July 24, 2020
Vol. 37 No. 12
MEET THE POLISH MILITARY CONTINGENT pages 6 & 7
SIGONELLA NAVY ORTHODONTIST HONORED WITH VIRDIMURA AWARD
CAMPING IN THE SICILIAN OUTDOORS
The Signature
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Direct Line NAS Sigonella Commanding Officer Capt. Kevin Pickard
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eam Sigonella, Today, I want to try and open the discussion on a topic that can be uncomfortable to talk about, but is absolutely essential that we address: race and racism in America. Although we have not been able to host a traditional all hands call due to physical distancing requirements, I intend to use every available communication channel to let you know where I stand on racism, to enable healing conversations on race, and to raise racism awareness here at NAS Sigonella. If you think that racism doesn’t exist today or that it isn’t a problem, it’s time to take a seat, listen and learn about the experiences of your fellow shipmates, because I can tell you, unfortunately, racism is still alive and well, even in 2020. Overcoming racism and raising racism awareness is an issue, much like the scourge of sexual assault, that will require continued dialogue and active participation from each of us. However, for many of us, it is also a time to listen first and to seek to understand people’s experiences that may be different from our own. Our nation and society have thrived due to the efforts of an incredibly diverse array of people from all walks of life. And it is a fact that diversity is one of our greatest strengths and significantly contributes to what truly makes our country, our military and our Navy exceptional. Throughout our discussion on racism, we must celebrate and embrace our diversity, but we will also recognize and reinforce those things that bind us together as Americans, as citizens, and as members of the military. While our nation may have been founded by imperfect men, the indelible ideas that they presented to the world created the foundations of our freedom and Republic. The ideals enshrined in the Constitution remain the bedrock of our democracy and a shining beacon of what we aspire to be. We have all sworn to protect and defend those ideals, even with our lives, if required. I firmly believe in our ability to dismantle racism wherever we find it, and to
continue, as the Constitution says, “to form a more perfect union.” As the COVID pandemic has altered our normal routines and patterns of life, 2020 has been a year full of unexpected twists and turns. In my discussions with many of you, I have also heard and understand how emotionally painful it can be to see the tumult at home and how it directly impacts friends and families. Yet, day in and day out, I am proud to see our Sigonella community work together and display flexibility and resiliency as we navigate these challenges together. It is up to all of us to confront racism wherever we find it. I assure you that the NAS Sigonella leadership is united against racism and absolutely committed to celebrating the varied and diverse cultures within our society.
July 24, 2020
Interactive Customer Evaluation Comments Closures:
Regarding
Holiday We look forward to providing you with the
As a member of the Sigonella community since 1987, I have never used or complained about anything that was done at Sigonella. But with the Commissary being closed now on Italian Holidays (too); I feel we veterans and members of service and private contractors are all being wronged! In the last three decades there have been challenges that the Base and Commissary have always overcome. But now, because of covid-19, I feel that the decisions are not warranting the proper resolve. Before covid-19 the Commissary was always open, and only closed during American National Holiday’s and festivals like Thanksgiving, etc. But now, our Commissary employees here at Sigonella are also being allowed to have off more and more Italian holiday’s too. I am now seeing the Commissary being allowed to close for more and more holidays, e.g., American and Italian holidays. How does this benefit the Sigonella community? Now the Commissary is being allowed to be closed twice as much as they were in comparison to previous decades. How does this benefit the Sigonella community, as the Italian stores are also closed on Italian Holiday’s. Maybe we should look at this inconvenience a little bit better, or higher/use American employees only? Response: Thank you for sharing your perspective. The precautions taken due to COVID-19 have created unparalleled challenges for everyone, including us here at NAS Sigonella. Formal Navy policy was to align as closely as possible to host nation policy. Therefore, our policies were directed by higher Navy authority and directly informed by Italian decrees designed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 at the local level. Since Italian decree mandated closures of grocery stores during Italian holidays, we followed suit. Additionally, the Sicilian decree required all shops to be closed on Sundays. In response, the commissary added hours on Mondays to continue to serve our community during this crisis. As the decrees have continued to change, so have the hours of the Commissary.
best service we can.
Comments Gym Cleaning Crews:
Since going back to the gym on NAS1 this past week, I have witnessed, on multiple occasions, the cleaning crew in the men’s locker room wearing no masks. It is very concerning that they will be cleaning the building but not wearing a mask to prevent the spread of possible contaminates to what I am assuming is a good portion of the building.
Response:
Thank you for your feedback. Just like all patrons of the gym, the cleaning crew should be wearing masks. If you see someone not following this directive, do not hesitate to report the issue to desk staff. They have the responsibility to ensure that people are wearing appropriate personal protective equipment while inside the gym facilities.
Comments Regarding Stray Cats on Marinai:
We have received multiple comments about residents feeding stray cats in Marinai. This is a friendly reminder that all pets on Marinai should either be kept indoors or within fences. In addition, we remind everyone that it is base policy to not feed stray animals. According to NAS Sigonella’s General Order Number 1, “it is strictly forbidden to feed or encourage the presence of any stray animals aboard any property in the AOR of U.S. Naval Air Station Sigonella, to include but not limited to NAS 1, NAS II, Navy Munitions Compound, Niscemi, and Marinai Housing.” Lastly, violating this order may result in administrative or punitive action.
Bravo Zulu
BZ to PSD:
Everything was great. A special thanks to Mr. Reinaldo for his great attitude and assistance in helping us out today.
BZ to the NEX:
Anna is such a wonderful person. She is professional, so helpful and always puts you "BZ" cont’d on page 11
3 Cover photo is a digital illustration with image of Polish Military Contingent aboard NAS Sigonella added.
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 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
MCSA 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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Name: Santo Urzi Command: Public Works Department: HVAC By MCSA Triniti Lersch, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
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ur everyday operations onboard Naval Air Station Sigonella would simply not be possible without the incredible contribution of our valued local national employees. One critical local national employee is Santo Urzi, from downtown Catania, who started working here as a blue-collar worker in 1993. In 2018, he was selected as the supervisor of the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) shop in the Public Works Department. “We work on air conditioning, boiler, and air compressor systems for all Naval Air Station Sigonella bases,” said Urzi. The entire shop repairs air conditioning and heating systems, refrigerators and air compressors on NAS 1, NAS 2, Niscemi, and Marinai. They seek to maintain room temperatures
of 75 degrees Fahrenheit or less during the summer and winter to provide the Sailors with a highest-quality of life possible. His shop is required to work on all the equipment and find the solutions to all the possible problems that they may have. “Every day I come in at 0700 in the morning, receive work orders, approve the work orders,” said Urzi. “I then send the work orders out to the technician to go out on the field and fix the problems around the base.” One of the many challenge that Urzi faces is understanding the temperaments and knowledge of the 17 local nationals and six military members in his shop. That understanding is necessary to correctly assign them jobs within their individual capabilities. “The field on which we operate
is very wide, so I assign the jobs to my collaborators according to their professional knowledge,” said Urzi. Urzi enjoys working with the military as he continually meets people who desire to improve themselves. He also said that he meets smart people from different cultures, and he enjoys being able to transfer his knowledge. But work is not his only focus. “I like animals,” replied Urzi when asked about his life outside of work. “I have cats, dogs, and a horse. I also like spend time with my family and to ride my horse” Urzi’s favorite part of Sicily is the beach, but he finds beauty in Sicily wherever he looks. Urzi has traveled to Brazil, Egypt, Paris and London. “Brazil was my favorite to visit, I also love London and Paris,” finished Urzi.
July 24, 2020
Third NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance Aircraft Arrives at Sigonella By NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance Public Affairs Office
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n July 15, 2020 the third remotely piloted aircraft of NATO’s Alliance Ground Surveillance Programme arrived at its new homebase in Sigonella, Italy. It landed safely after a flight of 20 hours, taking off on Tuesday, July 14, 2020 from Edwards Air Force Base in California, USA. The landing marks yet another milestone for NATO on its way to acquiring a total of five RQ-4D remotely piloted aircraft aircrafts, referred to as “Phoenix,” all to be based at Sigonella. “The Ferry Flight of aircraft NATO-03 from California to Sicily is a significant milestone in the Alliance Ground Surveillance procurement Programme,” Brigadier General Volker Samanns, the General Manager of the NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance Agency said. “Having now three Phoenix aircraft in Sigonella gives the NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance Management Agency more flexibility in working test and verification issues by simultaneously providing the equipment for familiarization and training”, he added. Brigadier General Houston Cantwell, who took over Command of NATO’s Alliance Ground Surveillance Force one week just prior to the landing, was on site to witness the landing himself. “This is a great debut for me. It is impressive to see the landing of the third Phoenix live,” he said. “This is another important milestone on our way to establishing a leading-edge Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance capability for all NATO Allies,” he stated. This latest crossing of the Atlantic from California to
Photo by Dion Houston
Italy was entirely controlled by pilots at the Alliance Ground Surveillance Force’s Main Operating Base in Sigonella, in the same manner as the ferry flight of the first and second aircraft at the end of 2019. The aircraft is now scheduled to undergo a system level performance verification phase before being officially handed over to the Force. Once all five aircraft have arrived in Italy by the end of 2020, NATO’s collectively owned and operated Alliance Ground Surveillance system will provide a unique state-of-the-art capability procured by 15 Allies and shared with all 30 Alliance members. The entire Alliance Ground Surveillance system is a custom-made system uniquely adapted to NATO requirements and specifically designed to meet the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance requirements identified by the North Atlantic Council and the Supreme Allied Commander Europe.
Photo by Falk Plankenhorn
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Meet the Polish Military Contingent of Sigonella Story by MC1 Kegan Kay, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
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hether you are shopping at the commissary or Navy Exchange, staying at Navy Gateway Inns and Suites, or waiting in line at the galley, you may be surprised by a number of Polish troops walking around our community. You may think to yourself, “Oh they must be assigned to NATO AGS,” but the fact of the matter is that they are a standalone Polish Military Contingent (PMC). NAS Sigonella plays the ever important role of nurturing the American-Polish relationship by supporting the detachment with our base services. The American-Polish relationship actually dates back to the American Revolutionary War. Two renowned Polish fighters, Tadeusz Kościuszko and Kazimierz Pułaski, aided America against the British during the American Revolution. Kościuszko was an army officer and military engineer who was assigned to the army of Gen. Horatio Gates at Fort Ticonderoga in northern New York. His strategic mindset aided the Americans in fortifying strategic points such as Philadelphia and later the Hudson River, which contributed to the victory at Saratoga. Kościuszko went back to Poland to help his home country seeking partition and led Polish forces against the 1792 invasion of Catherine the Great’s Russian armies. He was ultimately wounded and taken prisoner, but at the death of Catherine the Great in 1796, he was pardoned by her successor and immigrated to the United States. Pułaski was a Polish nobleman, solider and military commander. After being exiled from Poland, Pułaski came to the United States with a letter of recommendation from Benjamin Franklin to George Washington. In September 1777, he saved George Washington’s life during the battle of Brandywine River. In a letter to George Washington, Pułaski said, “I came here, where freedom is being defended, to serve it, and to live or die for it.” Due to his renowned courage in battle, Congress appointed him commander of Light Dragoons with the rank of Major General. In a year’s time, Pułaski transformed four regiments to become the most powerful cavalry formation in the Revolution War. On October 9, 1779, he led the cavalry against the British in their
planned invasion of Charleston, but during the attack he was wounded by grapeshot. Pułaski died on October 11 aboard a ship transporting him to a hospital in Charleston. He was the only foreign general to be killed in action during the war. Today, the legacy of this relationship continues with our support to the PMC onboard NAS Sigonella. The contingent’s mission is to help support the European Union Navy Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFORMED) Operation IRINI, whose primary task is the implementation of the arms embargo imposed by the United Nations Security Council. The PMC was first established in January 2018 to Sigonella from the 44th Naval Aviation Base in Siemirowice, Poland. The second shift of the PMC for IRINI arrived at Naval Air Station Sigonella in late May and underwent the two-week quarantine restriction of movement process as part of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus procedures and are scheduled to stay until December. One standout soldier of the Polish Contingent is “Jay Jay,” or JJ, who serves as the contingent’s liaison officer and handles logistics such as accommodation, meals and transportation. “The core of our contingent constitutes of Naval Aviation Brigade from Gdynia and logistic sub-unit based on 10th Logistic Brigade from Opole,” said JJ. To assist with EUNAVFORMED mission, the PMC uses the M28B 1R “Bryza” patrol and reconnaissance plane to conduct missions over the sea. “We have all the necessary staff to function as a military unit abroad,” said JJ about the contingent, which includes a public affairs officer, legal officer and even a priest. With the restrictions in place due to coronavirus, the contingent focuses on their physical fitness during their downtime. Members from the contingent can often be see around base participating in social distanced group fitness activities such as the color run at the Red, White and Boom festival hosted by NAS Sigonella’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation on July 4th. “When you see us around, feel free to come over and say hi or exchange flags or patches if you wish,” invited JJ.
July 24, 2020
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Sigonella Navy Orthodontist Honored with International Virdimura Award
By Dr. Alberto Lunetta, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs ew people probably know about Virdimura, a Jewish woman from Sicily during the Middle Ages who made history as the first licensed doctor in the world. However, she now shares a powerful connection to NAS Sigonella. Virdimura stood up for a woman’s right to be a professional physician in a world where women were not allowed to practice as doctors. She was intelligent, skilled and very generous. She was trained by her husband who was a surgeon from Catania and eventually, in 1376, was granted the license to practice medicine throughout the state by the Sicilian royal court, therefore Cmdr. Corinne Devin, NASSIG COMREL Director Alberto Lunetta and the members International Award organizing committee pose for a photo during the presentation of the award at the becoming the first ever licensed doctor in the Virdimura Mercure Hotel in Catania, July 22, 2020. The International Virdimura Awards is presented to individuals world. Instead of working for the nobles as in recognition of volunteering activity and contributions to the promotion of peace, social inclusion and many of her male colleagues did, Virdimura equality among people of the world. (Photo by Marcello Nicolosi) decided to support disabled, poor and the of the Sanitary Art) and was patronized by the Italian needy people. In other words, she embodied women’s Ministry of Education and University (MIUR) and the rights and emancipation as well as the qualities of a true Società Italiana di Storia della Medicina e di Bioetica generous volunteer. Today, her legacy lives on through the (Italian Society of the History of Medicine and Bioethics). work of thousands of women who make a difference in Over the years, other Virdimura Award recipients have many communities where access to healthcare is limited. included President of Malta Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca In 2013, Catania-based doctor, writer, poet and professor and other individuals who have promoted the values of Cristina Tornali and her husband Ignazio Vecchio, a solidarity, dialogue, peace and understanding among neurologist and professor of History of Medicine at cultures in the Mediterranean area. the University of Catania, created the “International On July 22, Cmdr. Corinne Devin, a passionate and Virdimura Award” to honor healthcare professionals dedicated Sigonella Naval Hospital Navy orthodontist, and philanthropists who have distinguished themselves was the recipient of this year’s Virdimura Award. The through excellence, volunteering and contributions to ceremony took place at the Mercure Hotel in Catania and intercultural education and the promotion of peace and was attended by a group of Catania University medical equality among people of the world. school students and local professionals from different In particular, this award is aimed at promoting gender sectors, including entrepreneurs, doctors, lawyers, equality, social inclusion and the advancement of magistrates and the honorary consuls of Greece and women in the fields of education, health and work while Azerbaijan. simultaneously fighting discrimination and social prejudice In attendance on behalf of NAS Sigonella was a against people with disabilities and minorities. The award delegation from the Naval Hospital, led by Lt. Deanna is also focused on raising awareness and tackling violence Ciaccia, the Hospital COMREL representative, and a against women, especially by their partners or spouses. group of Marines and sailors from SPMAGTF-CR-AF The Virdimura award is sponsored by the following 20.2 who were accompanied by Chaplain Mike Wise. organizations: AIN, (Associazione Italiana per Tornali said the annual award ceremony showcases the Neurodisabili (Italian Neurodisability Association), outstanding achievements of inspirational women who, Centro Siciliano dell’Accademia di Storia dell’Arte like Devin, work hard, give back to society and inspire Sanitaria (Sicilian Center of the Academy for the History
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"Italian News" cont’d on Page 11
July 24, 2020
CAMPING IN THE SICILIAN OUTDOORS Photos and Story by MC2 Josh Coté, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
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s restrictions easy in Sicily, it is time to get out and see what Sicily has to offer. If you enjoy the outdoors, one way of doing that is to try camping at a lido around the island. Many of the lidos give you the option of staying in one of their bungalows, or, if you want the more traditional camping experience, you can reserve a space to set a tent or even park a camper if you have one. Missing the outdoors myself, I decided to give camping a try. Finding a place to stay is as easy as a quick Google search, followed up by direct message to your pick. If you can speak some Italian, it’s even easier if you call. I chose Lido Camping Paradise in Letojanni. It is about a five minute drive off of the Taormina exit on the E45. Every campsite sits next to the beach; the water was quick walk away down a path from my campsite. The campground was very clean and well kept. You can bring your own grill and food to cook if you want. There is also an onsite restaurant that opens for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The same is true for lots of lidos, and some have even more amenities. Most of the lidos are pet friendly, so there is no need to hire a pet sitter. If you don’t like swimming in salt water, in many cases they also have pools and an array of activities to entertain the kids. Lido Camping Paradise had a very well-kept beach, and you could also get the section with the chairs and the umbrellas. If you want a little bit more privacy but still want a mini vacation, I would recommend
the bungalows, which were separate from the actual campsites. The only potential downside of the bungalow was a slightly longer walk to the beach, but still not too far. If you want enjoy the camping experience but don’t own any of the necessary equipment, don’t worry as it is all available to rent from MWR Outdoor Recreation office on NAS I. If you need an item to camp, chances are that they have it. For example, they have three different size tents from two to six person tents. All the equipment is available at an affordable price as well. The six person tent for the weekend is only ten dollars. If you decide to rent equipment, it would most likely cost less than $50 get enough gear for two people camp for the weekend. Camping isn’t the only outdoor activity they can assist you in. If you wanted to fish while you are out in nature, MWR Outdoor Recreation also has you covered. You can rent fishing rods and a tackle box for under $20, and if you want to get out in the deeper water, they also rent kayaks and life jackets for $25 for the weekend. Renting everything from them is less than the price of going out and purchasing a new tent that you may only use once. Even though it rained on my camping excursion, my dog Grizzly and I still enjoyed waking up and walking right down to the beach. If you need help planning your own camping trip, don’t hesitate to contact MWR at DSN 624-4777 or 095-56-4777.
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MEDITERRANEAN SEA (April 23, 2020) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) as seen from the window of a P-8A Poseidon multi-mission maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP), April 23. The ships and aircraft are forward deployed to U.S. 6th Fleet. VP-4 is assigned to Commander, Task Force 67, responsible for tactical control of deployed maritime patrol and reconnaissance squadrons throughout Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Josh Cote)
VP-47 Participates in Exercise Sea Breeze 2020 From U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs
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ailors assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 47, alongside maritime forces from eight nations, are participating in the 20th iteration of the Ukrainian-U.S. co-hosted multinational training exercise Sea Breeze in the Black Sea. Sea Breeze 2020 is taking place from July 20-July 26 and focuses on multiple warfare areas including maritime interdiction operations, air defense, anti-submarine warfare, damage control, and search and rescue operations. “Every participant involved in the exercise is professional, efficient, and responsible,” said Lt. j. g. Hannah Hughes, a Navy pilot assigned to VP-47. “We will all acquire new skills, experience and knowledge because of Sea Breeze.” The exercise is an annual event designed to enhance interoperability amongst participating nations and strengthen regional security. Beginning in 1997, the exercise brings Black Sea nations together to train and operate with NATO members in the pursuit of building increased capability. “Sea Breeze serves to build a rock-solid foundation of partnership in the Black Sea,” Vice Adm. Gene Black, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, said during the opening day press conference. “Our ships, aircraft, and personnel train together unified in our goal of maritime security and stability.”
The eight nations participating in Sea Breeze 2020 are Bulgaria, Georgia, Norway, Romania, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine, and the United States. “Sea Breeze challenges us to hone our skills in real time operations,” said Lt. j. g. Joel Davis, assigned to VP-47. “The events are dynamic, requiring both operational and tactical decision making that not only furthers our own training, but improves the standing relationships with our allies.” U.S. participation includes one P-8A Poseidon from VP47 and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78). Total service member participation from the U.S. is approximately 400 Sailors. VP-47 is currently assigned to commander, Task Force (CTF) 67 and is deployed to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations. CTF 67 is composed of land-based maritime patrol aircraft that operate over the waters of the Mediterranean in anti-submarine reconnaissance, surveillance, and mining roles. U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with joint, allied, and interagency partners in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.
Donate now through July 31, 2020 online at https://fedsfeedfamilies.ocio.usda.gov
"BZ" cont’d from Page 3
July 24, 2020
in a good mood. Top of the line customer service!
BZ to MVRO
I recently received correspondence from MVRO regarding updating of my auto insurance for the purposes of renewing my gas card, and with one phone call and an email, I was able to submit. Very easy. I did get a second reminder after I had already submitted, so not sure why that happened. However, when I replied to confirm MA2 Heather Dodson was extremely helpful and prompt with replying with the information I needed. I just wanted to submit that I appreciated her answering all of my
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questions. Very professional! Thank you for the opportunity to put in this comment.
BZ to MVRO
I’d like to give a BZ to MVRO. The new process for paying road taxes is fantastic. I work on NAS 1, and I didn’t have to take a chunk out of my day to drive to NAS 2. The clerk who took care of me, MA2 Dodson, was extremely responsive, and the whole process was completed in about 30 minutes. Airman Young and Petty Officer Taylor were also very helpful when I called for information last week. This is what great customer service looks like.
"Italian News" cont’d from Page 8
were excited to have her as a guest teacher since they hadn’t had any visiting professors for several months. “I was humbled by how quickly the children learned despite the cultural and language difference. In a world completely different than my own, no barrier could stop my ability to impact,” Devin said. At the end of the ceremony, Devin expressed her sincere gratitude to the organizers and addressed the medical students by saying, “I believe that being well rounded in a multitude of areas can inspire, motivate and place the seed of determination into our youth and their peers.” Devin was born overseas and lived in six different military bases while her father, Cmdr. (retired) Robert F. Devin, served in the Dental Corps. She comes from nine generations of SPMAGTF-CR-AF 20.2 Sigonella Marines and Sailors are presented with a distinguished Naval family, and her father a thank-you volunteer award for their community relations efforts during the inspired her to pursue a career in the United States ceremony for the International Virdimura award held in Catania , July 22, 2020. Navy. She deployed in support of Operation Iraqi (Photo by Marcello Nicolosi) Freedom in 2009 to Al Asad, Iraq and has enjoyed traveling to over 50 countries in Europe, Middle and motivate other young women across the globe to East and Asia. While in residency she competed and won the title Ms. pursue STEM (science, technology, engineering, and Texas. She went on to win Ms. United States 2012, Ms. mathematics) education and careers. Devin, who will end her Sigonella tour in the Galaxy 2014, Ms. Earth 2018 and now Ms. International fall, has made an impact on the relationship with the host 2020. These titles have allowed her to get involved with nation during her service in Sicily by volunteering her local communities and speak at elementary schools where time and talent and using her strengths as a compassionate she mentored young girls and showed them that they can communicator, public speaker and educator. Since 2018, be and do anything- from beauty queen to Navy officer to she has volunteered with the NASSIG Public Affairs orthodontist. She has continued to balance her two passions, Office for many community service initiatives, including serving as the keynote speaker at the STEM Conference STEM presentations at Sicilian schools and environmental to over 1,000 middle school girls for the Department of beach and park cleanups, which she conducted along with Defense in Japan. Devin is the department head of dental specialties and her hospital colleagues. During her tour in Sicily, besides the multiple COMRELs the sole orthodontist at U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella. She that she has supported in the island, she also spent one currently lives in Catania, Sicily, Italy and has a love for week in Azrou, Morocco educating 100 children ages three fitness, travel and pageantry. During the ceremony, the Virdimura Award’s organizers to five as part of a Cross Cultural Solutions project. Every day, she prepared a lesson in which she taught the children also awarded SPMAGTF-CR-AF 20.2 Marines and sailors a concept in English and then led a hands-on activity to for the community relations volunteer events that they help them learn it. The teachers, principal and children have been conducting in Sicily since the beginning of their deployment in the island.
Traveling S I C I L Y
COMMUNITY RECREATION
Marzamemi Boat Tour SATURDAYS
AUG 8, 22 & 29
Depart: NAS II 7:30 am, Marinai 7:45 am, NAS I 8:00 am Return: 5:00 pm Ages: 8+ Cost: $100 (Includes transportation, guide, gear and lunch. Bring euro for snacks)
Hike Rocca Novara Park (Nebrodi Mountains)
SATURDAY
Depart: NAS II 6:30 am, Marinai 6:45 am, NAS I 7:00 am Return: 6:30 pm Ages: 12+ Cost: $40 (Includes transportation and guide. Bring euro for food)
AUG 1
Hike Lamponi Cave SUNDAY
AUG 2
Depart: NAS II 8:00 am, Marinai 8:15 am, NAS I 8:30 am Return: 6:00 pm Ages: 16+ Cost: $45 (Includes transportation, guide, and lunch)
