Honoring the Fallen: The History of Memorial Day
Navy Approves More TA Semester Hours and Raises Funding Cap
PAGE 4
PAGE 7
National Police Week Honored in Sicily
N A S SIG O N E L L A
PAGES 8-9
MAY 25, 2018
Vol. 35 No. 20
Motorcycle Safety: Staying Alive to Enjoy the Ride
SIGONELLA, Sicily (May 16, 2018) Sailors participate in a motorcycle maneuvering course during the 2018 Motorcycle Safety Rodeo onboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Gordon/Released) by MC2 Christopher Gordon NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
Around 50 engines roared to life as Around 50 engines roared to life as Sigonella Citizens participated in the 2018 Motorcycle Safety Rodeo on Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, May 16. The safety rodeo lasted all day, starting with a safety presentation in the Midtown Theater, followed by a quick safety course in the parking lot and ending with a group ride outside of base. “The whole idea behind the rodeo is having a safety-first mindset, because riding is fun, but it’s also serious fun,” said Chief Yeoman Eric Wilmoth, NAS Sigonella Installa-
tion Motorcycle Safety Representative. “Make sure that you’re wearing your safety equipment and that your head is in the game when you’re riding. Also verify that your equipment is actually functioning the way it is supposed to.” All active duty military riders and passengers, on or off base, and all riders with passengers on any Department of the Navy installation shall comply with the following personal protection requirements while riding motorcycles: 1. Head Protection. A helmet meeting Department of Transportation, Snell Memorial Foundation Certification, or host nation certification shall be worn and properly fastened under the chin. Fake or
SIGONELLA, Sicily (May 16, 2018) Chief Aviation Support Equipment Technician Carlos Diaz navigates the motorcycle maneuvering course during the 2018 Motorcycle Safety Rodeo onboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Gordon/Released)
novelty helmets are prohibited. 2. Eye Protection. Protective eye devices designed for motorcycle operations (impact or shatter resistant safety glasses, goggles, wrap around glasses sealing the eye, or face shield properly attached to the helmet) shall be worn. A windshield, standard sunglasses, or standard eyewear alone are not proper eye protection. 3. Foot Protection. Sturdy over the ankle footwear that affords protection for the feet and ankles shall be worn. 4. Protective Clothing. Riders and passengers shall wear a longsleeved shirt or jacket, long trousers, and full-fingered gloves or mittens designed for use on a motorcycle. Motorcycle jackets constructed of abrasion resistant materials such as leather, Kevlar, and containing impact-absorbing padding are highly recommended. To enhance the ability of other vehicle operators to see and avoid motorcyclists, outer garments constructed of brightly colored and reflective materials are highly recommended. Reflective outer garments or vests are strongly advised during nighttime hours and periods of limited visibility. (i.e., dusk/dawn, fog, rain, etc.) Every year the rodeo is held to keep the service members and civilians at Sigonella updated on safety concerns and refreshed in useful riding techniques. “All in all it was a good day; the weather was good and those that came out had a great time,” said Wilmoth. “I think most riders don’t ride all the time, they just own a motorcycle. Those riders are the people that need to come out and take
particular note to the curriculum so when they do decide to go out on their motorcycle they hopefully aren’t as rusty as they were when they walked into the training.” According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data, in 2016 there were 5,286 motorcyclists killed in motor vehicle crashes in the United States, 12 of whom were Navy shipmates. While the national numbers have not been released for 2017, the Navy recorded 21 Sailor deaths in motorcycle crashes during fiscal year 2017. The Naval Safety Center encourages drivers to be aware of their surroundings and watch for motorcyclists, not only during the spring and summer months, but throughout the year. Motorcyclists should obey the rules of the road and always practice good safety measures to ensure they are more visible to other motorists. Reducing crashes is a shared responsibility for automobile drivers and motorcyclists alike. Safe riding and cooperation from all motorists can help reduce the number of incidents. Remember to stay alert, use common sense, and always be courteous on the road. 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.
THE SIGNATURE
PAGE 2
MAY 25, 2018
Direct Line
Marlon Gomez, NAS Sigonella Safety Officer Hola Sig Citizens, Greetings from your friends at the base Safety Office. I would like to take a minute to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday weekend. Memorial Day weekend is the gateway to summer and it represents the truth of the American Military’s willingness to give their all, and to the American people’s understanding of that sacrifice. It is a good opportunity to take a minute to reflect on the importance of safety in our daily activities. As we enter in to the period of time between Memorial Day and Labor Day also referred to as the “101 critical days of summer” please keep safety at the forefront of everything you do. Nicer weather means more time being spent outdoors. During this critical time the risk of off-duty
mishaps increases as more people are participating in recreational activities, having barbeques, going to the beach, and traveling on vacations. If you are planning on a trip take the time to do an Operational Risk Management (ORM) assessment. ORM is a decision-making process used by people at all levels to increase operational effectiveness. It can be used to anticipate hazards and reduce the potential for loss, resulting in increasing the probability of a successful mission. Another valuable resource is the Travel Risk Planning System (TRIPS) website. TRIPS is an online tool that will assist you in calculating your travel route times and distances and provide you the risks associated with your trip. In order to maximize your holi-
day season experience: have a plan. Ensure you know who to call in case of an emergency. If you are traveling alone on the island let someone know exactly where you are going. Utilize local resources to make sure your car is ready for road trips. The folks at the Auto Hobby shop are always willing to assist in do-it-yourself vehicle maintenance projects or, if time is not on your side, the Auto Port experienced mechanics can provide the service for you. The base Safety Office is also a resource for you while considering plans, we can assist your with your risk assessment, help you with TRIPS, or simply provide you with a safety checklist. For more information please call us at 624-5630 or 624-6261.
As a reminder, please slow down when driving, look twice for motorcyclists, wear your personal protective equipment if you ride a motorcycle, don’t text and drive, and if you are going to drink have a plan and come back to us refreshed and ready to continue the mission! Have a fun and safe Memorial Day Sigonella!
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 Bravo Zulu for Security:
I wanted to give the Security department a Bravo Zulu for responding to an injury call at the baseball fields on Marinai recently. They arrived quickly, and were professional and compassionate. They were very understanding on the slight panic I was in when I arrived and went well beyond to help with the situation. Their understanding and quick arrival time helped to calm my daughter. Their work, prompt arrival, compassion and understanding are exactly what was needed for this type of call. Michelle Dickey
Response:
Ma'am, Thank you very much for the positive feedback. I hope your daughter, you and your family are doing well. Your kind words truly mean a lot and we will ensure that this comment makes to all who were involved in ensuring your daughter was taken care of. Emergency dispatch, Security Department, Fire and Emergency Services, and Medical all go above and beyond to take care of the Sigonella community. Comments like yours definitely let emergency first responders know exactly how valuable they are too and lift the morale of everyone. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to reach out and express this positive experience.
Comment regarding Base Theater:
Thank you for the great movies that are played, for the low prices, and the little taste of America here in Italy. I wanted to bring to someone's attention that there is a seat that has been broken for more than five months now. It is located
in the left theater room, seat H4. Could someone please take a look at it? This facility is great, and it would be nice to see it intact.
Response:
Thank you for visiting the Midtown 2 Theater and for taking the time to let us know about your experience while visiting our facilities. We are currently in the process of repairing, cleaning and reupholstering all theater seating in the Midtown 2 facility. In fact, we have just completed steam cleaning for the small theater seating and will begin the reupholster process for those seats that need it. We will also start the cleaning process for the large theater seats in the coming weeks which means the seat you are referring to will either be completely repaired or removed. We apologize for the amount of down time for this seat but hope to get it up soon. Thank you again for letting us know of areas where we can improve. If you have any other observations or suggestions, Mr. Chandler is the Theater manager and can be reached at Darryl.Chandler@eu.navy.mil.
MAY 25, 2018
THE SIGNATURE
PAGE 3
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
From Capt. Brent Trickel NAS Sigonella Commanding Officer
Each year we observe Memorial Day by honoring the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to this great nation. As a day of remembrance it is only fitting that we pause, reflect, and pay tribute to those that have chosen to wear the uniform of any of our Armed Forces and lay down their life for the principles of liberty and democracy. Memorial Day unofficially marks the beginning of the summer holiday season and a certain amount of excitement naturally accompanies these early days of summer. As you begin to plan and anticipate outdoor activities and getaways, I encourage all Sig’ citizens to enjoy the season without becoming statistics due to off-duty accidents. Last year 26 Sailors and Marines perished between Memorial Day and Labor Day. I want all of you to have fun this summer, but still take safety into consideration. If you are going to drink alcohol, have a designated driver, have a plan, and consume responsibly. The decisions you make will not only affect you, but your families, your colleagues and our mission. Have fun, be safe, and look out for one another!
Community Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil Editor MCC Jessica Vargas Jessica.Vargas@eu.navy.mil PAO Staff Writer \ Photographer MC2 Christopher Gordon Christopher.Gordon@eu.navy.mil CONTACT US Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily thesig@eu.navy.mil DSN 624-5440; 095-86-5440 PSC 812 Box 7, FPO, AE 09627-0001 PUBLISHER Stampa Generale S.r.l., Sig. Bruno Brandi, Publisher, Naval Support Activity Capodichino (Naples), Italy stampagenerale@tin.it Tel. 081-568-7884 Fax 081-568-7887 This civilian enterprise (CE) newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services overseas. Contents of The Signature are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense (DoD), or the U.S. Navy. The appearance of advertising in this newspaper, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DoD or Stampa Generale S.r.l., of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factorof the purchaser, user or patron. A confirmed violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. 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 25, 2018
Honoring the Fallen:
9 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Memorial Day By Elizabeth M. Collins Defense Media Activity
The history of Memorial Day. 1. Memorial Day is not a new idea: Societies have celebrated and honored their war dead since time immemorial. The Greeks and Romans, for example, held annual days of remembrance each year, decorating gravesites and holding feasts and festivals. The Greeks also held public funeral processions after major battles, to honor all of their fallen. Legendary General Pericles memorialized the heroes of the Peloponnesian War during one such funeral in 431 B.C., according to the Department of Veterans Affairs and History.com, saying "Not only are they commemorated by columns and inscriptions, but there dwells also an unwritten memorial of them, graven not in stone but in the hearts of men." 2. Memorial Day was known as Decoration Day for more than a century, after the flowers and flags used to decorate graves. Until World War I, the holiday solely recognized those killed during the Civil War - some 625,000 men. The number, historian David W. Blight pointed out in a New York Times op-ed, was so staggering that if the same percentage of Americans had died in Vietnam, some 4 million names would be on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.
selected the date because it wasn't the anniversary of a major Civil War battle, but also, historians believe, so the "choicest flowers of springtime" would be available in the North.
3. According to the VA, about 25 cities claim to be the site of the first Memorial Day celebration, although President Lyndon B. Johnson officially recognized Waterloo, New York, as the birthplace in a 1966 presidential proclamation. The city hosted its first commemoration, May 5, 1866, after a local druggist suggested it would be nice for the city to honor its war dead. Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, claims the honor as well, as do Carbondale, Illinois; Richmond, Virginia; Macon, Georgia, and two separate towns named Columbus.
5. At the same time, the holiday has distinctly Confederate roots. Even before the war was over, Southern women gathered in cemeteries to decorate the graves of their fallen with flowers. In the spring of 1866, Mary Ann Williams wrote to the Columbus Times on behalf of the Ladies Memorial Association of Columbus, Georgia, suggesting a "certain day to be observed, from the Potomac to the Rio Grande, and be handed down through time as a religious custom of the South to wreath the graves of our martyred dead with flowers." She recommended April 26, the anniversary of Gen. Joseph E. Johnston's surrender of the largest remaining Confederate army to Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman in North Carolina. Newspapers nationwide reprinted her letter, although at least one used the wrong date. As a result, Columbus, Mississippi, held its celebration a day early.
4. In 1865, a group of newly freed slaves dug up a mass grave in a Charleston, South Carolina, race course, where at least 257 mistreated Northern prisoners of war had been thrown after dying of disease, according to Blight. To recognize the Soldiers' sacrifices in the name of freedom, the former slaves buried each man properly and built a fence around the new cemetery to honor the "Martyrs of the Race Course." They then staged a 10,000-person parade on the racetrack, complete with flowers, crosses and music, May 1. A brigade's worth of Union Soldiers participated, including the 54th Massachusetts and the 34th and 104th United States Colored Troops.
6. Major Gen. John A. Logan, commander in chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, an early veterans service organization, reportedly spoke at one such ceremony in his hometown of Carbondale that year. He later declared May 30, 1868 a day for "strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land. ... Their soldier lives were the reveille of freedom to a race in chains and their deaths the tattoo of rebellious tyranny in arms. We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance." He
8. Every state had adopted Memorial Day as an official holiday by the turn of the century, but it didn't become a federal holiday until 1971. The observance also moved from May 30 to the last Monday of the month, according to the VA.
7. The first national Decoration Day observance took place at the fledgling Arlington National Cemetery that May 30 in response, featuring a keynote address by Union Maj. Gen. and future President James A. Garfield: "Here are sheaves reaped in the harvest of death, from every battlefield of Virginia. ... The voices of these dead will forever fill the land like holy benedictions," he told about 5,000 people, including another future president, Gen. Ulysses S. Grant. The 3rd U.S. Infantry Division (The Old Guard) began placing small flags on each grave at the cemetery a few days before the holiday in 1948, a tradition that continues today.
9. Congress further enshrined the importance of Memorial Day in December 2000 with "The National Moment of Remembrance Act," which encourages all Americans to pause at 3:00 p.m. local time for a moment of silence to honor and remember those who have given their lives in service to the United States.
MAY 25, 2018
THE SIGNATURE
PAGE 5
PAGE 6
THE SIGNATURE
MAY 25, 2018
NAS Sigonella COMREL Program Receives “Judge Livatino-Saetta” Community Service Award Story by Alberto Lunetta
On May 19, Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Community Relations (COMREL) program was presented with the prestigious "Premio Internazionale Livatino Saetta" award. A community service award, named after two judges who were killed by the Mafia in the 1990s, given to Sigonella in recognition of the ongoing off-base community service projects. Over the past ten years, Sigonella Public Affairs Office (PAO) coordinated COMREL projects have gradually increased reaching an average of about 200 projects annually. Base volunteers from all branches of service dedicated about 6,000 hours to community service events conducted at Sicilian churches, schools, charities, foster care homes and historic sites. The award ceremony took place in the auditorium of the Sabin Istituto Professionale Industria e Artigianato (IPSIA) high school in Giarre. Cmdr. Manny Cordero, commanding officer, Naval Computer and Telecommunication Station (NCTS) Sicily, a delegation of Marines from Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 2, and Air Force representatives from Sigonella, who were accompanied by NAS Sigonella COMREL Director Dr. Alberto Lunetta, attended the recognition ceremony to accept the award. The event, marking its 24th anniversary, was organized by the Comitato Antimafia Livatino-Saetta, a grassroots anti-Mafia volunteer organization promoting the “Culture of Legality" and organizing activities aimed at teaching children and the general public to resist criminality as well as supporting police-judicial crackdown on the mafia by educating schools students and guiding them to discover their rights as citizens. The COMREL award honors two judges who were killed by the Mafia about thirty years ago. One of the two judges is Rosario Livatino. He was a magistrate committed to fighting Mafia criminality and corruption in the Sicilian town of Agrigento. In September 1990, four mobsters shot the 38-year-old magistrate dead as he left his house to go to court. The strength of Livatino's Catholic faith was such that in a speech on May 9, 1993, Pope John Paul II referred to him as “a martyr to justice and indirectly to the faith." As reported by Cruxnow.com, “a local phase for the sainthood cause of Judge Livatino wrapped up in Sicily last year just days after local media reported his tombstone had been defaced - a reminder in death of the same threats Livatino faced in life, for standing up to the mob's stranglehold on local life.” The other judge killed by the mob was 66-year-old Antonio Saetta, who was found dead along with his disabled son, Stefano, 35, by the police on a country road in central Sicily in 1988. The New York Times reported, “Judge Saetta handed down tough sentences against leaders of the Sicilian Mafia and was assassinated in what the authorities called the first Mafia killing of a sitting judge in recent years. In 1985, Judge Saetta affirmed the life sentences against one of Italy's top fugitives, Salvatore Greco, and against Mr. Greco’s brother, Michele.” Every year, this prestigious community service award is given to persons and organizations who made a difference by bringing significant contributions to their community through their time, actions, talents and dedication. This year, organizers decided to award NAS Sigonella’s Navy, Marine and Air Force volunteers for having consistently demonstrated qualities of compassion, service and conducting a variety of volunteer activities over the past years in the Sicilian communities. The other award recipients included Sandro Raimondi, Trento’s Chief Prosecutor, Claudia Salvestrini, the director of a Rome-based consortium for the recycling of polyethylene-based waste (Polieco) who helps law enforcement agencies uncovering illegal trafficking of hazardous waste, Dr. Roberto Bordonaro, Director of the Oncology Department of Catania Garibaldi Hospital Nesima, who distinguishes himself for professionalism and dedication, and Carabinieri
NAS Sigonella Navy, Marine and Air Force representatives received the Judges Livatino-Saetta Community Service Award at the Istituto Professionale Industria e Artigianato (IPSIA) Sabin High School in Giarre on May 19 for the ongoing off-base Community Relations (COMREL) activities. The annual award, named after two judges killed by the Mafia in the 1990s and marking its 24th anniversary, recognizes volunteers, magistrates, priests, law enforcement officers, doctors, journalists, entrepreneurs and educators for making a difference in their communities and fighting illegal activities. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Taylor W. Cooper)
lance-corporal Salvatore Virgillito who carried out life-saving actions after two serious crashes.
Pope appeals to young people in Sicily to resist the call of the mafia Story by Vatican News In a telegram addressed to the Archbishop of Agrigento in Sicily on Wednesday evening, Pope
Francis marked the 25th anniversary of Saint Pope John Paul II’s visit to the town of Agrigento where he denounced the mafia’s organized criminal activities and called on ‘mafiosi’ criminals to convert. In his message the Pope recalled that St. John Paul II’s prophetic appeal came at the end of Holy Mass on 9 May 1993, celebrated in the famous ar-
"ITALIAN NEWS" continued on Page 15
THE SIGNATURE
MAY 25, 2018
PAGE 7
Navy Approves More Tuition Assistance Semester Hours and Raises Funding Cap From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy announced changes to Tuition Assistance (TA) program May 21 in NAVADMIN 127/18, lifting the fiscal year limit of 16 semester hours (or equivalent) and allowing Sailors to use TA up to the Department of Defense's (DOD) fiscal year funding cap of $4,500, effective June 1, 2018. These changes are designed to expand Sailors' professional development opportunities, enhance degree completion and support Sailor 2025 initiatives to retain the best and brightest talent. TA will continue to be paid up to the current DOD limits of $250 per semester hour, $166.67 per quarter hour, or $16.67 per clock hour. Tuition exceeding these limits, in addition to fees, books, and instructional materials, will continue to be the Sailor's responsibility. Education counselors at the Navy College Virtual Education Center (NCVEC) and overseas Navy College Offices are available to discuss Sailors' goals and
to help maximize their TA benefits. The requirement that Sailors attain a "C" or better for undergraduate courses and a "B" or better for graduate courses remains in effect. Reimbursement will be required from those not attaining these grades. Sailors who have already reached the former fiscal year limit and have paid for courses using other benefits or their own funds are not eligible for any type of refund or retroactive payment. They may, however, have additional courses funded up to new funding cap. Sailors are encouraged to review their education plans to take full advantage of this expanded TA authority as well as other opportunities to earn college credit, such as College Level Exam Program (CLEP) and DSSTÂŽ exams offered through the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Services (DANTES), which can further stretch their TA dollars. For more information on TA read NAVADMIN 127/18 at www.npc.navy.mil. The most current information on all voluntary education opportunities can be found on the Navy Col-
lege Program Website at www.navycollege.navy.mil For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www. facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnp/.
US Pacific Fleet Conducts Change of Command By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Phillip Pavlovich U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Adm. John C. Aquilino relieved Adm. Scott Swift as commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet during a change of command ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, May 17. During his remarks, Swift reflected on his time in the Navy and thanked the Sailors and civilians at Pacific Fleet for their hard work at the command. "I am grateful for the opportunities the Navy has provided," said Swift. "Most of all, I love the Navy for the relationships I have developed. But to finish my career here, in the Pacific Fleet, the only fleet I have ever sailed in, headquartered in the city I was born in, in the harbor of my father's first command, doing what I love is something dreams are made of." Adm. Harry Harris, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, said it was a great honor to publically commend Swift for a spectacular tour and commended him for his leadership over the past three years. "Thank you to the women and men of Pacific Fleet for being where it matters, when it matters, and with what matters to decisively prevail in all contingencies from peace to war," said Harris. "Your efforts have advanced maritime security and enhanced stabil-
ity not only in the Indo-Pacific, but also the world." With the historic USS Arizona and Battleship Missouri memorials as the backdrop, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson welcomed Aquilino and recognized Swift's achievements as Pacific Fleet commander. "This is a celebration of the Pacific Fleet," said Richardson. "In the action of a single salute, all authority, all responsibility and all accountability will transfer from Admiral Swift to Admiral Aquilino. And with that transfer of command, with that salute, so to goes our loyalties. So we are indeed saddened to see [Admiral Swift] and Trish go, but they are being replaced by another superb leadership team [Admiral Aquilino] and Laura. Congratulations on your selection to this unbelievably vital position. You are the perfect team to lead the fleet to a new level of performance." After assuming command, Aquilino said his mission was clear - be ready to execute prompt and sustained combat operations at sea against any adversary, and win. "A great power competition has reemerged as the central challenge to security and prosperity against our nation," said Aquilino. "Nowhere are the
stakes of that great power competition higher than here in the Indo-Pacific region. To any potential adversary that wishes to challenge us, the secretary of defense said it best, 'You can have no better friend, or you can have no worse enemy' than the U.S. Pacific Fleet; that choice will be yours." U.S. Pacific Fleet is the world's larg-
est fleet command, encompassing 100 million square miles, more than half the Earth's surface, from Antarctica to the Arctic Circle and from the west coast of the United States into the Indian Ocean. The U.S. Pacific Fleet consists of more than 200 ships and submarines, nearly 1,200 aircraft, and more than 130,000 Sailors and civilians.
Adm. Scott H. Swift, outgoing commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, and Adm. John C. Aquilino, incoming commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, left, salute each other during a change of command ceremony. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jessica O. Blackwell)
PAGE 8
THE SIGNATURE
MAY 25, 2018
National Police Wee In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 as Peace Officers’ Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. Around the United States, cities host events to help law enforcement officers honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. While Police Week is a largely civilian event, the United States Air Force has also adopted this week of remembrance. What makes this year’s Police Week so special, is that this was the first time it was honored on Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella. The Security Forces members assigned to the 7th Reconnaissance Squadron wanted to bring some of the Air Force culture to everyone at Sigonella. During the week of May 11 to May 18, members of NAS Sigonella participated in many different activities. Spearheaded by Staff Sgt. Cathleen Biala and Staff Sgt. Chelsea Brown, the inaugural Police Week was kicked off with a Fallen Defenders 5K run. As
Story by Photos by Staff Sgt. Kelsy Lig
with all events during this week, those P cers and military Law Enforcement perso have given their lives in service to the were honored. The second event was the NAS Sigon onstration which is an event to showca law enforcement offices on base, includin abinieri of the "Cacciatori di Sicilia" Squa ian Air Force weapons demonstrations, a K-9 demonstration, the Air Force Secur Redman demonstration, kids fingerprintin display of historical memorabilia. On the third day, members participat mile ruck march. The ruck march is a event for the Air Force Police Week. Ev ber has a minimum weight of 35 pound
MAY 25, 2018
THE SIGNATURE
ek Honored in Sicily
y Staff Sgt. Chelsea Brown ghtner and Senior Airman Emmanuel Castaneda
Peace offionnel who eir country
nella Demase all the ng the Caradron, Itala US Navy rity Forces ng and the
ted in a six significant very memds in their
ruck, and they are required to ruck with a partner. The most significant aspect of the ruck march is to demonstrate that individuals now bear the load that fallen officers can no longer carry. Chief Yeoman Tracy Turner from Defense Courier Service said, “This was an amazing opportunity for camaraderie and team building, all while honoring the fallen! However, slightly painful but well worth the sacrifice!” On day four, the event was the Battle of the Badges. Battle of the Badges is a friendly competition between agencies on the installation with the winner taking home the inaugural trophy. Teams of four competed in five separate events including an obstacle course, a relay race, a push up challenge, a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Ve-
hicle (HUMMWV) pull and tug o’war. The Italian Air Force and Carabinieri came out in full force to compete against the two Air Force teams. After a ferocious competition, it was the Air Force who brought home the trophy for this year’s Battle of the Badges competition. “This event was about building relations with our host nation partners and I believe that happened. There were laughs all around and everyone was cheering on every team” said Brown. Police Week ended with a Final Guard Mount ceremony. Final Guard Mount is an emotional ceremony that displays just how much an individual is missed. Guard Mount is a formation that law enforcement attend before posting out to duty before each shift. Roll call is conducted to ensure all members are present and accounted for. During a Final Guard Mount, when a name of an individual who is no longer with us is called, the silence and loss
"NATIONAL POLICE" continued on Page 15
PAGE 9
THE SIGNATURE
PAGE 10
MAY 25, 2018
NAS SIGONELLA COMMUNITY PAGE All Hands News Bulletin:
SCHOOL LIAISON OFFICER (MISSOULA CHILDREN'S THEATER SUMMER 2018)
Command: Child and Youth Programs Date of Event: 13-17 August 2018 Time of Event: 0945 Location of Event: Sigonella Elementary school- Knights Hall Point of Contact Name: Chris McKibbin Point of Contact Phone Number: 624-3732 Point of Contact Email Address: CYP_Sigonella@eu.navy.mil Additional Information: Missoula Children's theater will be back this summer. Auditions for the Missoula Children's Theatre production of "Robinson Crusoe" will take place on August 13, 2018 from 1000 until noon at Sigonella Elementary school's Knights Hall. Approximately 50-60 local students will be cast to appear in the show. Students wishing to audition must arrive by the scheduled starting time and stay for the entire two-hour session. Those auditioning should arrive at 9:45 am and plan to stay for the full two hours. Ages 6 through 18 are invited to audition. The performance of Robinson Crusoe will take place on Friday August 17, 2018 at 1700 in Sigonella Elementary school Knights Hall. Check the MWR Sigonella website for more information. https://www.navymwrsigonella.com/
SHIPSHAPE CLASS - JUNE 05-JULY 26
Command, Department or Organization: Health Promotion and Wellness Department Dates of Event: June 5-July 26 Time of Event: Tuesdays 1500-1600 / Thursdays 0800-0900 Location of Event: NAS I Compass Room Point of Contact Name: Health Promotion Point of Contact Phone Number: 624-4710 Point of Contact Email Address: usn.sigonella.navhospsigonellait.mesg.hp@mail.mil Additional Information: Health Promotion and Wellness Department's next ShipShape class is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, June 5. ShipShape is the DoD nutrition program that consists of eight sessions about nutrition, weight management, healthy lifestyle, psychology of eating and physical activity. The classes will be offered in two different locations both at NAS I and NAS II to give everyone the opportunity to attend: - On Tuesdays at 1500-1600, on NAS 1 at Commons Building, Chart Room. - On Thursdays at 0800-0900 on NAS 2, at Mental Health's Conference Room, Flight Line Clinic. To register, call Health Promotion at 624-4710 or email 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 14 - May 21, 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 25, 2018
THE SIGNATURE
PAGE 11
PAGE 12
THE SIGNATURE
MAY 25, 2018
THE SIGNATURE
MAY 25, 2018
GAMEZONE FREEDOM GRAVE HALF MAST HEROES HOLIDAY HONOR MAY MEMORIAL OBSERVANCE
PATRIOTIC REMEMBRANCE SACRIFICE SALUTE SERVICE SOLDIERS TAPS VETERANS WAR
MEDIUM
AMERICAN ANTHEM CEMETERY CEREMONY COMMEMORATE DECORATION FALLEN FLAGS FLOWERS
EASY
Find and circle all of the MEMORIAL DAY WORDS that are hidden in the grid. The remaining letters spell a secret message.
DIFFICULT
MEMORIAL DAY
PAGE 13
PAGE 14
THE SIGNATURE
Information You Need to Know When Calling 1-9-1-1 By GM3 Joshua Neal Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
It’s always sunny in Sigonella, or at least that’s the saying, right? However, for anyone who has had to call for help, the day probably didn’t seem so sunny. Finding yourself in an emergency can be one of the more difficult moments in anyone’s life, but know that our emergency dispatch is here to help get you through those moments and get the appropriate responders to you as soon as possible. Our watch standers at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) dispatch stations are trained and qualified professionals who are always ready to take your call. I would like to address a couple of questions and concerns about calling 095-86-1911, Emergency Dispatch, that have popped up. Who can call for help? Easy answer - everyone. Some folks have admitted they did not call because they were not active duty military. Anyone can call for help. From active duty military, to civilian contractors and families, children who call us because their parents can’t, and local nationals. If you call us, we will send help. Where can we send responders? Put simply – anywhere. Our Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella responders may have a limited distance that they can respond to, but dispatch can contact local responder agencies. I remember a traffic accident that occurred towards Palermo which is too far away for our Fire and Emergency Services and Security to go to right? One of our Italian speaking dispatchers was able to call local emergency responders who arrived just as fast as our onbase responders. Whether you’re on NAS 1, NAS 2, Marinai, Niscemi, or anywhere outside of base, know that you can call us and we will get you help as soon as possible. Here at Sig’s Dispatch Center, we promise to send the appropriate responders to you as soon as we can. With that said, when you call 095-86-1911, there are some questions that we will ask which allow us to get responders to you ASAP. Be ready to answer these questions when you call. - What is your location? An address is preferred, but GPS is also acceptable. We highly recommend everyone to know where they are so that they can provide us this information.
Don’t know where you are? You can use your phone or a nearby computer to send Dispatch your location via Facebook and Google Maps’ “pin-drop” features. Don’t know how to do that? No problem. Our dispatchers can walk you through the process. If we don’t know where you are, then we cannot send help. Neither you nor our dispatchers want that kind of situation. - What is a good call-back number? In the event that the call is dropped, or perhaps you have to hang up momentarily in the middle of the call, providing us with a phone number that we can call you back at is of great help to us. - Who are you? This is important to our dispatchers for various reasons. One of which is so that when police or medical personnel arrive on scene, they know who look for to help. - Tell me exactly what happened. You should be prepared to give a brief description of the events that led up to your incident. Then, the dispatcher will ask you another series of questions in order to provide the assistance that you need. In the event that you are calling for a medical emergency, you will be asked more questions that are used to determine the extent of injuries and severity of the emergency. Answering these questions does not impede the response time of help in any way. We ask these questions so that when responders do arrive to help you, they are more informed of what is going on. You are our eyes and ears when you call us. Help us to help you. How can you contact the Emergency Dispatch center? 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 095-86-1911. All three numbers will connect you with one of our Emergency Medical Dispatchers who will get you the help you need. Want to learn more? Stop by the EOC at NAS 2, and our Emergency Management 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. Should you have any emergencies, please call the EOC's Emergency Dispatch Center (our 911) at 095-86-1911 or DSN 624-1911. For non-emergencies, you can contact the Emergency Dispatch Center at 095-86-5225 or DSN 624-5225.
MAY 25, 2018
MAY 25, 2018 "ITALIAN NEWS" continued from Page 6 chaeological site of the Valley of Temples in Agrigento, and said that he too, on this important anniversary, has an appeal for young people today to resist the call of organized crime. On the day in which anti-mafia activists and ordinary citizens honor the 40th anniversary of the murder of anti-Mafia activist Peppino Impastato, Pope Francis encouraged the Church in Sicily and its flock to continue on the path set by the Blessed Father Pino Puglisi (who was killed by the mafia in Palermo in 1993 for his work to denounce mafia activities and to help people resist organized crime) saying that evil is to be fought, “gently and courageously as indicated by the Gospel, in everyday life”, and especially by teaching young people to do so.
Popular Italian islands ban single-use plastic with fines of up to €500 for tourists caught using it Story by The Mirror If you're planning a trip to Italy's idyllic Tremiti Islands, make sure you leave any plastic back at home. New rules have come into force in which single-use plastic such as cutlery, cups and plates have all been banned from the archipelago; and there are strict punishments for rule-breakers. Mayor Antonio Fentini has signed a new ordinance with the ban coming into place from Tuesday 1st May 2018, with fines from €50 up to €500 in place for anyone caught trying to break the rules. The fines are not just aimed at tourists visiting the islands - locals and businesses will also be subject to the regulations. "Day after day we're seeing humans kill our sea and we had to do something, immediately," the mayor of the islands, Antonio Fentini, told La Repubblica. That doesn't mean you won't be able to enjoy a picnic when visiting the islands - but you will be encouraged to use reusable or biodegradable picnic ware instead. For now the ban will include single-use plastic only, but local authorities hope to eventually roll out more regulations to include restrictions on plastic bottles and polystyrene containers.
THE SIGNATURE
The decision comes after a Greenpeace investigation into plastic pollution revealed that Tremiti had one of the highest levels of micro-plastic litter along the Italian Coast, coming second after Portici in Naples. The report, which looked at the extent of microplastic litter in the Mediterranean Sea along the Italian Coast, found that there were 2.2 pieces of plastic per meter cubed of water along the Tremiti Islands' shores. It's concerning to authorities, especially as the Tremiti Islands have marine protected areas with strict regulations around fishing, water sports and marine activities. Despite these, Greenpeace found a "significant level of anthropogenic pollution"; basically, carbon dioxide that has been caused by human activity.
Sheep to tackle Rome’s overgrown parks Story by Theweek.co.uk Sheep and goats are to be used to tackle Rome’s overgrown and neglected parks and public gardens, the city’s embattled mayor has announced. The plan follows years of neglect and budget cuts which have left the Italian capital’s public spaces in a dire state, with grass often chest high and benches covered in vegetation. Seeking a radical solution, Mayor Virginia Raggi, a member of the anti-establishment Five Star Movement that is poised to form a coalition government in Italy, has now proposed using natural grazers to make the city’s green spaces useable again. A separate initiative launched in March uses prison inmates to clean up neglected parks. n fact, Raggi would not be the first mayor to use sheep to keep public spaces under control. Berlin already deploys a small herd of Gotland sheep between May and November to keep down the grass in the gardens of Charlottenburg Palace. Nevertheless, says The Daily Telegraph, the move has “invited mockery from political opponents”, with Orlando Corsetti, a member of the center-Left Democratic Party, saying: “Goats and sheep as lawnmowers? It all makes sense. “Raggi clearly deeply loves animals because she has filled the city with rats, seagulls and wild boar which feed off uncollected rubbish, so a few goats would complete Five Star’s Roman zoo.”
PAGE 15 Wild boars have become an increasingly common site on the city’s outskirts. However, not everyone is so hostile to the idea. A national farming association said there were as many as 50,000 sheep in the countryside around Rome, meaning “the capital can count on a veritable army of natural lawnmowers”.
"NATIONAL POLICE" cont’d from Page 9 is unexplainable. When all members of the military sign their contract of service, they also sign a blank check made payable to the United States of America for the amount of ‘up to and including my life.’ We all are prepared to pay that price and those we honor this week and every day throughout the year have cashed in their check. Allison Havard, a student at Sigonella Middle/High School, played TAPS on a trumpet for the ceremony and an American Flag was folded and presented to the installation’s Executive Officer. Col. Francesco Frare, the Sigonella Italian Air Force Base Commander, made this comment about Police Week, “This event, aimed at establishing an annual training evolution to promote a spirit of camaraderie, helped to foster relationships and to reenforce strong bonds between the personnel operating in the fields of force protection and military police. The US and Italian base commanders have arranged to meet next year to repeat this pleasant and fruitful occasion of exchange of expertise and mutual awareness.” Biala, the overall organizer of the week, had this to say, “First of all, I would like to thank all the agencies for their collaborative efforts which resulted in NAS Sigonella’s First Police Week. The events have given us the opportunity to build stronger relations with the Italian Air Force, Carabineri, and Polizia. It has been an invigorating experience to take part in the five events that honored and recognized those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.” This Police Week onboard NAS Sigonella is only the first of many. The week encompassed pride, tears, sweat and laughter. It was a time where Air Force, Marine Corps, Army, Navy and Italian Forces could come together to remember their fallen brothers and sisters while creating new bonds.
PAGE 16
THE SIGNATURE
MAY 25, 2018