a new area you should check with your new community to find out what areas are at higher risks for various types of disasters, to include wildfires. While you’re at it go ahead and familiarize yourself with local emergency plans. Know where to go and how to get there should you need to evacuate. Here at Sig we often see a sudden occurrence of potential wildfires along the roads leading to and from the Marinai area and also around NAS 2 during the summer. These are often caused by local farmers whose controlled burns get out of hand, or by folks who toss their cigarettes out the window of their car without extinguishing them first. As I’m fond of mentioning in these articles, creating emergency plans with your family is essential. These include both an evacuation plan and a communication plan. Know at least two locations you and your family can evacuate to in case one of the locations becomes inaccessible due to the wildfire or other obstructions. Being able to communicate with each other, your chain of command, friends or other family members is also instrumental in wildfire situations. Fires can double in size every minute, so every second counts and being prepared can make a difference in those valuable minutes for getting to safety. Here at Sigonella we alert our community via AtHoc. In a nutshell, it is an emergency notification system that allows us to inform you via text, phone call, or email about ongoing situations that can impact us. Be sure to check with your command to update your information in AtHoc so that the EOC can notify you and your family should the need ever arise. Build or restock your Emergency kits. Emergency kits are used to get your family through rough times where normal day-to-day activities cannot be done. In these kits, FEMA, Red Cross, and the EOC on NAS 2 recommend supplies such as medications, and one gallon of water per person, per day, for three days, for drinking and sanitation. Other useful items to include are stormproof matches, a list of emergency contact numbers, a sleeping bag, and pet food. Be sure to keep this kit in a designated place, such as a shelter room, and always have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept. For a more detailed list, contact the EOC on NAS 2 or check online with Red Cross or FEMA, or even Ready.org. So we talked about preparing our families, but how to prepare our home in case a fire creeps too close for comfort? We recommend creating and maintaining an area approximately 30 feet away from your home that is free of anything that will burn, such as wood piles, dried leaves, newspapers, brush, and other landscaping that can burn. From 30 feet to 100 feet, reduce or replace as much of the most flammable vegetation as possible and prune vegetation, create “fuel breaks,” such as driveways, gravel walkways, and lawns. Work with
neighbors to create spaces up to 200 feet around your homes where vegetation is thinned to remove underbrush and ensure tall trees do not touch each other creating continuous canopies. To summarize – be aware of anything that can burn near your home and mitigate sources of fuel for the flames. Some other precautions to take can include prepping your Shelter-in-Place room to protect your family from smoke caused by wildfires. Just because the flames can’t reach your home doesn’t mean that the smoke can’t. This is especially important for family members with respiratory conditions like asthma. If you see a wildfire and haven't received evacuation orders yet, call 9-1-1. Don't assume that someone else has already called. Our dispatchers will thank you for letting them know and we will be able only then to send out responders and AtHoc messages to the community. Your support is very much needed and appreciated. If ordered to evacuate during a wildfire, do it immediately- make sure to tell someone, whether your family or command, where you are going and when you have arrived. But sometimes, even with all of the Disaster Preparation available, accidents happen. If you or someone you are with has been burned, call 9-1-1 or seek help immediately; cool and cover burns to reduce chance of further injury or infection. If you are using a DSN phone, dial 9-1-1 OR 624-1911. If you are using a cell phone or are calling from out in town, dial 095-861911. All three numbers will connect you with one of our Emergency Medical Dispatchers who will get you the help you need. When you call, our dispatchers will ask for your location and other information. You are our eyes and ears during emergencies and the better the information that you provide is, the better the response is. Again we highly encourage everyone to check with their commands to verify that their contact information in AtHoc is up to date, that way your command can get in contact with you and the EOC can keep you informed with text alerts, emails, and calls regarding ongoing or expected emergencies. Should you find yourself in any emergency, knowing your location’s address and GPS coordinates is essential to allow the EOC to send the appropriate responders to help you. Be educated and prepared for wildfires, be prepared for emergencies, and be prepared for everything. Should you have any emergencies, please call the EOC's Emergency Dispatch Center (our 911) at 09586-1911 or DSN 624-1911. For non-emergencies, you can contact the Emergency Dispatch Center at 095-865225 or DSN 624-5225. Want to learn more? Stop by the EOC at NAS 2, and our Emergency Manageme nt staff will be more than glad to guide you in preparing for a myriad of situations. You can also send an email to joshua.neal@ eu.navy.mil.
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Six Things to Know About Executive Order Enhancing Opportunities for Military Spouses Seeking Federal Government Employment Our Navy is charged with maintaining maritime superiority. We execute this charge with our One Navy Team – our Sailors, civilians and Navy families. Our families are an integral part of our team and a vital contributor to our mission success.
"ICE" continued from Page 3 EURAFSWA Region and because of that strong position, MWR was able to pass on the benefit to Sailors and their families in a number of programs. Unfortunately, the Navy wide MWR financial position has become much less sound this year and has forced Regional MWR programs to review all pricing levels, programs and services. In accordance with our CNIC Instruction, admission will be charged for everyone 6 years and older during recreational swim times. Fitness lap swim will remain free because fitness is considered mission essential. On that note, DoD Civilians, and retirees are authorized patrons of our fitness facilities and cannot be charged for an activity that is con-
sidered mission essential, same as Active Duty. Local nationals, NATO personnel, and DoD contractors are already assessed a fee to utilize our pools and fitness centers in addition to the fees incurred by all for our other recreational outlets such as the movie theater and bowling. We understand your frustration and know that you and your family are not the only ones concerned about going back to the way things were in 2014 and having fees for all recreational activities. Please know that we have taken all measures possible to continue to provide recreational swim in 2018 at the 2014 prices. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact Courtney Silvestre, NAS Sigonella’s Fleet Readiness Director, at Courtney.Silvestre@ eu.navy.mil or by phone at 624-0503.
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Infiorata Flower Festival kicks off this weekend in Noto
MAY 18, 2018
Sigonella NAVHOSP JEA volunteers clean Catania Seafront
by Alberto Lunetta
The enchanting Infiorata flower festival returns to Noto this weekend through May 20. Noto is a breathtaking Baroque city located on the southern slopes of the Iblei Mountains southwest of Siracusa, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Every year, the Infiorata, (decoration with flowers) turns Noto into a beautiful garden. Along the streets of the historic center, festivalgoers get a chance to see flower decorations that are absolutely astonishing and impressive in scale (the decorations cover about 700 square meters). This year’s festival, the 39th edition, the theme is “China in Bloom, The Silk Road." The event keeps getting more international every year. “It was a strategic choice to metaphorically mark a line of continuity and contact between two seemingly distant cultures, spatially, but at the same time so close, ideologically, united by a single common denominator: the cult of beauty in its many facets, beyond its ephemeral materiality. Many events will offer the possibility to enter the heart and appreciate the true essence of the Chinese culture and tradition, made of art, pottery, philosophy, and martial arts,” said Noto Mayor Corrado Bonfanti during a press conference. The tradition of decorating the main streets of the city was originally imitated from the one that is annually organized in Genzano, a small village located in the center of Italy. In Genzano, petals were traditionally spread to decorate the itinerary of religious processions honoring the Virgin Mary. In 1980, Noto administrators decided to hold a similar festival in their town. And so they invited the Genzano decorators to “paint” with flowers the historic center of Noto. Thus, Sicilian artists quickly learnt the techniques and the secrets of this ancient art. Since then, “Infiorata” has become one of the most important annual cultural events in Noto. Every year, the city administration announces the theme of the year and then organizes a competition for the best sketches. An award is given to the best three artists.
Festival Highlights Here are some of the must-see festival’s highlights. Infioratori, (the ones who decorate with flowers) begin to fill the drawings with colorful petals a few days before the official opening which will take place this evening (May 18) at 5 p.m. Tons of flower petals (about 400,000 including carnations, gerberas, daisies, roses wild flowers and more) are used to create big carpets that typically reproduce holy images and modern topics. Via Corrado Nicolaci, one among Noto’s main streets, will be covered by a mantel of flowers although there will be smaller decorations on some adjoining roads, courtyards and squares. The magnificent balconies of Palazzo Villadorata, the mesmerizing Montevergini Church, and the elegance of the aristocratic palaces of Modica and Giunta, form a unique Baroque backdrop for the event. Those skilled artists will work all night through dawn to create magnificent decorations. The festival will also feature a vintage car parade, dance and music shows, art exhibits and food booths selling local specialties as well as a spectacular Baroque costume parade (Sunday, May 20 at 3 p.m.) and the not-to-be-missed breathtaking final fireworks & music show. For detailed festival schedules, visit http://www.infioratadinoto.it/
What to see in town If you want a good reason to visit Noto, you should know
"ITALIAN NEWS" continued on Page 15
by Alberto Lunetta CATANIA, Sicily - Volunteers from the US Naval Hospital Sigonella Junior Enlisted Association turned out on May 12 for the Naval Air Station Sigonella Public Affairs Community Relations environmental initiative called "Keep the Catania seafront clean!" The activity began early in the morning with the Sigonella volunteers clearing litter from the black lava rock cliffs lining the enchanting Catania seafront. The Sailors were joined by volunteers from the Catania Lions Club. Catania Environmental Chairman Rosario D'Agata, who provided trash bags and gloves for the volunteers, thanked the Sigonella Sailors for their efforts aimed at educating the public about the conservation of the marine environment and litter issues.
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Under Secretary Explores Navy Training From Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs
Under Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly received a firsthand look at training offered by Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) and visited two naval aviation training commands during a visit to Pensacola, Florida May 10. Modly has initiated a clean-sheet review of the Department of the Navy's approach to education across the Navy and Marine Corps. He is working to instill a learning culture with his "Education for Seapower" initiative investing in knowledge and creating a force that thirsts for it. While rapid technological advances are driving the basic requirements for this mandate, knowledge is not purely defined by technical competence, and the department must create a culture that is committed to learning as a lifelong process and a lifelong passion for knowledge. As an overview to where much of Navy training begins, NETC staff kicked off the morning by providing Modly with an update on the latest force development approaches that take recruits from "street-to-fleet" and transforms civilians into highly skilled, operational, and combat-ready warfighters at 236 learning sites around the world. "This is a significant part of our Manpower, Personnel, Training, and Education (MPT & E) efforts for Sailor 2025 as we build and manage the talented Sailors required for the Navy the nation needs," said Rear Adm. John Nowell, director, Military Personnel Plans and Policy (N13), who accompanied Modly. "We all know that our greatest advantage over any competitor is our people. There is so much going on behind the scenes every day as we work toward providing Sailors the right training at the right time throughout the continuum of their careers." Visiting some of the training going on in Pensacola gave Modly examples of innovation and current instructional methods at NETC's naval aviation maintenance and information warfare community schoolhouses. As part of Sailor 2025, Ready, Relevant Learning will leverage training technology that ranges from simple visual demonstration tools, such as YouTube-like videos, to more complex, immersive simulators and virtual trainers. After a walk-through of traditional metal fabrication and engine labs and a hangar for aviation ordnance training at Naval Air Technical Training Center (NATTC), one of the highlights of the visit was a demonstration of the Multipurpose Reconfigurable Training System 3D® (MRTS 3D®)simula-
PENSACOLA, Fla. (May 10, 2018) Chief Aviation Support Equipment Technician Andrew Czarnecki shows Under Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly the Multipurpose Reconfigurable Training System 3D® (MRTS 3D®) Mobile Electric Power Plant (MEPP) simulator at Naval Air Technical Training Center. Czarnecki, an Aviation Support Equipment "A" School instructor, demonstrated how the gaming technology can be used to train initial accession aviation maintenance students. Modly has initiated a clean-sheet review, or "Education for Seapower" initiative, of the Department of the Navy's approach to education across the Navy and Marine Corps to instill a learning culture in the department where knowledge produces sea power. Modly's Pensacola visit was an opportunity to update him on the latest force development approaches for building a talented fleet by taking recruits from "street-to-fleet" and transforming civilians into highly skilled, operational, and combat ready warfighters. (U.S. Navy photo by Bruce Cummins/Released)
tor. MRTS 3D® is an affordable, versatile and flexible, flat panel touch-screen gaming technology system that gives students multiple opportunities to virtually perform tasks. At NATTC, the technology is designed to provide initial accession aviation maintenance personnel with virtual experience on a Mobile Electric Power Plant, such as manipulating switches and selecting tools for the job before them. MRTS 3D® is also being used to train on submarine radio rooms, Virginia-class attack submarine torpedo rooms, and emergency diesel generators. Modly also visited the Center for Information Warfare Training, where leaders discussed how they approach keeping up with technology advances in such a dynamically evolving warfare area. Afterward, Information Warfare Training Command Corry Station staff led Modly through a tour of the Joint Cyber Analysis Course, which trains Navy cryptologic technician (networks) personnel and other armed services personnel to perform technical network analysis in the functional areas of cyberspace operations. A stop at the AN/SLQ-32(V)6 lab showed Modly how cryptologic technician technical students, both new accession Sailors and seasoned fleet returnees, are prepared to operate the latest version
of the shipboard AN/SLQ-32. This module of the electronic warfare system represented a significant technology change from the previous versions, requiring a new course to prepare Sailors with computer networking skills and the theory and function of the system. After NETC's tour, Modly visited the Naval School of Aviation Safety, which educates aviation officers on conducting aggressive mishap prevention programs, and Training Air Wing (CTW) 6. Responsible for all Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) Naval Flight Officer (NFO) training and production, CTW-6 increases efficiencies through the reduction of aircraft type model series while taking advantage of new training technologies and simulation capabilities for the Naval Flight Officer Training System (NFOTS) program. The program uses the latest in military training aircraft and high-fidelity ground-based training systems, including the Operational Flight Trainer capable of simulating any flight profile or maneuver required by the training syllabus and the Multi-Crew Simulator, which features the latest in high-fidelity virtual live constructive simulation. Multipurpose Reconfigurable Training System 3D®, MRTS 3D®, and the MRTS 3D logo are registered trademarks of the U.S. Navy.
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Asian Amer Islander Her
“Unite Our Vision By API Heritage Month provides the Navy, and the nation, with the opportunity to honor the contributions that Asian American and Pacific Islanders have made to the country, reflect on the challenges that still face the AAPI community, and work to promote an environment that values inclusivity and pluralism. During AAPI Month, and throughout the year, the Department of the Navy celebrates
the culture, traditions a than 56 ethnic groups 100 languages, that h Pacific Islands, and re role of the AAPI comm prosperity. Asian Americans and a long legacy of servi dates back to the 19
Pilot Hazel Ying Lee Rear Admiral Gordon Chung-Hoon Rear Admiral Gordon Pai’ea Chung-Hoon was the recipient of the Navy Cross, the second highest Navy award for combat valor, and the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of USS Sigsbee. On April 14, 1945, during the invasion on Okinawa, a kamikaze crashed into the Sigsbee, reducing her starboard engine to five knots and knocking out the ship’s port engine and steering control. The attack killed 23 crewmen and nearly sank the destroyer. Despite the damage, Chung-Hoon, Portrait courtesy of then a commander, kept his anti-aircraft the U.S. Navy batteries delivering “prolonged and effective fire” against the air attack while concurrently directing the damage control efforts that allowed the destroyer to make port under her own power. He retired as a two-star admiral and was the nation’s first Asian-Pacific American flag officer. In 2004, the Navy honored him by naming a guided missile destroyer after him.
Photo courtesy of the U.S. Air Force
Hazel Ying Lee joined the Women Airforce Service Pilots, better known as WASP, and was trained to ferry aircraft. She was the first Chinese-American woman aviator, and the first Chinese-American woman to fly for the United States military. Lee was killed in the line of duty, becoming the last WASP to die in service to her country. Identical landing orders were given to Lee and another pilot. The two planes collided, engulfing them in flames. Three days after her death, her parents were notified that Lee’s brother Victor, who was serving with the U.S. Tanks Corps, had been killed in combat in France.
Sergeant First Class Rodney Yano
Photo courtesy of the U.S. Army
Rodney Yano, a third generation JapaneseAmerican, was born in Hawaii. He left high school before graduating and enlisted in the U.S. Army. In 1969, he volunteered as a helicopter crew chief and door gunner on a combat mission. During a firefight, a grenade exploded inside the aircraft, severely wounding Yano. He hurled blazing ammunition from the helicopter enabling the crew to regain control of the aircraft and to land safely. He died later that day. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions. In 1997, a U.S. Navy ship was named in his honor.
MAY 18, 2018
ican Pacific itage Month
y Working Together”
and ancestries of more s, speaking more than hail from Asia and the ecognizes the essential munity in our country's
d Pacific Islanders have ice in the Navy, which 9th century, and AAPI
service members continue to leverage their skills, talents, perspectives and ideas on behalf of the mission. The Department of the Navy recognizes that our greatest asset is our people, whose diverse talents and skill sets are imperative to our success, and honors AAPI service members, as part of One Navy Team, as a demonstration of its commitment to fostering an actively inclusive workforce.
Brigadier General Vicente “Ben” T. Blaz Brig. Gen. Vicente “Ben” T. Blaz was only 13 years old when Japanese forces attacked and captured Guam in 1941. Through the occupation he was forced to be a laborer for his captors until Navy and Marine forces liberated the island in July 1944. Blaz assisted the Marines during the liberation, guiding them through the terrain as they battled Japanese troops. At the beginning of the Korean War, he joined the Marine Corps Reserve and attended Officer Candidate School. Blaz was commissioned a second Photo courtesy of lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps after the U.S. Marine Corps graduation, and served in Japan during the Korean War. Through his time in service to the Corps, he attended a number of schools to include the Navy’s School of Naval Justice, the Army’s Artillery and Guided Missile School and the Naval War College, where he became a distinguished graduate. In 1972, he was the commanding officer of the 9th Marine Regiment, one of the major units involved in the liberation of his native Guam. Blaz retired from the Marine Corps with the rank of Brigadier General in 1980. He was the first Chamorro, or native of the Marianas Islands, from Guam to achieve the rank of brigadier general.
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Seaman Second Class Florence Smith Finch
Photo courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard
Native Filipino Florence Finch worked for Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s intelligence office before the Japanese invasion of the Philippines. After the fall of the island, she smuggled supplies to American prisoners-of-war and Filipino guerrillas. The Japanese arrested Finch, where she was interrogated and tortured. She was freed by American forces in 1945 where she boarded a Coast Guard-manned transport bound for the United States. She enlisted in the Coast Guard Women’s Reserve, becoming the first Pacific IslandAmerican woman to don a Coast Guard uniform.
Sipex Sun In 2017, Sipex Sun, project engineer and general engineer for Dugway's Test Support Division, was honored as one of 10 Asian American Engineers of the Year. A Civil Service employee for the Army, he was the only representative of the U.S. military selected for the honor. Born in 1966 in Cambodia, he had just finished 3rd grade when the Photo courtesy communist dictator Pol Pot and his Dugway Public Affairs followers took power in 1975. When North Vietnam overthrew Pol Pot in 1979, Sun and his family walked through mine fields to a refugee camp in Thailand. Two years later, Sun’s family was sponsored to enter the United States. In 1990, he became the first Cambodian to graduate from Utah State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. He worked in a variety of jobs related to engineering until hired in 2002 by Dugway. Sun’s expertise, communication abilities across multiple levels, and innovation were emphasized in recommendations from management, coworkers and command for this award.
Conclusion The rich heritage of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders spans the world and the depths of America’s history. Generation after generation, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have forged Photo courtesy of the U.S. Navy a proud legacy that reflects the spirit of our Nation—a country that values the contributions of everyone who calls America home.
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MAY 18, 2018
NAS SIGONELLA COMMUNITY PAGE All Hands News Bulletin:
SPOUSE ORIENTATION
THE 5 LOVE LANGUAGES OF CHILDREN
Command, Department or Organization: Fleet and Family Support Center Date of Event: 21 May Time: 0800-1445 Location of Event: NAS 1 Fleet and Family Services Bldg. 319 Point of Contact Name: Andrea Carobene Point of Contact Phone Number: 624-4291 Point of Contact Email Address: andrea.carobene.it@eu.navy.mil Additional Information: Tailored to help all new spouses acclimate to their new environment. The goal is to help you experience a positive start in Sigonella, explore the new community, adapt to overseas life, and establish a network with other spouses. This class is open to anyone who would also like to learn hands on how to use the bus and train system in Catania. Call for an appointment today at The Fleet and Family Center at 095-56-4291 or DSN 624-4291
Organization: Health Promotion and Wellness Date of Event: June 12 Time of event: 09:00- 11:00 Location: NAS I Midtown Classroom Point of Contact Name: Health Promotion and Wellness Point of Contact Phone Number: 624-4710 Point of Contact Email Address: usn.sigonella.navhospsigonellait.mesg.hp@ mail.mil. Additional Information: Do you want to discover the secrets to making sure your child feels loved? The Five Love Languages of Children Workshop is for you! Facilitated by Mr. Richard Graves, the Credo Facilitator, this class is open to all parents, including single and expecting parents! To sign up and for more info call Health Promotion 624-4710 or e-mail usn. sigonella.navhospsigonellait.mesg.hp@mail.mil.
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: May 7 - May 14, 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 18, 2018
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GAMEZONE GIANT HOUSE GOLDENROD CRAB GRAY CROSS GREEN LYNX HAMMOCK HERCULES BABOON HOBO JEWEL JOHNSON JUMPER JUMPING LADYBIRD MIMIC NURSERY WEB ORBWEAVER PARSON
PIRATE REDBACK RUNNING SOWBUG KILLER SPITTING STEALTHY GROUND STRIPED LYNX TENT WEB TURRET TWIG WESTERN LYNX WHIP WOODLOUSE ZEBRA
MEDIUM
ANT MIMIC ARROWHEAD BANDED GARDEN BIRD DROPPING BOLAS BOLD JUMPER BROWN RECLUSE BROWN WIDOW BUTTON CELLAR ENAMEL FILMY DOME FLOWER GHOST
EASY
Find and circle all of the spider species that are hidden in the grid. The remaining letters spell a secret message.
DIFFICULT
Spiders 2
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NCTS Sicily Breaks Command’s Alcohol Related Incident-Free Record By NCTS Sicily Public Affairs Office
Naval Computer and Telecommunication Station’s (NCTS) mission is to provide secure and reliable telecommunications in support of Command, Control, Computer, Communications, and Intelligence (C4I) to U.S. naval, joint, inter-agency and coalition forces operating in U.S. European Command (EUCOM),
U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), and U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) theaters of operation. But, in order to meet its mission, the command requires top-notch Sailors and civilians who are effectively trained and equipped to intercept intelligence, secure communications, and rebroadcast vital messages to nuclear missile deterrent forces across the Europe and African theatres. The
NCTS Sicily team works 24/7 to guarantee that critical messages make it to the warfighter without interruption or delay. Commands around the globe have another mission: to remain free from any alcohol related incidents (ARI) by any personnel in the command. As of May 9, NCTS Sicily celebrated 500 consecutive days without an alcohol related incident. Cmdr. Manny Cordero, commanding officer for NCTS Sicily, said, “I am incredibly proud of the character and competence of our team here in Sigonella. We have the best of the best, and staying ARI-free for 500 days is further proof that our personnel care about their jobs, they care about their teammates, and they are excelling at meeting our mission here at NCTS Sicily.” The Navy Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention program works with Department of Navy personnel to encourage them to drink responsibly, prevent prescription drug misuse, provide the
latest drug and alcohol policies, programs, and procedures. NCTS Sicily command Drug and Alcohol Programs Advisor, Yeoman Chief Petty Officer Jennifer Finch said, “Five hundred days ARI-Free is a major accomplishment. It means that training is working and personnel understand that they can have fun and drink safely if they choose to drink. It also means that the command climate is such that personnel know who to call and how to get help when they need it.” NCTS Sicily’s next goal? Remaining ARI-free for two consecutive years and the remainder of 2018. NCTS Sicily reports to U.S. Fleet Cyber Command, the Navy component command to U.S. Strategic Command and U.S. Cyber Command, to provide secure and reliable telecommunications in EUCOM, AFRICOM, and CENTCOM theaters of operation. The command represents a long history of superior command and control to a vital region of the world.
MAY 18, 2018 "ITALIAN NEWS" continued from Page 6 that this amazing Baroque town is so precious that it was chosen by UNESCO to be part of its World Heritage List. UNESCO, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, has indeed inscribed Noto and other seven towns in south-eastern Sicily (Caltagirone, Militello Val di Catania, Catania, Modica, Palazzolo, Ragusa and Scicli), on the World Heritage List, which consists of 563 cultural properties throughout the world. Those cities were all rebuilt after the terrible earthquake that struck Sicily in 1693. UNESCO officials maintain that those cities represent a considerable collective undertaking featuring a unique architectural and artistic style. So while you visit the Infiorata, remember that you are in one of the most beautiful Baroque cities in the world. Did you also know that Noto is called “Garden of stone and gold” for the yellowish-rosy color of its buildings and monuments? Once you are there you’ll figure out by yourself! Noto is located about 20 miles south of Siracusa. The city was built next to the river Asinaro in 1703 on the ruins of the ancient Roman City of Netum on the Alveria Mount, which was destroyed in the earthquake of 1693. As it happened pretty much everywhere around Sicily, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Swabians, Aragoneses, and Span-
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iards conquered Noto throughout the centuries. But unfortunately, few traces of the pre-Baroque civilizations got lost because of the earthquake. So, today’s Noto displays just the 18th century baroque layout. Noto boasts a plethora of churches and palaces that are among the most valuable examples of the skills of talented artists of the time such as Gagliardi, Sinatra, Labisi. Graceful curves of floral interfacings, of foreshortened views of palaces, gardens, and capitals and of putti decorate the facades of churches and buildings like the Church of San Francesco, San Domenico, Immacolata, San Carlo, Santa Chiara, the Franciscan Convent and the Salvatore Benedictine Monastery. Among the aristocratic palaces, Palazzo Ducezio is definitely worth a visit. Architect Vincenzo Sinagra designed it in 1748. Beautiful neo-classical style frescoes by Antonio Mazza decorate the interiors. For more information and detailed schedules, visit http://www.comune.noto.sr.it
Italians Are Furious That Starbucks Is Coming to Milan Story by The Daily Meal A Facebook poll showed that only 13 percent of voters would welcome the American coffee chain. Go to any bar (cafe) in Italy on any morning, any day of the week or year, and you will find yourself immersed in a wonderful and quintessentially Italian experience: the ritual of the morning coffee. Men and women, getting ready to start the day, standing at the counter, ordering espresso in varying forms, perhaps eating a cornetto here and there (con crema, marmellata or vuoto depending on one’s preference), maybe chatting to one another or maybe on their phone, while the barista on the other side confidently and expertly goes through the motions that result in some of the best cups of coffee in the world.
PAGE 15 You can find great coffee anywhere in Italy, from big cities to rural villages, at airports (even the vending machines have better coffee than some countries), at train stations, and at autostops along the highways — not your average gas station coffee, to say the least. But now Starbucks, the mammoth coffee company founded in Seattle in 1971, is coming to town. The chain recently announced that the first Milan location will open September 2018 in a 25,000-squarefoot historic post office building near the city’s iconic Duomo — and the news has reignited the fury of Italians everywhere. The Local, an Italian branch of the English-language news network, noted that the latest caffeinefueled uproar has caused fans of Italian coffee everywhere to take to Twitter, quickly making the new Starbucks the most discussed topic on Italian social media. The Local also posted a poll on their Facebook page asking readers to “vote yay or nay to Starbucks in Italy.” The final poll results were definitive, with 87 percent of readers choosing “Mamma mia! No thanks!”. Voters opinions ranged from mild objection to confusion and even outright rage. Many voiced the opinion that Starbucks coffee is “too hot” as well as “burnt” and “acidic,” while others discussed price (in Italy the average price for a coffee is one euro) as well as portion size (coffees are also smaller in Italy and considered to be much more reasonable) and even joked about Starbucks’ cup sizes. Some critics however, weren’t as angry. While almost no one reacted with unbridled joy, some (almost sheepishly) admitted that a Frappuccino every once in a while might not be the worst thing in the world and others predicted that patrons of the first Italian Starbucks will most luckily be “millennials,” tourists, and people looking for free Wi-Fi and a place to sit. From the sound of things, it doesn’t seem like many residents of Italy will be fans of the healthiest and unhealthiest Starbucks drinks any time soon.
Navy Lodge Perfect for Families on PCS Orders By Kristine M. Sturkie NEXCOM Public Affairs Specialist
With spring around the corner, many military families may soon be receiving permanent change of station (PCS) orders to move to a new duty station. Navy Lodge is the official government lodging when on PCS orders. Navy Lodge offers guests value with room rates at an average of 45 percent below comparable civilian hotels. “Navy Lodges are a comfortable and safe place to stay for families on PCS orders,” said Elizabeth Leavitt, General Manager. “In addition to being a friendly and inviting place for one night or an extended stay, Navy Lodges offers spacious rooms, comfortable lobby and free WiFi, breakfast, newspaper and weekly manager’s reception. Most Navy Lodges also allow pets under 70 pounds to stay in the room with their family.” Navy Lodge family suites offer guests oversized rooms with living and dining area, fully equipped kitchen and flat screen televisions with cable and DVD player. On-site amenities include guest laundry facilities, vending machines, and pet area on the property. Every Navy Lodge is handicapped accessible.
Authorized Navy Lodge guests on PCS orders can take advantage of a scratch-off card offering a 10, 15 or 25 percent discount or a free stay up to 20 nights. The discount is valid at all Navy Lodges in the continental United States until February 28, 2019. Guests may use only one discount per stay. Guests can pick up their scratch-off card on base at PSD, the housing office, household goods, the personal property office or NEX Customer Service desk. Scratch-off cards can also be sent to a guest by calling the Navy Lodge Reservation Center at (800) 628-9466. For reservations, call (800) 628-9466 or go on line at www.navy-lodge.com or www.dodlodging.com.
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