NAS Sigonella Observes Fire Prevention Week
Learn How to Recognize Emotional Abuse
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Marines Conclude NAS Sigonella Deployment
N A S SIG O N E L L A
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OCTOBER 19, 2018
Vol. 35 No. 39
NAS Sigonella Celebrates the Navy’s 243 Birthday in Style rd
Capt. Brent Trickel, commanding officer of Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, and CMDCM Johannes Gonzales, U.S. Sixth Fleet Command Master Chief, cut the birthday cake along with the oldest and youngest sailors present at the 2018 NAS Sigonella Navy Ball celebrating the U.S. Navy's 243rd birthday at the Sheraton in Aci Castello, Italy. The Navy celebrates its 243rd birthday with this year's theme being "Forged by the Sea." 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 Lt. Andriana Genualdi) By Lt. Andriana Genualdi NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
ACI CASTELLO, Italy -- Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella celebrated the U.S. Navy’s 243rd birthday Oct. 13 at the Sheraton Hotel in Aci Castello, Italy. Service members from the Navy, Army, and Air Force, along with U.S. civilian and Italian local na-
tional employees came together to commemorate and celebrate the milestone. The 2018 Navy Ball theme “Forged by the Sea” represents the aspirational outcome of every Sailor’s journey in uniform and that every Sailor is shaped and strengthened into a more capable version of themselves through naval service. The Sigonella Navy Ball Committee, led by Lt.
Service members, civilians, and their guests crowd the dance floor at the 2018 Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Navy Ball celebrating the U.S. Navy's 243rd birthday at the Sheraton in Aci Castello, Italy. The Navy celebrates its 243rd birthday with this year's theme being "Forged by the Sea." 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 Lt. Andriana Genualdi)
William Hennings, worked tirelessly to ensure the night went off without a hitch. Cmdr. Michael Jarosz, public works officer at NAS Sigonella, emceed the event calling the gathering to attention for the playing of the Italian and U.S. National Anthems and parading of the colors. Lt. Lloyd Wicker, a chaplain at NAS Sigonella, gave the invocation saying, “on this 243rd anniversary of the U.S. Navy we’re thankful for the honor and courage of those who have gone before us, whose shoulders upon which we stand.” Capt. Trickel introduced the guest speaker CMDCM Johannes Gonzales, U.S. Sixth Fleet Command Master Chief, jokingly noting that three out of the five ships that Gonzales has served on over his long career were no longer part of the U.S. Navy. However, his Navy legacy continues on as both of his children also served in the U.S. Navy. Gonzales thanked the gathered service members, civilian shipmates, and families for coming out to celebrate the Navy’s birthday. “What a tremendous privilege it is for me to be here with you tonight celebrating the heritage of the United States Navy. When I say to you it is an honor, it’s an honor for me to represent the enlisted Sailor and stand here and simply say ‘thank you.’” He went on to highlight the history of the Navy and how that history continues to affect the future and forge our Navy to be the greatest Navy that has ever existed. Gonzales pointed out a few inspirational examples of the acts of incredible bravery that were performed by Sailors throughout the history of the Navy. He also talked about the mottos of the USS John McCain and the USS Fitzgerald; ‘Fortune Favors the Brave,’ and ‘Protect Your People,’ emphasizing how
“BIRTHDAY” continued on Page 15