Direct Line

Capt. Kevin Pickard, NAS Sigonella Commanding Officer

Buone feste, Sigonella. As we reflect on all of the events of 2020, it is safe to say that this year probably didn’t meet the expectations that we had for it in January.

Like many of you, I suspect, it is hard to imagine how different our lives have become in such a short time! As news of the novel coronavirus began to hit the headlines, it was merely worrisome, but as the stories emerged from northern Italy, it began to hit closer to home.

By the time the national Italian lockdown began in March, we all had to adjust our expectations. Then we watched as our own country was rocked with challenges unseen since the civil rights movement in the 1960s. Put all together and, let’s just say that this year probably didn’t meet any of our expectations.

Though it has been a difficult year for many, I want to focus on what we have managed to accomplish together here at NAS Sigonella. All of you have shown incredible resiliency and grit as we adapted to our new normal.

Even with all that 2020 had to throw at us, we have successfully navigated the choppy waters of the uncertainty of COVID-19 and maintained the high operational tempo right here at the “Hub of the Med.” For this year in review, I would like express my appreciation for everything that you have worked so hard to accomplish. Our tenant commands and NATO partners have never stopped in their missions. Whether it was the hospital providing critical testing and surveillance with their public health team, or the Fleet Logistics Center and DLA working to overcome critical worldwide logistics challenges, or CTF-67 and our rotational VP squadron maintaining record flight hours in support of distributed maritime domain dominance, or our U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and U.S. Marine Corps partners unfailingly executing their critical missions, all of you have ensured that the mission continues despite the challenges of COVID.

Right here within NASSIG, the operations department’s C-26 aircrew and pilots have been setting new records by flying round the clock to support critical logistical missions involving COVID tests, key personnel, and high priority supplies. The security department provided support to include vigilance during two protests while maintaining exceptional force protection and security for all of our operations. MWR has constantly flexed to support the constant influx of personnel, and the galley has provided thousands of ROM meals. The religious services department and Fleet and Family Support Center have supported our community during these times of high stress and uncertainty, and the NEX and commissary employees have managed through shortages to find and keep necessary items in stock. I could go on all day, as these are just a few of the ways that so many departments and tenant commands onboard NAS Sigonella have continued to go above and beyond to keep us safe and healthy while keeping the mission going.

As a community, we have pulled together. Students persevered through school closures, and parents balanced professional and personal duties to manage the changes. Our valued local national employees provided critical base services despite challenging conditions in their own communities. Service members and civilians have continued to work hand-in-hand to ensure we all remained open for business to achieve NAS Sigonella’s mission. I am proud of each and every one of you.

As we enter the holiday season, I would like to remind you to stay safe as you celebrate. Although the restrictions on travel and gatherings can make living overseas even more difficult during the holidays, I am confident that we can find ways to honor our old traditions, make new memories, and look out for one another. Whether you’re making a holiday craft during an MWR Sig’s the Season event, playing your favorite video game in your barracks room, video-chatting with family and friends back home, or just enjoying some well-earned down time, there are moments of joy to be found.

I am hopeful for the year to come not only because of the promising vaccine news, but because I’ve seen what we are capable of. No matter what the future has in store, it has been an honor to serve with all of you. I can’t wait to see what we accomplish in 2021. Buone Feste Sigonella!