Direct Line

Direct Line

NAS Sigonella Commanding Officer Capt. Kevin Pickard

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 factthat 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.