January 22, 2021
Vol. 38 No. 2
VACCINES ARRIVE AT SIGONELLA pages 6 & 7
NAVSUP FLCSI SUPPORTS USS MOUNT WHITNEY IN MEMORIAM: AS3 JASON DARRICK CONGER
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Direct Line
Lt. Cmdr. Marlon Tingzon, NAS Sigonella PHEO ello Sigonella community! I am the Naval Air H Station (NAS) Sigonella Public Health Emergency Officer, or PHEO for short. I hail from San Francisco, California and I am a physician who specializes in occupational and environmental medicine. Part of my training involved earning a Master of Public Health (MPH), so although I am a physician by background, a large part of my heart lies outside clinic spaces and in the public health realm. Little did I know my experience would become so relevant in the frontlines of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Whose life has not been affected by this virus? Graduations, family visits, high school proms and many more have been postponed or even cancelled, along with trips around Europe. While these changes can be frustrating, especially since we are stationed in Europe, our health, safety, and security are paramount and must be prioritized. We all have a part to play in these trying times. I arrived onboard Sigonella this past summer, and during my 14-day restriction of movement period, I hoped that most COVID-19 related issues would be behind us. The DoDEA Sigonella schools opened without issue, COVID-19 related phone calls were minimal, and there was a sense of normalcy, albeit with the new etiquette of wearing masks, elbow-bumps, one-way paths in the commissary, and ubiquitous hand sanitizer dispensing stations. When I did my check-in at Naval Hospital Sigonella, I quickly learned how organized, steadfast, and dedicated the staff and leadership are. I knew I was not alone in this fight, and I was given the tools and team to shoulder the responsibility as PHEO. Unfortunately, the fall and winter have brought a growing wave of cases across Europe. We must remain vigilant to do everything we can to protect our families and our incredibly important mission at the “Hub of the Med.� In addition to hand hygiene, physical-distancing and mask-wearing measures we have been employing, one new weapon in our arsenal is the COVID-19 vaccine. This new vaccine, which is available under an Emergency Use Authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, is being offered on a voluntary basis according to the Department of Defense phased roll-out plan. It is not possible to get COVID-19 from the vaccine, though it may cause side effects such as fever and muscle aches. The vaccine requires two doses at least 28 days apart and is not currently authorized for children. Because there is no way to tell how you, or those around you, will be affected by COVID-19 if you get sick, we encourage you to get the vaccine when it is available to you for the benefit of our entire community. My public health team has been available around the
clock to discuss COVID-19 related issues with hospital clinical staff, military members, and school principals. In the relatively short span of time that I have worked here at NAS Sigonella, I have met amazing people across the community who are passionate about their work. Although it has been challenging, I thrive in a fast-paced environment and am happy to serve as the base PHEO during this time. While I do not think that everyone needs to always work like this, I do believe everyone plays a critical collective role in keeping our community safe. When the hard work is done and we emerge on the other side of this crisis, we can enjoy the wonders that Europe has to offer, from visiting the Matterhorn in Switzerland to Peppa Pig World in England. At the end of the day, we, as an entire Sigonella community, can help pave the way forward. I have never felt alone in this battle, and all my colleagues have been a solid part of the COVID-19 mitigation efforts. This is the type of fellowship and camaraderie that keeps me going and even more proud to be a U.S. Navy Sailor. When this pandemic is over, it is my hope that we can look back and say it was the most fun we never want to have again.
January 22, 2021
Interactive Customer Evaluation Customer Comment Regarding MWR Trips: We have received comments regarding the lack of availability and the pricing of MWR trips which allow children. Response: By necessity, MWR Sigonella’s Community Recreation Program is severely limited in the services we can offer due to COVID-19 restrictions. The few trips we have been able to offer are mostly outdoors due to these limitations. We are always on the hunt for family friendly trips, but many of the organizers do not allow for younger children to participate for safety purposes, especially in the winter. The hiking trips and deep sea fishing trip, for example, are in hazardous locations or contain dangerous terrain not suitable for younger patrons. In regards to the cost of the trips, we offer half-priced and “no-cost” pricing for younger family members in the understanding that they will not experience the trip in the same way as an adult. Our prices are set as low as possible in order to cover the costs required for labor, transportation, fees and meals. If you are interested in exploring the island on your own when restrictions allow for it, or if you have an idea of an activity you would like to see, we are always available to provide resources and help you develop an itinerary that works for you and your family at the Community Recreation Office. You can reach contact Rebecca Yarling directly at 624-4488.
Bravo Zulu BZ to Post Office: All of the staff is very kind and helpful at both post offices. Vito Seminara and Eric Jones really helped me a lot and
were very kind and energetic even though I came with a lot of boxes right before they closed. They stayed late to make sure I got everything sent out before I had to leave Sig that night. Very grateful! BZ to Post Office: I would like to thank the men and women from the NAS 1 Post Office for being great professionals. I have been utilizing their services the past couple of years and I have never left disappointed. I want to recognize Samantha Jackson and Alex for their bright and cheery attitudes and always there to lend a helping hand. Good job! BZ to Post Office: Sgt Wilson does an exceptional job. He was friendly, efficient and informative to help enhance my future experiences and decrease wait times. He went out of his way to assist me with my packages even though I came in right at 1600. Bravo Zulu to him and the staff for working extra hard during this holiday season. BZ to Post Office: This is for the mail center that I frequent on base. Normally I don’t really say much but I come in to pick up mail on NAS II and was very pleased with the cooperation and help I received as per my command. I don’t want to single anyone out, but it does mean a lot to have customer service during these times. We do appreciate the help mail does for us. I know people that work at mail and it’s a thankless job, so during these holidays and lockdowns, on behalf of all of us, Thank You for your service. Customer service changes our look at people as workers not just in uniform. BZ to Post Office: The Postal Team at NAS 2 is amazing. I have never seen a group of young Sailors and Local Nationals so "BZs" cont’d on Page 11
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U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA
Commanding Officer Capt. Kevin Pickard Executive Officer Cmdr. Ronald Cappellini Command Master Chief CMDCM Anna Wood EDITORIAL Public Affairs Officer Lt. Karl Schonberg karl.schonberg@eu.navy.mil Assistant Public Affairs Officer Megan Mills megan.mills@eu.navy.mil Public Affairs Leading Petty Officer MC1 Kegan Kay kegan.kay@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 MC3 Jacques Jean-Gilles jacques-laurent.jean@eu.navy.mil MCSN Triniti Lersch triniti.lersch@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
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.
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Darrick Conger’s passing has had tremendous impact on his shipmates at AIMD Sigonella, his friends, and his family back home across the United States. He was a caring, funny, and energetic person. If you were fortunate enough to be his friend, then you knew you had someone you could always count on. There is so much to say about my great friend Darrick. He would always be the one to go above and beyond to ensure everyone was doing well and having a good time at work or social settings. His one love in life was making people laugh. It didn’t matter how far he had to go or what line he had to cross, he just wanted to bring smiles to those around him, regardless of who they were. At work and at home, the man never stopped moving. His willingness to help even when exhausted was something we all admired. Darrick had a phenomenal work ethic. He was the most and best qualified among his peers but you would never know it because he wasn’t one to brag. Whenever he completed any maintenance action, there was no shred of doubt that he would produce the highest quality of work. We enjoyed working with him, hearing him express his loyalty to the Alabama Crimson Tide, laugh at his inability to function without his morning coffee, and just being in his presence. I have so many fond memories it’s difficult to focus on just a few. He was the most trustworthy person I know. I can’t count how many times I have looked back through our phone messages filled with ribbing insults, memes, and our plans for the future. We shared a brotherly banter that I will truly miss. We would sit and talk about our goals and what we wanted out of life. Although he was stubborn at times, he would always heed my advice. He trusted me and I could confide in him. Truth be told, I needed Darrick more than he needed me. Things aren’t the same now; a piece of each of our hearts is missing, and it’s a void that will never be filled. Of all the people the Navy brings you in contact with, Darrick is someone I am truly thankful I got to know on a personal level. His passing left more questions than answers. I find myself asking how and why this tragedy could’ve happen. He touched the lives of so many people with his charisma and jokes, and with that, he left many hearts broken with his passing. On behalf of Marianne Ayers, Anthony and Michelle Coleman, Seth Long, Skyler Keefe, Cayla Gray, Caleb Smith, Donald Vannah, myself, and many others: Darrick’s memory will live on and he will never be forgotten. I love you brother.
by AS2 Jerome Ayers
January 22, 2021
NAVSUP Sigonella Supports USS Mount Whitney
By Joe Yanik NAVSUP FLCSI
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n mid-December, civilian, military and Italian national members of Naval Supplies Systems Command (NAVSUP) completed their support role during a months-long regular overhaul (ROH) to the USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), while the U.S. 6th Fleet’s flagship was berthed at the San Giorgio del Porto in Genoa, Italy. During ROH vessels dry dock, allowing a ship to be out of the water to perform routine maintenance. “During ROH maintenance periods, our contracting professionals define a workable ship repair package, promote competition among qualified shipyards and then award the contract,” said Joseph Van Gorp, Ship Repair Supervisor who led NAVSUP’s contracting team. “After award, our team manages the ship repairs negotiating any additional work that may occur and verify that the project progresses in accordance with the contract terms, conditions and deadline.” The contracting package for Mount Whitney’s ROH includes remodeling the entire bridge and its systems. It also includes installation of a new propeller, shaft, maintenance on boilers and flight deck repair and preservation. While the ship is in dry dock, crews paint all surfaces that are below the waterline and apply anti-fouling coating system. “Delivering our contracting services for the Mount Whitney in a COVID-19 environment meant we faced challenges to a timely completion of the ROH,” said Van Gorp. “Delays to the Mount Whitney’s repair schedule
resulting from the pandemic environment were mitigated by our ability to ensure clear communications with the Ship’s force, contractors and Military Sealift Command members as the repairs were underway.” Enter two of NAVSUP’s contracting officers assigned to Fleet Logistics Center Sigonella (FLCSI) Alex Palomar and Maria Di Lieto. “NAVSUP’s ability to successfully perform our contracting support role for this complex, high-visibility repair project for Mount Whitney depended greatly on the expertise of Alex and Maria,” said Van Gorp. Palomar served as FLCSI’s key communicator with top leadership at the shipyard and Mount Whitney. “Alex was our key personnel onsite participating in all meetings with ship yard and Mount Whitney leaders to mitigate any potential problems,” said Van Gorp. “He gathered all information needed to discuss with the contracting team in order to find the best contracting solutions to resolve any daily issues that arose.” Though working remotely, Maria Di Lieto is one of NAVSUP’s Italian national employees who supported negotiations and contract management. Besides contracting services, NAVSUP’s other logistics teams who supported Mount Whitney’s ROH included fleet mail center and logistics support center. Continue to follow us for more information about these postal and LSC teams’ efforts in this two part series. Mount Whitney, forward
deployed to Gaeta, Italy, operates with a combined crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil-service mariners in the C6F area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests. Headquartered in Naples, Italy, the 6th Fleet conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa. FLCSI is one of NAVSUP’s eight globally-positioned logistics centers that provides for the full range of the fleet’s military operations. FLCSI delivers solutions for logistics, business and support services to the Navy, Military Sealift Command, Joint and Allied Forces throughout Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central.
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NAS SIGONELLA RECEIVES COVID-19 VACCINE N
aval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella received the first shipment of the COVID-19 vaccine Jan. 8 as part of the Department of Defense’s effort to protect its personnel against the virus. The vaccine, developed by the American pharmaceutical company Moderna and the National Institutes of Health, was approved in late December by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). The vaccine requires two doses and will be administered on a voluntary basis utilizing a tiered approach which began Jan. 9. “Vaccines are an important weapon of choice in the public health arsenal against some infectious diseases,” said Capt. Denise Gechas, U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella Commanding Officer. “Throughout the 19th century, vaccines have protected us from several dangerous, and often deadly, diseases such as polio and smallpox. So, it is no surprise to see a vaccine come to the rescue again. The COVID-19 pandemic has taken control of the entire world and it is such a relief to see science and technology come together to take some of it back. I am hopeful that our darkest days of this pandemic are behind us.” While there will be a limited supply of the COVID-19 vaccine initially, the DoD is administering the vaccine using a phased approach. Vaccination distribution prioritization within DoD will be consistent with data-driven Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance for national prioritization. For NAS Sigonella, this means that front-line medical staff and security forces were offered
January 22, 2021
the vaccine initially, followed by mission essential active-duty personnel and individuals in the high risk category as directed by their doctor. As more vaccinations become available, the vaccine will be offered to a greater number of people across the Sigonella community. Among the first who volunteered to receive the vaccine was Hospitalman Donald Leal, who works in the USNH Sigonella emergency department. "I feel great," said Hospitalman Donald Leal. "I appreciate the opportunity to show people to have faith in the vaccine and hope we can travel more freely again soon." All DoD personnel are highly encouraged to take the vaccine to protect their health, their families, and their communities, as well as to lower the public health risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. “The public health professionals at U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella, and our branch clinics in Souda Bay and Bahrain, are here to provide you with the latest vaccine information, so you can feel confident and well-informed when it is time to receive your vaccine,” said Gechas. Coordinating the initial safe shipment of the vaccine was a unified effort between Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Distribution Sigonella, U.S. Naval Forces Europe Detachment Maritime Ashore Support Team (NAVEUR DET MAST), U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella, and NAS Sigonella. DLA Distribution Sigonella coordinated the safe shipment of the vaccine while NAVEUR DET MAST provided a generator to facilitate cold storage of the vaccine. Additionally, U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella worked hand-in-hand with the NAS Sigonella Emergency Management department to coordinate the inoculation phase.
In conjunction with Commander, Task Force (CTF) 63, personnel assigned to the NAS Sigonella Operations department delivered vaccines to Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece, via C-26D Metroliner aircraft on Jan. 9. “I am incredibly proud of our community's resiliency and flexibility and how we have responded together to the challenges created by this ongoing pandemic," said Capt. Kevin “Kepper” Pickard, NAS Sigonella Commanding Officer. "I would like to personally thank our exceptional medical and emergency management teams for their tireless work to safely distribute this vaccine to our NASSIG community. The arrival of this vaccine represents a positive shift in gaining the upper hand on this virus, but there is much left to do before we get back to normal. Even after receiving the vaccine, one must still remain vigilant. Continue to observe the best practices that have worked so well in keeping COVID to a minimum on our base. But there is now a light at the end of the tunnel and we are well on our way to overcoming this virus. We will emerge stronger together." Even after receiving the vaccine, all personnel are required to adhere to COVID-19 preventive methods, to include wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing. In addition, DoD personnel will still be subject to base, region, DoD and local national travel restrictions and curfews. Information about the vaccine will continue to be distributed through USNH Sigonella and NAS Sigonella. NAS Sigonella’s strategic location enables U.S, allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required to ensure security and stability in Europe, Africa and Central Command.
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What Do You Know About Etna’s Eruptions? By Dr. Alberto Lunetta, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
oasting a huge surface of 1,200 square kilometers, B the 10,918-foot-high Etna is the largest and tallest volcano in Europe, as well as one of the most active
So, what is the real story behind Etna’s eruptions, and how does the volcano typically behave? Etna produces two extremely different types of volcanoes on Earth. Around 900,000 residents live on eruptions: summit eruptions and flank eruptions. the slopes or in the vicinity of Etna. Summit eruptions take place in the four craters of the Every time the glow of Mt. Etna’s orange halo appears, volcano (the North East Crater, the Voragine, the Bocca people get excited, scared, curious, or are simply Nuova, and the South-East Crater) and can go on for awed by the spectacle. Traditional media outlets often months or even years with spectacular lava fountaining sensationalize the volcanic events by using dramatic and effusive activity which produce abundant ash fallouts. pictures of giant lava explosions and label every pyroclastic This type of volcanic activity, called “Strombolian,” blast as a “new eruption,” even though Etna’s eruptions does not typically pose any danger to local towns except tend to last for months, if not years. Additionally, local for the ash that can cause traffic hazards, damage to volcanologists will often get pressed for predictions about infrastructure and utilities, and acute health effects in the future eruptions, which are impossible to accurately exposed population. Air traffic can also be disrupted by state. closures of the Catania and local airports. To combat hearsay, local experts try their best to explain “As of mid-January 2021, Etna has been erupting for to the media what’s really happening to dispel the rumors, more than 15 months almost without interruption,” said but their statements are sometimes misinterpreted. Dr. Boris Behncke, a research scientist at the Catania office of the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) which monitors Etna 24/7 with 170 stations scattered around the Catania provincial area, keeping an eye on eruptions’ early warnings. “Since early December 2020, the activity has intensified, with several episodes of lava fountaining and lava flow emission from the Southeast Crater (the most active of the four summit craters), and renewed lava emission on the morning of 17 January. Intermittent explosive activity, sometimes accompanied by small lava flows, is also occurring at the Voragine Etna is one of the most active and studied volcanos in the world whose documented history dates back to 475 BC. It was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2013 for the importance of its geological and scientific features. The (“big mouth”) crater, and volcano produces breathtaking long-lasting and near-continuous eruptions, which are mainly restricted to the summit sporadic explosions are craters and do not pose threat to the local communities. However, over the centuries, flank eruptions threatened and/or taking place at the other inundated surrounding inhabited areas destroying properties, houses and infrastructures. Etna is constantly monitored two summit craters, the by Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology. (PHOTO BY ALESSANDRO LO PICCOLO) "Italian News" cont’d on Page 11
January 22, 2021
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Buddy Leavitt Retires After 33 Years in DoDEA By Sigonella Community Schools
fter 33 years as an educator in Department of A Defense Educational Activity (DoDEA), John Henry Leavitt Jr., known to all as Buddy, is leaving
Sigonella on a jet plane to his home in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina. “I have been honored to have been given great students for my three years on island,” said Leavitt. “The parents on Sigonella love the school as much as the teachers love the school.” Leavitt’s career choice is not surprising, considering his family history; his father was an Army sergeant and his mother was a teacher at a school in what was then known as the Health and Welfare Department. “My dad was stationed in Germany from 1949-1953. My mom was hired on as one of the first military spouses in Germany,” he recalls. His teaching career is also not a surprise to those who knew him as a child. “When little boys play and tell everyone that they want to be a fireman, a policeman or a robot, I would always tell everyone I wanted to be a teacher,” he said. “I would build forts in my back yard and the neighborhood kids would come over to the fort and I would create lessons for them.” His mother nurtured his educational aspirations as well. “My mom taught kindergarten for four years and 1st grade for 27 years,” Leavitt said. “While in junior college, I would visit my mom in her classroom and she would let me help her students with reading and math.” Leavitt began his career teaching in the United States, but after learning about DoDEA (then known as Department of Defense Dependents Schools, or DoDDS) from a friend, he realized it was the same program his mother had taught in. “The first time I applied was in 1985. I did not hear back, so I continued teaching in Texas,” he said. “I moved back to Hattiesburg, Mississippi in the summer of 1985 to begin my masters in international relations. After a semester, I decided to get a masters in special education instead.” Luckily for the students of DoDEA, Leavitt was
accepted in 1988 and began teaching at Lily Hill Middle School in the Republic of the Philippines. He originally entered the system to see the world for just a couple years before returning to the United States. Well, two years turned into four which eventually turned into 33. Leavitt taught kindergarten through 8th grade, both regular and special education, at schools all over the world: Clarke Air Base, the Republic of the Philippines; Ramstein, Germany; Volkel, the Netherlands; Spangdahlem, Germany; Osan, South Korea; Okinawa, Japan; back to Volkel, the Netherlands; on to Camp Humphreys, South Korea; then to Vicenza, Italy; and ending his career here on the island of Sicily. “I have enjoyed some aspects of each of the places in which I have taught and lived,” said Leavitt. “I believe my favorite of all was the Netherlands. I loved the countryside and the Dutch people are some of the nicest people you will ever meet in the world.” Buddy will retire to the mountains of North Carolina where his son, Conrad, resides. He plans to sell furniture at a local store, and volunteer at the local animal shelter. He has already been actively involved in the First Baptist Church choir and hopes that by the time he returns, the church doors will be open again. “I am looking forward to being close to my son and his fiancé,” said Leavitt. “I will work for a friend in a ‘New to You Furniture’ store from time to time, but after 39 years of teaching, it really is time to enjoy the good ole U S of A.” Buddy entered the system on a Flying Tiger transport from Oakland, California with his two boxer dogs, Bella Louise and Lucky John Fairley. During Buddy’s many years in DoDEA, he traveled the world with his many pets, and now will be leaving on a military transport with his two Sicilian rescues, Simon Chadwick and Henry Turnbull. “I have had the greatest students of military, civilian and NATO parents around the world,” said Leavitt. “I have made many great friendships while teaching with DoDDS/DoDEA, and I wish my friends success as they continue the mission of teaching and nurturing our future adults,” said Leavitt.
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SAILOR TATs By MC3 Jacques-Laurent Jean-Gilles, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
ave you ever H wondered how old-school tattoos of
birds of prey, naval symbols and pin-up girls were popularized? It’s all thanks to one former U.S. Navy Sailor who flipped the tattoo world on its head. January 14, 2021 marked what would have been the 110th birthday of Norman Collins, famously known around the globe as Sailor Jerry. If you have a tattoo or admire the art, Sailor Jerry’s legacy may have indirectly influenced you. “Sailor Jerry had an important value in modern tattooing, exporting and popularizing the traditional American style around the world, and allowed tattoo enthusiasts to discover other pioneers who in turn influenced the style of Sailor Jerry,” said Patrick Guerrera, a tattoo artist in Catania who has been tattooing for 20 years. Before we get to how this former U.S. Navy Sailor became the godfather of American tattooing, it may be valuable to first understand tattooing’s rich history in the Navy. This deep connection may even possibly be one reason why the Navy’s tattoo policy is the most lenient of all the American military branches. American and European explorers became exposed to tattooing in the 1700s when they visited Islands in the Pacific. In those times, tattoos were used by tribes to indicate status or rank in society or bloodline, amongst other reasons. The word tattoo itself comes from the Tahitian word “tatua.” Capt. James Cook, a British Sailor, made several voyages to the South Pacific in the 1700s and returned to Britain with word men with their bodies completely inked. As they made more voyages to the South Pacific, Cook’s men came back with more than just stories of tattooed men -- they came back with tattoos themselves, and in turn reintroduced Europe to tattoos, which had been previously used in ancient times. Tattoos eventually became associated with seafaring men as the practice spread from port to port. “Man has always had the need to personalize his person, and today a tattoo is a way to get out of an aesthetic routine, or in other cases, more simply to impress a memory, an emotion indelibly on the skin,” said Guerrera. Sailor Jerry enlisted in the Navy at 19 years old and was exposed to Southeast Asian art during his deployments. After leaving the Navy, he set up shop in Hawaii, and when Navy ships would stop in the Pacific, he tattooed an uncountable number of Sailors in styles now considered American traditional tattoos. These Sailors paraded his work around the world, and these now-old-school tattoos remain amongst the most popular. Today, tattoos have become more and more mainstream around the world, and the stigma associated with them is waning. Some say this is partly due to Sailor Jerry’s influence and fresh designs. If you’ve ever appreciated tattoos of anchors, swallows, snakes, nautical stars -- just to name a few -- or tattoos in general, Sailor Jerry is the man to thank.
January 22, 2021 "Italian News" cont’d from Page 8
Bocca Nuova (“new mouth”) and Northeast craters.” Behncke is committed to creating awareness about the risk of volcanic hazard in a highly-populated area. He reiterated that although Etna’s volcanic activity is spectacular, these summit eruptions pose little threat to the people living around the volcano and their property. In contrast, flank eruptions are characterized by deep magma which emanates from the central conduit and escapes by infiltrating lateral fissures of the volcano at lower altitudes. A flank eruption in 1669 was so large that actually it changed the topography and size of the city of Catania. Thanks to its medieval walls, Catania was spared by the lava that surrounded part of the city, but the lava flows increased the coastline by half of a mile. The Ursino Castle, which used to be a stronghold overlooking the sea, became a land fortress. Although some sources incorrectly conflate this eruption with the terrible 1693 Eastern Sicily earthquake which killed about 12,000 of the 19,000 city residents, no casualties were reported from this flank eruption. Since 1669, other dramatic eruptions have occurred to include in 1886 near Nicolosi, in 1923 near Linguaglossa, and in 1928 when the city of Mascali was buried by lava. In 1971, another eruption covered the Etna Observatory, destroyed the Etna cable-car, and threatened several villages on Etna’s eastern flank. In 1981, the town of Randazzo was narrowly missed by a new vent which opened near the town’s limits. As for more recent volcanic activity, another important flank eruption occurred in 1991-1993 and threatened the town of Zafferana. Subsequent eruptions occurring from 1995 until 2009, including the current one, haven’t been particularly dangerous because they are mainly summit eruptions. When Etna’s eruptions occur, they can trigger earthquakes which may cause structural damage to homes, buildings, and infrastructure. Earthquakes are obviously troubling events and sometimes create confusion among residents and tourists who don’t know where the seismic activity is coming from. About four weeks ago, for instance, Etna was blamed for a 4.6 earthquake occurred off the Ragusa coast, forcing experts to explain that it was not the case. The good news is that, according to experts, Etna typically generates only small-magnitude earthquakes! Though Sicily’s seismic activity is mainly associated with Etna, many earthquakes which occur across Sicily are due to the island’s complex geodynamic context. Sicily sits atop the convergence of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates. This precarious perch would be the typical reason for a larger magnitude earthquake. So, as Behnke pointed out, Etna is neither a friendly nor hostile volcano; she’s just a volcano behaving the way a volcano should behave. However, over the past 150 years, the population in Etna’s area has tripled, and residents do need to be informed of the low volcanic risk.
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professional with such great customer service. Some of our other base services could learn from our Postal Team, they are setting a great standard for customer service across the base. Specifically I would like to shout out LSSN Mattingly and Local National Seminara Vito. I hope these Sailors and Local Nationals are being properly recognized for the hard work and dedication. BZ to PSD: Everything excellent with the service of Reinaldo Algea. BZ to Security: I recently discovered the front license plate of my POV was missing. I started the process of having to report with a statement through security and then through the Italian security liaison. This led to taking the statements, translations, and paperwork to the Carabinieri building on NAS 2. I would like to thank everyone involved for being kind and making it a smooth process. It took less than 45 minutes. I would especially like to recognize Ms. Maddalena Giacchino, one of our security liaisons. She was personable, helpful, and offered me information for the future. Her directions were clear and precise. I highly recommend using our liaisons. They are wonderful and an asset to our base. Thank you for keeping Sigonella running smoothly in the new year. BZ to MWR: BZ to Coach Mewborn. It’s been almost a year since he coached my child through MWR youth sports, but he still remembers their name, says hello when he sees them around base, and makes them feel special and cared for. Thank you, Coach! BZ to Housing: Good morning. Just wanted to acknowledge Ms. Elena Luizzo (NAS Sigonella Housing Department) for her professionalism, initiative, world class customer service, and hospitality. Elena walk me through the entire process in setting up a new place out in town that made the overall experience smooth and seamless. She provided clear step by step guidance that made the entire process reassuring and less stressful.
