Vol. 36 No. 8
April 19, 2019
CHIEFS MESS HOSTS ANNUAL HERITAGE RUN Story on page 6
NAVSUP COMMANDER VISITS SIGONELLA TRUMP NOMINATES NEW CNO Adm. Moran to become 32nd CNO
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Direct Line Fleet and Family Services Director, Regina Fivella
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aluti Sigonella! Being the best parent you can be involves taking steps to strengthen your family and finding support when you need it. Parenting isn’t something you have to do alone. When you have the knowledge, skills, and resources you need, you can raise a happy, healthy child. On April 1, Naval Air Station Sigonella leadership proclaimed April to be Child Abuse Prevention Month for NAS Sigonella, and called upon all Navy, Marine, Air Force, Army and NATO personnel and their families to increase their participation in our efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect, and, in so doing, strengthening the NAS Sigonella community. This month and throughout the year, we encourage all individuals and organizations to play a role in making our community a better place for children and families. By ensuring that parents have the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to care for their children, we can help prevent child abuse and neglect by creating strong and thriving children, youth, and families in our community. Research shows that protective factors are present in healthy families. Promoting these factors is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect. The factors are: • Nurturing and attachment • Knowledge of parenting and of child and youth development • Parental resilience • Social connections • Concrete supports for parents • Social and emotional competence of children Dr. John Ferreira, NAS Sigonella’s Family Advocacy
Representative, underscores the important role that communities have in protecting our children. “April is a time to celebrate the important role that communities play in protecting children and strengthening families,” said Ferreira. “Everyone’s participation is critical. Focusing on ways to connect with families is the best thing our community can do to strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect.” Throughout the month of April, various community agencies hosted and will continue to hold activities to promote fun interactive opportunities for parents and children. These included USO’s Family Game Night and Teddy Bear Club. USO will also be hosting a Month of the Military Child barbeque on April 27. MWR’s Child and Youth Programs held a
“When you have
the knowledge, skills, and resources you need, you can raise a happy, healthy child ”
“Hands are Not for Hurting” parade where the Child Development Center and School Age Care came together as one large entity to spread awareness and prevention using a banner created by SAC and CDC children. The library will also be hosting a pajama night on April 26. And to round out the event lineup, the Religious Ministries program and U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella’s Health Promotion and
Wellness program will be holding a joint “Five Love Languages of Children” workshop on April 25. In addition to these efforts, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Children’s Bureau and over 30 national prevention partners have created 2019 Prevention Resource Guide: Strong and Thriving Families. The resource guide designed for service providers who work throughout the community to support families, is available online at https:// childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/ preventionmonth/resource-guide. Year round, the Fleet and Family Support Center offers counseling for individuals, couples, and families to help develop healthy relationship skills and address stressful situations. In addition, we have a New Parent Support Program that assists families with children 0-3 years old to include parenting skills classes and resources. Learn more about the resources available to help protect and nurture your children by contacting the Fleet and Family Support Center at DSN: 624-4291 or 095-56-4291.
April 19, 2019
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banning the use of harmful chemicals, Earth Day 2019 preservingEvaluation habitats, and protecting Interactive Customer By Antonino Piluso Installation Energy Manager
Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22, is the largest environmental campaign on the planet, when the citizens of the world come together to celebrate the Earth and promote its preservation. Earth Day was initially proposed in 1970 by former U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson after witnessing the effects of the massive 1969 oil spill in Santa Barbara, California. Today, this event is celebrated by nearly one billion people each year in 192 countries around the world. The first Earth Day emphasized conservation of natural resources. As the event evolved, Earth Day has become educational. Environmental groups use it as an opportunity to assess the state of the planet’s health: air, water, soil, ecosystems, species, and energy resources. Earth Day also showcases solutions that lessen the impacts of human activities like the recycling of materials, conserving finite natural resources such as oil and gas,
endangered and threatened species. In 2000, thanks to advent of the digital age, the founding spirit of Earth Day spread globally. The event succeeded in involving more than 5,000 environmental groups outside the United States, reaching hundreds of millions of people. Its success can be attributed to the “Green Generation,” which promotes a future free from fossil fuel energy, in favor of renewable resources. Locally, the Navy developed an energy savings program that has reduced the energy intensity at Naval Air Station Sigonella by 35% in the last 13 years. In addition to minimizing energy consumption, this approach increases the reliability and resiliency of the base’s energy infrastructure. To continue the base’s investment into environmental health, a new energy project will increase energy efficiency and provide up to 30% of the electrical power demand from using renewable solar power. NAS Sigonella is proud to actively play a role in celebrating Earth Day by making the environmental footprint of the base smaller.
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U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA
Commanding Officer Capt. Kevin Pickard Executive Officer Cmdr. Patrick J. Moran Command Master Chief CMDCM Nancy Estrada EDITORIAL
Public Affairs Officer Lt. Karl Schonberg karl.schonberg@eu.navy.mil Assistant Public Affairs Officer Janine Scianna janine.scianna@eu.navy.mil Community Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil PAO Staff Writers \ Photographers
MC2 Joshua Coté joshua.m.cote@eu.navy.mil GMSN Rashond Grant rashond.grant@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
This 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. 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. All articles submitted by non-staff members will be considered contributing writers.
An architectural rendering depicts solar panels that will be installed in the NEX and Commissary parking lot this spring. (Graphic provided by Siemens)
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Name: MC2 Jordan KirkJohnson Department: AFN Sigonella Hometown: Orange County, Calif. At some point driving to work, everyone has tuned their radio to American Forces Network Sigonella 105.9 “The Eagle.” One voice that you might hear is that of Mass Communication Specialist 2nd class Jordan KirkJohnson. She hosts the morning radio show on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 6 a.m. until 10 a.m. KirkJohnson is one of four MCs and two interior communications electricians at AFN Sigonella. The station is located by the front gate at Naval Air Station I, under the giant antenna. AFN is the only radio or television broadcast available in more than 177 countries around the world where English language broadcast service is unavailable or inadequate. While most of you are still dreaming and comfortable in bed, KirkJohnson has already begun her workday. She comes into work at 5:30 a.m. to get prepared for the 6 a.m. start time. The playlist for the
day is sent to them at the station, so she comes in early to pull up the schedule. Working at AFN is more than just sitting at a computer pushing play, hosting guests, and voicing monologues. There is a lot more that goes on behind the scenes. “Each week I am on air for about 12 hours, so I basically have to prepare 12 hours of content,” said KirkJohnson. “The prepping is much harder than the actual show. When I come in the booth, it feels more like my break time. If you prep well enough, then the show can almost basically run itself.” Using her creativity to produce radio commercials and graphics for television, in addition to the camaraderie of her colleagues, is her favorite part of the job. Sigonella is KirkJohnson’s second tour in the Navy. Her first was aboard the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) based out of Yokosuka, Japan. In a twist of fate, just prior to getting out of
the Navy, she was offered orders to come to Sicily for shore duty and says she has zero regrets about taking them. Her plans for the future are to finish her bachelor’s degree in communications, become a reservist, and pursue a second degree to become a dietician. She was inspired to follow this path after seeing her grandparents suffer from illnesses that could have been avoided if they had made better lifestyle choices. As long as KirkJohnson is in Sicily, she is living the mantra of “Join the Navy, See the World” and has taken full advantage of traveling around Europe. She already has planned a Mediterranean cruise, a trip to London, and a World War II tour of Poland. She is also loving the cultural experience of living amongst Sicilians. “You never get that lonely feeling because Sicilians are so loving,” said KirkJohnson. “I love how vibrant and expressive they are.”
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NAVSUP Commander Tours Fleet Logistics Center in Italy By Joe Yanic NAVSUP FLC Sigonella Public Affairs
SIGONELLA, Sicily -- Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center (NAVSUP FLC) Sigonella hosted NAVSUP Commander Rear Adm. Michelle Skubic for a tour of its logistics facilities at Naval Air Station Sigonella and Naval Support Activity Naples, March 26-29, 2019. Among the stops the commander made during her time at NAS Sigonella were the Defense Logistics Agency’s distribution warehouse, the NAS Sigonella flight line for a fuels hydrant demonstration, the Aviation Support Division, the Fleet Mail Center, the Augusta Bay NATO Pier, the San Cusumano fuel depot, the NEX complex and the Navy Lodge. “Rear Admiral Skubic’s visit afforded us a unique opportunity to demonstrate first-hand how our command bolsters readiness in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe/Africa Command’s areas of operations in support of her strategic objectives for our Enterprise,” said NAVSUP FLC Sigonella Commander Capt. Dion English. “We were excited and honored to host her.” At NSA Naples, she conducted meetings with CNE/CNA/C6F Chief of Staff and the N41 leadership, Site Naples, and Code 200 Team. She visited the post office, Fleet Mail Center, and its support site’s Navy Exchange. “Each of these visits showcased in some way the role the FLC plays with the Fleet’s key logistics players on a NATO installation and how U.S. Naval Forces Europe/Africa Command’s current operations and evolving mission sets translate into NAVSUP’s logistics support response,” said
Naval Supply Systems Command Commander Rear Adm. Michelle Skubic speaks to military and civilian team members assigned to NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Sigonella during a town hall March 27, 2019 at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy. The visit to the NAVSUP
FLC was her first since becoming NAVSUP commander during the summer of 2018. (U.S. Navy photo by Joe Yanik/released)
NAVSUP FLC Sigonella Executive Director Bong Cabling. While speaking with the NAVSUP FLC team members during the week, Skubic emphasized the increasing impact the command has on naval operations amidst the evolving strategic environment within the NAVEUR/ NAVAF’s area of operations. She also assured the team members of the value they bring to the NAVSUP mission and relayed feedback to them from 6th Fleet senior leaders. “I’m here to thank each of you military, civilian and local national shipmates - for what you do to support the fleet’s Sailors operating ashore or afloat, and their families,” Skubic said. “I know our customers and strategic partners take notice and praise your responsiveness. Our NAVSUP Enterprise directly supports each line of effort that our Chief of Naval Operations set forth for our
Navy. So, I assure you that what you do makes a real difference.” Within the last few years, the NAVSUP command experienced a dramatic increase in logistics support operations within the African theaters of operation. “As both the operations tempo and the character of our Navy’s presence increase in Europe and Africa, so do the expectations that our Navy’s most senior leaders have of our enterprise,” Skubic said during her town hall remarks. “I say, as a team, we’ve got this.” NAVSUP FLC Sigonella is one of NAVSUP’s eight globally-positioned logistics centers that provides for the full range of the Fleet’s military operations. NAVSUP FLC Sigonella delivers solutions for logistics, business and support services to the Navy, Military Sealift Command, Joint and Allied Forces throughout Navy Region Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia.
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Building Bonds 2019 CPO HERITAGE RUN
April 19, 2019
Story and Photos by Janine Scianna NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
SIGONELLA, Sicily--On April 1, 2019, the U.S. Navy celebrated the 126th anniversary of the establishment of the rank of chief. The Chiefs Mess across Naval Air Station Sigonella gathered that day to cut their “birthday” cake and take part in the unity that the company of the Mess provides. Then, the NAS Sigonella Chief Petty Officers Association came together to plan a rank- and service-wide challenge event to instill similar bonds across commands and services. On April 17, the annual CPO Heritage Run was held and teams participated in a morning that tested their fitness, knowledge, and teamwork skills. Six teams from across the base participated, representing the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force. Each was charged with the task of navigating through nine challenge stations spread across NAS I. Those stations were sponsored by a variety of commands and organizations across NAS Sigonella. Each station included a fitness or trivia challenege, and often times both. Some of the more involved challenges included mock war sound effects that were piped in to distract the participants from the task at hand. By the end of the three-hour event, participants were covered in mud
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and their clothes soaked through. All teams started out at the Midtown pool and were grilled by Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program staff on the ins and outs of how to report incidents of sexual assault, after which they took to the pool to complete a challenging relay race. Then, teams could decide how to attack the remaining stations in whatever order they wanted. In the end, a Seabees team named “Taco Bell” ended up completing the course in the least amount of time with fewest missed trivia questions. But it was clear that all teams enjoyed the opportunity to get outside, exercise, and work together to complete the course. Yeoman 2nd Class Kenny Mills, part of the NASSIG team, got a lot out of the experience. “The heritage run provided many challenges and forced teams to overcome mental and physical obstalces,” said Mills. Lead organizer Chief Utilitiesman Dennys Colodro explained that the goal of the heritage run was to encourage team members to bond and also recall the great heritage of naval leaders that came before them. Ultimately, this year’s heritage run was a great success and a reminder that leadership, teamwork, fitness, and determination are essential ingredients for the mission to ultimately be successful.
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Easter Drama to be Staged in Adrano By Alberto Lunetta NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
The eternal conflict between the forces of good and the evil is the theme of the “Diavolata” (devil), an 18th century spectacular religious drama held in the town of Adrano, located northwest of Catania in the foothills of Mt. Etna. The drama is presented in the Sicilian language and is staged twice on Easter Sunday (April 21) at noon and 2030. The performance is held in piazza Umberto, the square located between the Norman castle and the cathedral. The main characters of the drama include five devils, the soul (represented by a little girl), the death (an actor wearing a skeleton costume), and the angel (represented by a little boy). The characters engage in fights and arguments. In the background of the stage, a devil face and an empty grave are displayed. Smoke is given off during the performance. The drama is a metaphor for how Christ rescued mankind from the original sin. Even though the devils and death are terrified by the resurrection of Christ, they still try to convince mankind, by any means necessary, to give up Jesus’ salvation. At that point Gabriel, the archangel, storms the scene and defeats the forces of evil by symbolically breaking the bow held by the death in two. Gabriel also forces them to pronounce the prayer that proclaims, “Viva Maria, la speranza dell’uomo!” (Long live to the Virgin
Against the backdrop of Mt. Etna and the Baroque churches, the elaborate Easter drama “Diavolata,” which dramatizes the eternal fight between good and evil, will be performed twice on Easter Sunday in front a crowd of hundreds of pilgrims and visitors on April 21 in Adrano. (Photo by Salvatore Caruso)
Mary, the hope of mankind). This invocation ends the performance. Following the Diavolata, the “Angelicata” (angel) performance is held. A background displaying heaven replaces the previous ominous setting of the stage. This play represents the meeting between the Virgin Mary and Christ, who are surrounded by angels and saints. This meeting seals the triumph of good over evil. An amazing firework show ends the drama. For more info visit the Adrano tourist Office Facebook page: www. facebook.com/pages/category/ Organization/Pro-Loco-Adrano-1628472367369322/
Holy Week in Caltagirone Similar to the rest of the Catholic world, the celebrations of “Settimana Santa” (Holy Week) in Sicily
combine spirituality and tradition. In Caltagirone, “Pasqua” (Easter) is a major event. In this town known for its beautiful ceramics, processions and “passion plays” have been passed along from generation to generation. Townspeople still attend these celebrations with genuine dedication. The austerity and mournful nature of this period of austerity, penitence, and fasting is a ritual of the devotees who spiritually and physically participate in the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. Caltagirone Easter celebrations include processions, religious dramas, art exhibitions, holy masses, and concerts. They center around three main events: the “Passione di Cristo” (Passion of Christ), the “Processione del Cristo Morto” (Dead Christ Procession), "ITALIAN NEWS" continued on Page 11
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Moran Nominated for Chief of Naval Operations From the Office of the Navy Chief of Information
Operations since May 31, 2016, Moran has WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Acting worked to increase fleet Secretary of Defense Patrick M. readiness and personnel Shanahan announced April 10 that the reform. “Warfighting President has nominated Vice Chief of readiness is solely Naval Operations Adm. Bill Moran as about our commanding the 32nd Chief of Naval Operations. officers and their Sailors Senior Navy leaders were having confidence in quick to praise President Donald this massive enterprise,” Trump’s nomination.v Moran said during the “I welcome the announcement by keynote address at this the White House on the nomination of year’s Surface Navy Adm. Bill Moran, Vice Chief of Naval Association. “We’re Operations, to serve as the next Chief restoring trust up and, of Naval Operations,” said Secretary most importantly, down of the Navy Richard Spencer. the chain of command.” “Adm. Moran is an extraordinary Anticipating the leader who has been a stalwart partner demands of the modern and advisor,” Spencer said. “I look warfighter, Moran forward to working with him in the has made digital years ahead when he is confirmed.” transformation a Adm. John Richardson, Chief priority. He called it “as important of Naval Operations, said he is to our future success as the “thrilled with this announcement. transition from sail to steam was Adm. Bill Moran is an amazing at the start of the 20th century or leader and good friend.” the harnessing of the atom for ship “He has been central to the propulsion during the Cold War. Navy adopting a fighting stance “Our ability to own the fight of in this great power competition,” the future rests in the power of our Richardson said. “As I turn over amazing people,” he continued. and go ashore, I will rest easy “To build the Navy of tomorrow, to knowing that, pending confirmation, achieve that ready, fast and capable Adm. Moran has the watch.” Navy, we have to challenge ourselves In a statement after the to think differently: placing our announcement, Moran said, “I’m mission, our future and our purpose honored and deeply humbled by as American Sailors above all else.” the nomination and look forward Prior to becoming Vice Chief to working with Congress during of Naval Operations, Moran the confirmation process.” served on the staff of the Chief As the Vice Chief of Naval of Naval Personnel Aug. 2,
2013 to May 31, 2016. As a P-3 Orion pilot, Moran’s early tours of duty spanned both coasts and included the Patrol Squadron (VP) 44 in Brunswick, Maine; Patrol Squadron (VP) 30 in Jacksonville, Florida; Patrol Reconnaissance Wing 2 in Hawaii, and Carrier Group 6 aboard USS Forrestal (CVA 59). His major shore assignments include duty on the staffs of the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. Moran, raised in Newburg, New York, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1981 with a bachelor’s degree in Naval Science and earned a master’s degree from the National War College in 2006.
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MWR Holds International Soccer Tournament Story and Photos by GMSN Rashond Grant NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
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SIGONELLA, Sicily – Service members and civilians from throughout Europe participated in a soccer invitational held at Naval Air Station Sigonella April 13. There were 10 teams made up of service members, civilians, local nationals and families brought together by the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation center to play soccer on the NAS II sports field. The teams in attendance included Sigonella FC, Stuttgart FC, PWD United, Lakenheath, Wiesbaden, Italian Air Force, Hospital FC, North Atlantic Treaty Organization FC, Motta Sant’Anastasia, and Naples Security FC. As the teams went head-to-head in a tournament style soccer event, each match concluded with a great deal of respect for one another. “Soccer is a world sport,” said MWR fitness specialist Jermaine Weekes says. “I can’t think of a better way to bring all the cultures here in Sigonella, including the Sicilian community together.” The Italian Air Force and Motta teams played for the top spot. In the end, Motta came out victorious. “It turned out to be a perfect day for soccer,” said MWR fitness specialist Jermaine Weekes. “Clear blue skies with cool temperatures, there was nothing but good vibes going around amongst the players from each team.”
April 19, 2019 "ITALIAN NEWS" cont’d from Page 8
1600, A Giunta begins along via San Pietro, in the city’s historic center. and A Giunta (The Reunion). This spectacular religious drama Passione di Cristo, which was features three statues depicting performed on Palm Sunday, is Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and Saint a sacred play that brings to life Peter. It consists of a series of scenes Jesus Christ’s tragic last days. This illustrating St. Peter’s announcement rappresentazione (performance), of Jesus’ resurrection to the Virgin which has been held since 1994, Mary, the ensuing meeting between is performed by townspeople who the Virgin Mary and Jesus, and their become actors for this special sorrowful final separation. The play occasion. In re-enacting the passion begins with a 10-foot tall papierand death of Christ, these believers mâché statue of St. Peter wandering take pride in keeping alive a around the crowd of devotees in tradition that has a strong religious search of the Virgin Mary to announce meaning to all the community. the resurrection of her beloved son. On Good Friday (April 19), a day Then, the meeting of the Virgin of mourning is marked by solemn Mary and Christ takes place between observations in memory of Jesus’ crucifixion. At 1830, the Processione piazza Loggia and via Luigi Strurzo. The black mantle that covers the del Cristo Morto, which leaves from Virgin Mary as sign of mourning the San Giuliano Cathedral, is held through the streets of the city center. falls after seeing her risen son, and a blue and white dress replaces it to During this solemn and gloomy procession, hundreds of devotees accompany the sculptures of Jesus Christ (the Cataletto, a wooden life-size sculpture depicting the dead Christ that is preserved inside a glass urn) and the grieving Virgin Mary that is dressed in mourning. Among the Good Friday processions held throughout Sicily, Caltagirone’s procession is the only one in which the statues are still carried on the shoulders of the devotees. This is not an easy task as the statues are very heavy and holding them requires a continuous rotation of devotees. Typically, the “penitent” bearer is usually someone who has had a recent death in the family or wants to express his devotion to Jesus’ agony through his own physical suffering. In the evening, Good Friday mourning closes with a choral concert at the Chiesa del Collegio at 2100. On Easter Sunday (April 21) at
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express her joy. During the scene, townspeople express their joy by shouting “Viva Maria!” (Long live the Virgin Mary). Meanwhile, two surprised Roman soldiers named Cicchittu and Nancittu, who surround Christ, also witness the miracle. After that, the procession moves to piazza Marconi, where the “spartenza” (separation) takes place. Eventually, the Virgin Mary bows three times to Jesus and bids him farewell. To conclude the celebrations of Christ’s resurrection, an Easter concert will be performed in piazza Municipio at 1900. Complementing the Easter celebrations, several art exhibitions will be hosted in the main historic buildings and public gardens of the center. For more detailed information and opening hours visit www. facebook.com/tourismcaltagirone.
