September 20, 2019
3
Interactive Customer Evaluation Comment Regarding MWR:
I recently received several complaints about a recent policy change that led to the ending of ballet lessons on base by an Italian instructor. Please allow me to explain why this change, while regrettable, was necessary.
Response:
Thanks to everyone who took the time to comment on the recent difficult decision to end outsidevendor ballet lessons on base. This followed an extensive legal review conducted by base and region counsel who determined that in order to meet the obligations of Department of Defense instruction 1402.05, all vendors must have background checks in order to work with children on base. These checks are critical to ensure that any vendors that care for and work with our children are thoroughly vetted. Unfortunately, we have no ability to conduct background checks for local nationals that are not directly employed by the U.S. government. Therefore, we could not legally continue the vendor’s provision of services on base. I truly empathize with the families who participated in the well-reviewed ballet program, but I also have an obligation and responsibility to operate within DoD regulations. These regulations are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all of our children. For any future suggestions about MWR programs, please feel free to reach out to the MWR Director, Courtney Silvestre, at DSN 624-0503 / COMM 095-56-0503 or courtney. silvestre@eu.navy.mil.
Comment Regarding Abandoned Vehicles and Safety Inspections:
I wish to bring your attention to three things: 1. The amount of abandoned cars at the gym parking. There are at least 10 cars that have been parked there for months, no exaggeration. Can Security make them move? I am sure they notice these vehicles on their routes. 2. The safety of the cars on the base. There are so many cars with obvious safety violations that are dangerous to them and others. For example, bumpers hanging loose, cracked windshields, and tape and bungee cords holding car hoods down. Very unsafe. These cars are driven through the gates every day and no one says anything. The safety inspections at the Autoport is also a joke. Please review this for our safety. 3. The pass office at NAS I. When I brought my guest here, I was embarrassed at the condition of the entrance. The area was filled with trash and cigarette butts. That seems like a simple fix that will make our community better.
THE SIGNATURE
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
MR2 Kyle Drummond kyle.m.drummond@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
Response:
Thank you for taking the time to submit your comments about various aspects of vehicle and access policies. There is a lot to unpack here, so let me address your concerns individually. 1. Abandoned Vehicles Current policy regarding vehicle parking is addressed in NASSIGINST 5114.1I. Failure to adhere to guidelines subjects the owner to curtailment or revocation of driving "ICE" cont’d on Page 13
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.
