The Signature | July 26, 2019

July 26, 2019

MT. ETNA: A PORTRAIT OF A VOLCANO Story on pages 6-9

DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS: HOW TO STAY SAFE XO MORAN KICKS OFF ARTICLE SERIES ON CONFLICT MANAGEMENT

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Direct Line

Cmdr. Patrick Moran, NAS Sigonella Executive Officer

Buongiorno Sigonella, Back in May I was fortunate enough to partake in the Sigonella Leadership Forum hosted by the Naval Hospital.

It provided an opportunity for several leaders from the community to speak on the topic of Conflict Management and Workplace Synergy. I thought it was interesting that the forum would focus on the management of conflict rather than its resolution. I always approached conflict in the workplace as something to be ultimately resolved, but I suppose it really does make sense to assume that conflict in any organization would continually exist in some form or another, so an approach to its management would make sense.

A tremendous amount has been written on the subject and really, one could make a career out of the study of conflict management and resolution. But in preparation for my brief discussion I focused on what had worked for me over the years when I had to deal with it. Please note though, what follows is not just for those in a supervisory position. It is for everyone – because no matter what stage we are in our careers (military or civilian) we are all leaders when it comes down to it and we all have a vested interest in the success of our respective organizations. Managing conflict and minimizing its negative effects is important to that success.

Further, this single article is by no means a complete guide to dealing with conflict in the workplace. Rather it is a simple model to use when first approaching a conflict to identify its root cause.

I have found that, more often than not, the underlying issue at the heart of any workplace conflict stems from the presence of one or more of three things; uncertainty, inequality, and apathy. If one of these conditions exists, then the environment is more than ripe for a bad situation. Another way to look at it is by asking yourself three questions: Is something unclear? Is something unfair? Is someone not engaged?

Uncertainty This might be the easiest of the three conditions to identify. All organizations exist to serve a purpose. All successful organizations have a stated mission and

often a vision accompanying that mission statement. Likewise, all departments within the organization exist to serve a function to further the goals of the organization. Knowing this, the lack of a clearly defined mission or purpose can lead to uncertainty as to where the focus should be. This, in turn, can lead to differing interpretations of what team members should be doing and from that, argument and conflict is not far behind. Have you ever heard someone on your team say “what are we doing here?” You may be familiar with the phrase leadership abhors a vacuum.

The same is true for any organization without a clear stated mission or purpose. Without a clear purpose, there is a vacuum where guidance should be and that must be filled with something. It isn’t always going to be filled with the right thing. The vacuum may be filled with competing guidance, each based on individual interpretation that isn’t aligned with the team or the organization as a whole. When that happens there is going to be conflict.

Inequality More difficult to recognize, but no less important, is inequality in an organization. It would seem that people have a natural proclivity to view things through the lens of equality – what is fair and unfair. How often have parents heard their children say “But it’s not fair!” How often have you said that to yourself? I certainly do on occasion. The concept of equality and fairness is far too broad and complex to address as a whole right here but for purposes of this discussion I refer to favoritism and unequal treatment in general. Favoritism, both real and perceived, can certainly have serious negative impacts on a team, on a mission, and on an organization. It can breed resentment and jealousy, which in turn, creates a toxic environment.

Oftentimes those involved may not even realize their behavior is unfair or perceived by others as unequal. Or, the issue at its core may be an example of misperception. Whatever the case, it’s best to ask the questions and try to understand where there is inequality and then address it from there.

Apathy This may be an easier thing to discover but it is going to have more far reaching effects. While looking for uncertainty and inequality, you may find the root cause of one or both is a disengaged leader or team member. One may ask, “If my supervisor doesn’t care, why should I?” or “My team doesn’t put the effort in, why should I?” The stoic and noble answer to these questions would be “I am a professional and I take pride in my work.” That’s a great answer, but how long can someone realistically remain professional and engaged when others on the team are not? At some point something is going to break and things are going to get difficult. It’s only a matter of when.

These things are what I look for when first addressing a conflict or dispute.

Once again, this article certainly doesn’t address conflict management as a whole, but sets the stage for first addressing the problem by understanding what may be causing it. This is what has worked best for me. In subsequent articles I will present a closer look separately at uncertainty, inequality, and apathy and what I have found that can help to mitigate the effects, and more so, create an environment that makes it far more difficult for each to exist.

July 26, 2019

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Interactive Customer Evaluation Comment Regarding AtHoc Alert Messages: Someone needs to take away the AtHoc button. They are seriously misusing the system.

“We are changing the traffic flow on NAS I.” “Wait. Scratch that, never mind.”

“Wait. Sorry, scratch that again.

We decided we are, so never mind to the never mind.”

My favorite was the day we had neverending the thunderstorm warnings.

“T-Storm warning in effect until 1000.” (The sun is out) “T-Storm warning extended till 1400. (It hasn’t rained all day) “T-Storm warning extended till forever.” Do these people live in a hole?

Then there are the Mondays where I come back to work and more than half of new emails I’ve gotten are AtHoc emails. Y’all are like the boy who cried wolf. I sincerely doubt that anyone would believe the AtHoc if there was an actual real life situation. Active Shooter? It’s just another exercise, AGAIN. Oh wait - that one doesn’t say exercise on it... is it real? I clicked off of mine, what does it say on your computer? That’s exactly what happened on 12 June. Are we still locked down? I don’t know - what did your message say? I got a text, but you got an email and they say two different things.

I thought that the system was for emergency situations and critical information. 99% of the messages I have received have been worthless. Stop the madness!!

Response: Thank you for shedding light on our emergency AtHoc notification system. Unlike other forms of official base communication, this system has the capability of reaching all personnel attached to NAS Sig—service members and dependents. Because of its wide reach, it’s a critical component of our emergency management communication.

I urge everyone who thinks they might have an issue with their AtHoc account, or dependents who would like to register for an account, to reach out to the emergency management team at W-SI-NASSIGEMERGMGMT-STAFF-GS@fe.navy.mil.

Regarding the frequency that we issue AtHoc notifications, my philosophy is that it is always better to over communicate rather than under communicate. The system is in place to keep you safe and informed, period. While you are free to disagree, I do not consider what you

describe to be an abuse of the system.

Our emergency management team sends the majority of AtHoc messages with input from other departments such as security and public works. Recently, our security department underwent a major assessment and was conducting drills that required AtHoc notifications. As with all drills, these messages are clearly identified with the information “EXERCISE EXERCISE EXERCISE” to indicate that there is a not a real-world emergency. But even when receiving an “EXERCISE” AtHoc message, all personnel should take them seriously and thoroughly read the message to determine what action items, if any, are necessary.

Other times, AtHoc messages may be released to indicate other urgent situations, such as drinking water bans/ restorations or urgent ECP changes.

Again, this information is critical for your awareness and safety. Please take the time to read each message and determine if there are action items you need to take.

Regarding weather alerts specifically, remember that NAS Sigonella is an operational air station. Flight line operations and safety personnel need this information to make informed operational decisions, including how and when it is safe to re-fuel or arm aircraft. The emergency management team has coordinated with the local flight planning office to issue T-1 severe weather alerts, which include lightning/thunder within 10 nautical miles, torrential rain, hail, severe downbursts, and sudden wind shifts. Keep in mind that our proximity to Mt. Etna means that weather on or around the mountain may trigger these alerts, so even when it may appear sunny here at Sig there is significant dangerous weather in close proximity to the installation. Any of these situations will trigger a T-1 alert.

Again, I am not inclined to change how the AtHoc notification system is used. The messages are issued to keep you safe and informed. If, after reading a message, you determine that no action is required or the message doesn’t specifically apply to you, simply ignore the guidance. You can be assured that the information provided in AtHoc is applicable to someone on the base, and it is critical that they get that information.

Comment Regarding NAS I Pool Hours: The base has received several comments about the new lap swim hours at the NAS I Splashers pool. Specifically, the "ICE" cont’d on Page 13

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 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.

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Name: YN2 Kevin Briceno Department: Navy Munitions Command Det. Hometown: Miami, Fla.

Navy Munitions Command Detachment Sigonella is just one of 37 tenant commands at Naval Air Station Sigonella. NMC Sigonella provides necessary fleet ordnance support to Navy Region Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia. One Sailor that stands out for his work is Yeoman second Class Kevin Briceno, from Miami, Florida. Being the only yeoman for his command, he is in charge of helping more than 30 people with their administrative needs.

“Since I am the only yeoman here with 32 personnel, it can get a little hectic,” said Briceno. “I deal with a lot of correspondence, awards, evaluations and the Defense Travel System. The people in command are constantly traveling to other detachments like Souda Bay, Rota, and Israel, so I am in charge of their travel arrangements.”

On top of all his yeoman duties, Briceno is also the operations security manager, along with security manager and the command’s pay/personnel administrator. CPPA is usually a personnel specialist’s job, so Briceno is busy doing his own job along with jobs that normally are assigned to other rates.

Briceno calls Miami home, but he was raised in Lima, Peru. He joined the Navy to be able to help out his mother.

“The main reason I joined the Navy is because I wanted to help out my mom,” said Briceno. “The life we lived back in Peru was pretty difficult; it is not the best place to be.

I graduated high school at 16 so I had to wait [to join the Navy], but once I turned 18, I signed up to make a better life for me and my mom.”

Briceno will have been in the Navy for six years this August. Before NAS

Sigonella, his first two tours were with a helicopter squadron in Jacksonville followed by supporting the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in Portugal.

In his free time, Briceno likes to get out and see what Sicily has to offer.

“My favorite thing about Sicily is the beaches,” said Briceno. “I can’t say the beaches around Catania are my favorite, but if you get out and travel to places like Taormina, Agrigento, and Palermo, they have the good beaches.”

Briceno has not started school yet, but definitely plans on taking some classes in the near future.

“I definitely plan on staying in,” said Briceno. “I don’t want to stay enlisted, I definitely plan on submitting an officer package. That’s part of the reason I want to start school soon.”

July 26, 2019

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Got Supplements?

Story by: LT Lorna H. Brown MS, RD, LDN Department Head - Health Promotion Registered Dietitian U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella

In the military community the use of supplements is a hot topic. We all want to be within standards, be stronger and faster, and fit the warfighter model.

As consumers we purchase expensive over-the-counter supplements that promise weight-loss, muscle growth, improved performance, decreased recovery time and a multitude of other reasons. But did you know that some dietary supplements are believed to contain illegal substances? Or that military members have suffered medical consequences like changes in blood pressure, headaches stroke, depression, dehydration, anxiety, irregular or elevated heart rates, and lethal exhaustion.

The deaths of some service members have even been linked to some of these products. In order to understand how this could be possible, we first need to understand what a dietary supplement is and then we need examine how we determine its safety.

The general definition of a dietary supplement is a manufactured product, such as a vitamin or mineral, taken as a complement to food to replace nutrients that may be missing in a person’s diet.

The supplement business is a multi-billion dollar industry that is not currently regulated like conventional food and drug products by the Food and Drug Administration. The use of supplements is designed to add further nutritional value to the diet, not to act as a meal replacement. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration and caption/ Airman 1st Class Daniel Brosam)

But dietary supplements also include energy drinks and sports nutrition products used to enhance performance.

They can come in the form of a pill, capsule, powder, drink, gels, or bar.

While a dietary supplement may be a helpful addition, it’s important to realize that the safety and effectiveness of supplements have not been proven scientifically and are essentially unknown.

Many people assume the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tests dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness like prescription drugs. It does not! No testing is performed. The FDA only regulates dietary supplements and requires that companies submit safety data about any new ingredient not sold in the United States prior to 1994.

With this new knowledge onboard, how can a consumer know if a product is safe, effective, or even contains the ingredients listed on the label?

To complicate matters, some supplements may interfere with the action of prescription or over-thecounter medications you are taking.

This could cause an increase in side effects or reduce effectiveness. To

begin to protect yourself from possible negative side-effects of supplements it is very important to share any supplements you are taking with your medical personnel.

Now that you are aware of some of the dangers of supplements, the below resources are available to educate service members, retirees, family members, leaders, healthcare providers, and civilians about dietary supplements and how to choose wisely.

• Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center (NMCPHC) can help you learn more about the safety and usage of dietary supplements. NMCPHC can be accessed at: www.nmcphc.med.navy.mil • Operation Supplement Safety (OPSS) can help you identify supplements that may pose a potential health risk to your health or career.

OPSS can be accessed online at: www. opss.org.

• Human Performance Resource Center (HPRC) provides information for optimal performance focusing on psychological, social, familial, behavioral, nutritional, physical, and environmental fitness. HPRC can be accessed online at: www.hprc-online.org

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The Signature

The Mysteries of Mt. Etn UNV

By Janine Scianna NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

She stands tall on the horizon, no matter where you are in eastern Sicily. Her presence may be a daunting sight when you first arrive at Sigonella, but as time goes by, fear gradually disappears and is replaced with the feeling of having a friendly presence in your backyard.

Indeed, according to Dr. Boris Behncke, volcanologist at Catania’s Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Mt. Etna is often considered to be the physical embodiment of a mother to Sicilians.

For the most part, her near-constant activity has acted like a slow pressure release, and damaging eruptions and earthquakes have been fairly infrequent in modern history.

Yet, Behncke says the illusion of Etna as a “friendly volcano” is the number one myth he’d like to dispel.

“It’s the mother of the people here. But sometimes a mother gets grumpy, and every once in a while she punishes,” warned Behncke.

The good news is that even with this inherent danger, the risks can be mitigated by smart policy choices.

Sigonellans don’t have to reach deep into their memories to find evidence of the dual threat of volcanism and earthquakes from Mt. Etna.

The Christmas Eve 2018 eruption flung ash high into the air, and just two days later, a 4.9 magnitude earthquake followed, causing structural

damage to mountain towns.

Mt. Etna, as Behncke describes, is one of the most versatile and varied volcanoes on the planet. She can erupt like almost any other style of volcano, from the peaceful, effusive flow of the Hawaiian style to the explosive, Plinian-style of Mt. Vesuvius. In fact, geologic evidence shows that a Plinian eruption occurred as recent as 122 B.C., when a “champagne effect” allowed for instantaneous, explosive decompression of the magma chamber.

The primary variable that dictates how Mt. Etna erupts is the gas content. A lot of gas in the magma can cause more violent explosions. If that gas finds a way to gradually release over time, then the eruptions can be peaceful.

Behncke is quick to point out that even with the best science and monitoring, it is difficult to really know when the next big eruption will occur.

But Behncke says there are signs that indicate that she is preparing. Magma has been accumulating deep in the chamber, and the December eruption could have been the first in a series of flank eruptions—where magma is released out of secondary vents away from the summit. It is continuously a surprise to see where the next eruption will occur at. In fact, Etna has over 300 craters and holes where eruptive activity has taken place. And if Behncke is right, the upcoming eruptions in the series will likely be stronger than the first, and

it might happen in the next 1-2 years.

Yet, even with a large eruption possible in the near future, Behncke says that the sheer size of Etna makes the threat of encroaching lava and dangerous ash fall minimal. He says that there is “zero chance” of lava entering the city of Catania ever again—there simply is “too much stuff in the way.” In fact, the last time lava got close to a populated area was in 1981, when Randazzo narrowly escaped an eruption. Compared to a volcano like Mt. Vesuvius, which is much smaller in size and has densely populated areas on its flanks, the risk of Mt. Etna’s eruptions causing damage to populated areas is diminished.

Even though eruptions are sensational and draw most of the attention and fear, Behncke warns that earthquakes are the most imminent danger. In fact, it was the 1693 earthquake that demolished the city of Catania, not an eruption.

Earthquakes can occur on their own or in conjuction with an eruption. Mt. Etna’s earthquakes tend to be capped at a magnitude of around 5.0 on the Richter scale. This is because the faults in her system are shallow and short compared to a fault zone like the San Andreas. But the magnitude of an earthquake has much less to do with the resulting damage than how quicklyHamish the seismic wavesgives accelerate, Cmdr.

Kirkland exits remar of Squadron andcommand what typeofofPatrol structures the 9 deploye (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of VP-9) seismic waves propagate through.

na VEILED

Behncke says that only 50-80 percent of Catania’s buildings are estimated to be capable of surviving a 7.0 magnitude earthquake. That’s because many buildings erected in the 1950-1970s were built cheaply and quickly, with little consideration for earthquake risk.

In addition to conducting research to further understand the complexities of Mt. Etna, Behncke also spends a lot of his time educating the community to build earthquake safety awareness and advocating for government officials to enact policy changes that mitigate earthquake hazards.

“Vote for politicians that promise to make this land earthquake-safe,” advises Behncke. “If there are no such politicians, create them.

Become them yourselves.”

For Sigonella citizens, Behncke’s advice for avoiding risk when selecting a home is simple. Avoid renting in a building that was built in the 1950s-1970s, and if possible, choose a home that was built after 1980.

That’s when Italy instituted building codes that would prevent homes from collapsing. And of course, avoid towns that are situated close to Etna’s summit, as the threat of lava is highest there.

In a nutshell, if you can make smart decisions about where you live, there is very little chance that Etna could While innately dangerous, rks endanger after beingyou. relieved ed to NAS Sigonella.

Etna can truly be perceived as a mother to Sicily, if she is respected.

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Earthquake destruction is the primary local threat from the Mt. Etna system.

(Photo courtesy of Giornale Di Sicilia)

Cmdr. Robert Matthias, commanding officer of NCTS Sicily, gives remarks at the Ponte Dirillo ceremony.Volcanologist (U.S. Navy photo IT2Behncke of INGV Catania stands in front Dr.by Boris Jordan Gilles) of monitoring instrumenentation for Mt. Etna activity ( U.S. Navy photo by Janine Scianna)

October 30, 2002 eruption of Mt. Etna as seen from the International Space Station (NASA photo)

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I danni causati dal terremoto sono la minaccia principale proveniente dal sistema Etna. (Foto Giornale Di Sicilia)

Il vulcanologo Dott. Boris Behncke dell’INGV Catania nella sala operativa dove viene monitorata in tempo reale l’attivita dell’Etna. (Foto Marina USA, Janine Scianna)

(Foto Mike Ickx)

Tut La si vede ergersi alta all’orizzonte da qualsiasi parte della Sicilia orientale.

Quando si arriva a Sigonella, la sua presenza può essere inquietante, ma col passare del tempo la paura scompare gradualmente e viene sostituita dalla sensazione di avere una presenza amichevole dietro casa.

Infatti, secondo il dott. Boris Behncke, vulcanologo dell’Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia di Catania, l’Etna è spesso considerata l’incarnazione fisica di una madre per i siciliani.

In generale, la sua quasi costante attività è paragonabile ad un lento rilascio di pressione, inoltre eruzioni e terremoti dannosi sono stati piuttosto rari nella storia moderna del vulcano.

Tuttavia, Behncke afferma che l’illusione che l’Etna sia un “vulcano amico” è il primo mito da sfatare. “La gente la considera come una madre. Ma a volte questa madre si irrita e ogni tanto infligge punizioni “, avverte Behncke.

La buona notizia è che, sebbene ci sia la consapevolezza di questo pericolo inerente, i rischi possono essere attenuati da scelte politiche intelligenti. I residenti di Sigonella non devono fare uno sforzo di memoria per rendersi conto della pericolosità relativa all’attività sismica e vulcanica dell’Etna. L’eruzione della vigilia di Natale del 2018 è stata caratterizzata da emissioni di cenere, e due giorni dopo, da un terremoto di magnitudo 4.9 che causò danni strutturali nei paesi pedemontani.

Behncke descrive l’Etna come uno dei vulcani più versatili e variegati del pianeta.

Proprio come avviene per qualsiasi tipo di vulcano, essa può produrre un’eruzione sia di carattere effusivo e pacifico in

July 26, 2019

tte le Risposte ai Misteri DELL’ETNA Janine Scianna Ufficio Pubblica Informazione NAS Sigonella

stile hawaiano che una di carattere esplosivo in stile pliniano come avviene nel caso del Monte Vesuvio.

Infatti, le evidenze geologiche mostrano che un’eruzione pliniana si verificò nel 122 a.C. quando la decompressione istantanea e esplosiva della camera magmatica provocò un “effetto champagne”.

La variabile primaria che determina la dinamica dell’eruzioni dell’Etna è il contenuto di gas. Un’elevata quantità di gas all’interno magma può causare esplosioni più violente.

Se quel gas trova una via di fuga graduale nel tempo, allora le eruzioni possono essere meno violente.

Behncke sottolinea che, pur avvalendosi dell’ausilio della migliore scienza e strumentazione, è difficile sapere veramente quando si verificherà la prossima grande eruzione, anche se che ci possono essere dei segnali che indicano l’imminenza di un evento eruttivo.

Il magma si è accumulato in profondità nella camera magmatica e l’eruzione di dicembre sarebbe potuta essere la prima di una serie di eruzioni laterali, in cui il magma viene rilasciato dalle bocche secondarie lontano dalla sommità del vulcano. È sempre sorprendente vedere dove avverrà la prossima eruzione.

In effetti, l’Etna ha oltre 300 crateri e bocche in cui è avvenuta attività eruttiva. Se Behncke ha ragione, i prossimi fenomeni del ciclo eruttivo potrebbero essere probabilmente più forti della prima eruzione, e potrebbe accadere nei prossimi 1-2 anni.

Behncke afferma che le dimensioni dell’Etna riducono al minimo la minaccia di invasione di una colata lavica e di ceneri pericolose, anche in presenza di una possibile imminente grande eruzione.

Spiega inoltre che è praticamente impossibile che la lava raggiunga un’altra volta la città di Catania, a causa dei tanti ostacoli che incontrerebbe.

Infatti, l’ultima volta che la lava si è avvicinata ad una città è stata nel 1981, quando Randazzo fu risparmiata per poco da un’eruzione. Rispetto ad un vulcano come il Vesuvio, che è molto più piccolo per dimensioni ed ospita aree densamente popolate sui fianchi, il rischio che le eruzioni dell’Etna causino danni alle aree popolate è minore .

Sebbene le eruzioni siano spettacolari perché catturano l’attenzione ed incutono paura, Behncke mette in guardia sul fatto che non siano esse il pericolo più imminente bensì i terremoti . In effetti, fu proprio il terremoto del 1693 a distruggere la città di Catania, non un’eruzione.

I terremoti dell’Etna tendono ad essere limitati ad una magnitudo di circa 5.0 sulla scala Richter. Questo avviene perché le faglie nel suo sistema sono superficiali e corte rispetto, ad esempio, ad una faglia come quella di Sant’ Andrea. Ma la magnitudo di un terremoto non ha una grande rilevanza sui danni che ne conseguono rispetto al ruolo dell’accelerazione delle onde sismiche ed al tipo di strutture attraverso le quali esse si propagano.

Behncke afferma che solo il 5080% degli edifici di Catania sarebbe

in grado di resistere ad un terremoto di magnitudo 7.0. Questo perché molti edifici fabbricati negli anni ‘50, ‘60 e ‘70 sono stati costruiti in modo economico e frettoloso, con scarsa considerazione per il rischio di terremoti. Oltre a condurre ricerche per comprendere ulteriormente le complessità dell’Etna, Behncke trascorre molto del suo tempo ad educare la comunità ad incrementare la consapevolezza sulla sicurezza sismica e incoraggiare gli amministratori locali ad attuare cambiamenti politici che mitighino il rischio sismico.

“Votate per i politici che promettono di proteggere questo territorio dai terremoti”, consiglia Behncke. “Se non ci sono politici in grado di farlo, createli. Diventatelo voi stessi. “ Behncke dà un semplice consiglio ai residenti di Sigonella volto ad evitare rischi quando si cerca casa. Evitare di prendere in affitto un edificio costruito negli anni ‘50 e ‘70 e, se possibile, scegliere una casa costruita dopo il 1980. Fu allora che l’Italia condusse una valutazione a livello nazionale del rischio sismico ed istituì norme edilizie che avrebbero impedito il crollo delle case. E, naturalmente, evitate i paesi che si trovano vicino alla vetta dell’Etna, poiché sono più soggetti alla minaccia della lava.

In poche parole, se fai la cosa giusta quando cerchi casa, ci sono poche possibilità che l’Etna possa metterti in pericolo. Sebbene sia innatamente pericolosa. Se rispettata, l’Etna, in Sicilia, può davvero essere percepita come una madre.

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The Signature

Prosecco Hills Added to UNESCO World Heritage List From AFP/The Local

Italy’s Prosecco hills northeast of Venice, which have been cultivated for centuries, were added to the World Heritage list by the UN cultural organization.

The Conegliano and Valdobbiadene hills, where the grapes that produce the famous Prosecco sparkling wine are grown, got the green light at a meeting of UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee in Baku.

“The landscape is characterized by ‘hogback’ hills, ciglioni -- small plots of vines on narrow grassy terraces -- forests, small villages and farmland,” UNESCO said in a statement announcing the decision.

“For centuries, this rugged terrain has been shaped and adapted by man. Since the 17th century, the use of ciglioni has created a particular checkerboard landscape consisting of rows of vines parallel and vertical to the slopes.”

Italy has been lobbying to have the hills, which stretch for 30 kilometers, receive this recognition for a decade.

The region became Italy’s 55th World Heritage site, putting it level with China as the two countries with the world’s highest number of UNESCO honors.

The Prosecco sparkling white, which has the highest classification available to an Italian wine, is produced in a territory spread over nine provinces in Italy’s north-east.

While the region spans over 500 towns in total, only 15 make Prosecco Superiore DOCG, the top-quality bubbly produced around the Venetian towns of Conegliano

Italy’s Prosecco Hills, the region that cultivates grapes for its famous prosecco sparkling wine, has been added to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization’s World Heritage List. It became Italy’s 55th such site, tying with China for the country with the most UNESCO heritage sites. (Photo by Elena Zamprogno)

and Valdobbiadene, where complex geology is thought to make for a more diverse, flavourful taste.

As well as its ancient tradition of wine-making, the territory is known for its well-preserved early settlements.

Sales of Prosecco rose six percent in 2018 to 460 million bottles, of which 75 percent were exported.

Horse-Drawn Carriages Will Soon Disappear From Rome’s Streets From The Local

The famed tourist carriages, known as “botticelle,” would be restricted to parks only in a measure the city council said was aimed at stopping the horses from suffering on the hot cobbles.

“Among the key aims of the measure is to avoid all suffering to the horses,

taking the botticelle activities to more suitable locations like parks and historic villas,” stated Daniele Diaco, head of Rome’s environmental committee.

And the carriages could soon disappear altogether, as the city will no longer issue new botticelle licenses.

Instead, it’s offering drivers the option of applying for taxi licenses, Diaco said.

The new law is seen as a victory for the capital’s Five Star Movementled council, which has been pushing for its approval since last year.

The legislation is seen as one step away from banning the botticelle outright, as promised by Rome’s mayor Virginia Raggi in her election campaign almost four years ago.

Animal rights groups have long "ITALIAN NEWS" continued on Page 13

July 26, 2019

11

Ready, Relevant Learning: OS Rate Receives First Modernized Training Course From Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs NAVAL STATION GREAT LAKES, Ill. (NNS) -- Center for Surface Combat Systems Unit Great Lakes graduated the first group of students to complete the initial run of its modernized operations specialist training course May 24.The OS rating is the first to be taught using modernized delivery under the Ready, Relevant Learning framework.

“The implementation of Ready, Relevant Learning at OS ‘A’ School enables our instructors to deliver realistic, relevant and interactive course content to accession-level Sailors,” said Dean McCarty, CSCSU Great Lakes director of training. “Students are now able to participate in virtual simulations where they are placed in the same scenarios in which they will see on their ships. ” The former OS “A” School was primarily conducted by instructors leading students through computerbased training modules and PowerPoint slide shows. Modernized OS training, however, is enhanced with interactive self-directed courseware, gamebased virtual simulation software, demonstration videos and step-by step guides that target performance skills as opposed to strictly knowledge memorization. These training methods provide students more hands-on learning, so they can apply the fundamentals they learn as a foundation in the day-to-day application of topics like rules of the road, lookout duties and Voyage Management System operations.

“This training course provided various modalities of learning the

Students at Center for Surface Combat Systems Unit Great Lakes use technology in the Ship’s Self Defense System lab while going through Operations Specialist “A” School April 26.

(U.S. Navy photo by Brian Walsh/Released)

OS rating,” said Chief Operations Specialist Eliseo Hernandez, the course supervisor. “By providing more handson applications, future OS students will be far more prepared to step in to their supporting roles in their respective combat information center watch team.”

According to many of the students, they received a more flexible and immersive learning experience than traditional instructor-led training.

This initial pilot course, delivered to students in an actual training environment, was a final assessment required before full-scale implementation of the new course format and training curriculum targeted to fully transition in September.

RRL is a pillar of Sailor 2025, the Navy’s program to more effectively

recruit, develop, manage, reward and retain the force of tomorrow.

“RRL changes the way we train – moving beyond an industrial-era, conveyer-belt training model to one that our Sailors can expect from today’s most technologically advanced Navy in the world,” said Rear Adm. Kyle Cozad, commander, Naval Education and Training Command (NETC). “It is providing the right training at the right time in the right way to Sailors to improve their performance and enhance mission readiness. And this pilot course has fully validated the means and methods that RRL will bring to Navy training.”

For more on RRL, visit the U.S. Fleet Forces RRL website at https:// www.public.navy.mil/usff/rrl/Pages/ default.aspx.

12

The Signature

SOCIAL MEDIA SAFETY

By Jonathan Greenert Naval Criminal Investigative Service

In today’s world, more people than ever are connected through social media websites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Our community here in Sigonella is no exception. Whether it be through the official NAS Sigonella Facebook page, or through other groups such as Siglist or Marinai Home Cooks, social media has brought us together in a positive way. But unfortunately, the growth of social media has also led to an increase in internet-facilitated crime.

According to the FBI, in 2018 alone, over $2.7 billion was lost to internet scams, frauds, and hoaxes.

From January 2018 to June 2019, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service received over 400 reports to our online tip system of internet-based extortion and/or scamming, most of which was facilitated through social media websites.

These criminals often operate outside the United States, which can make it difficult to investigate and prosecute these types of cases. For this reason, it is extremely important that service members, civilians, and their families

take steps to protect themselves online.

Here are some things to consider:

1. Limit the amount of personal information you post.

Remember that nearly everything you post online can be downloaded and saved by someone you don’t know. Do not post images of yourself in compromising situations and always review the privacy settings of the sites you are using to better regulate who can your posts.

Be mindful of real-time “check-in” updates – they can reveal your location.

The more information about you that criminals have, the easier it will be for them to take advantage of you.

2. Be wary of strangers online.

Always verify with whom you are connecting, friending, or sharing personal information. There are people out there seeking to gather personal and/or embarrassing information they can use to extort money out of you. The internet makes it easy for criminals to misrepresent their identities and motives.

3. If it sounds off or too good to be true, it probably is.

Verify the authenticity of information before taking any action. Watch for bad

grammar or misspellings, which are common in scam emails. Be suspicious of emails or messages that contain an urgent request, or ask you to update or provide new information. Scammers offer all sorts of benefits in order to attract potential victims. Never download any message attachments from people you don’t know; they could contain malware that will infect your system and compromise your personal information.

As we continue to increase our online presence, we need to be more vigilant about ensuring we are not making ourselves more vulnerable in cyberspace. Taking a few small steps to protect your privacy and the security of your information will go a long way to preventing you from suffering both personally and financially. There are plenty of resources available to help stay safe online, including onguardonline.gov.

If you believe you may have become the victim of internet-facilitated crime, please report it to NCIS by stopping by Building 469 on NAS II or calling DSN 624-9210 / COMM 095-86-9210. You can also use our “NCIS Tips” program, both on the web or through our mobile application.

July 26, 2019 "ICE" cont’d from Page 3

concern regards the shortening of the M-F from 1800 to 1700, and how that reduction may impact the ability of active duty to use the NAS I pool for fitness.

Response: I am always glad to hear about our service members taking physical fitness seriously. Lap swimming is an excellent way to stay fit and because of that, MWR makes extensive and continuous efforts to gauge the demand for lap swim at both pools for our active duty population.

In fact, there is an ongoing MWR survey to better understand the desire for pool and gym hours. I highly encourage all patrons to visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ NASSIGfitness to voice their opinion.

"ITALIAN NEWS" cont’d from Page 10

protested that the horses are stressed and suffer in the summer heat, while motorists rail against the carriages obstructing Rome’s heavy traffic.

However, some carriage drivers claimed authorities simply dislike the carriages and were using concerns about the horses’ wellbeing as a cover to get rid of the carriages.

“It’s a regulation against the coaches, not for the animals,” driver representative Angelo Sed told reporters in 2018.

The horse-drawn coaches are popular with tourists, who pay an average of €75 per person per hour to be transported around the city.

At Vatican, Empty Tombs Add New Twist to Missing Girl Mystery From Reuters

The Vatican recently opened two tombs to see if the body of a girl missing since 1983 was hidden there and ran into a new mystery when nothing was found, not even the bones of two 19th century princesses supposed to be buried there.Experts were looking for the remains of Emanuela Orlandi, the daughter of a Vatican clerk who failed to return home following a music

Although we try to accommodate everyone, we fully recognize that we will, unfortunately, never meet everyone’s exact needs. There are many personnel and dependents that desire use of the pool for lap, recreational, and instructional swim. Within the active duty population alone, there are a wide variety of work schedules to consider. We are always trying our best to accommodate all groups to the best of our abilities.

The most recent changes to pool hours for morning and afternoon lap swim for both facilities was based on the heaviest usage of those pools by our active duty members as recorded. Once school ends each summer, lap swim at NAS I closes at 1700 in order to accommodate recreational swim and swim lessons for adults and children.

In order to make sure that service

lesson in Rome. Her disappearance has been the subject of wild speculation in the Italian media for years.

Exhumation work began after a morning prayer in the Teutonic Cemetery, a burial ground just inside the Vatican walls used over the centuries mainly for church figures or members of noble families of German or Austrian origin.

Officials were expecting to find at least the bones of Princess Sophie von Hohenlohe, who died in 1836, and Princess Carlotta Federica of Mecklenburg, who died in 1840, but there was no trace of either.

“The result of the search was negative. No human remains or funeral urns were found,” Vatican spokesman Alessandro Gisotti said.

Gisotti said the Vatican would now examine records structural work done in the cemetery at the end of the 19th century and again about 60 years ago to see if they could shed any light on the new mystery.

Princess Sophie’s tomb led to a large empty underground room and no human remains were found in Princess Carlotta’s tomb, he said.

“They went down and found a room measuring 4 meters by 3 meters (13 feet by 10 feet), which was the first surprise ...There was absolutely nothing inside,”

13 members at both bases, MWR offers a collective 17.5 hours a week of lap swim across both pools. The current schedule, in effect through August 26, is displayed below for your convenience. It can also be accessed by visiting https://www. navymwrsigonella.com/summer-swim.

If you have any further questions or comments, please contact Elizabeth Leonard, Fitness Director at 624-0504 or elizabeth.leonard@eu.navy.mil.

NAS I Lap Swim Pool Hours: Monday-Friday: 1200-1700 Tuesday/Thursday: 1100-1200 NAS II Lap Swim Pool Hours: Monday/Wednesday/Friday: 0530-0800; 1100-1300 Tuesday/Thursday: 11-1300 Fridays Only: 1500-1800

Emanuela’s brother, Pietro Orlandi, told reporters outside the Vatican.

The two tombs were opened in the presence of the Orlandi family and descendants of the princesses.

The Orlandi family had received an anonymous letter saying Emanuela’s body might be hidden among the dead in the Teutonic Cemetery where a statue of an angel holding a book reads “Requiescat in Pace,” Latin for “Rest in Peace”.

Theories about Orlandi’s disappearance have run the gamut from an attempt to secure freedom for Mehmet Ali Agca, the Turk jailed in 1981 for trying to assassinate Pope John Paul II, to a connection to the grave of Enrico De Pedis, a mobster buried in a Rome basilica. His tomb was opened in 2012 but nothing was revealed.

Last year, bones found during ground work at the Vatican embassy in Rome sparked a media frenzy suggesting they might belong to Orlandi or to Mirella Gregori, another teenager who disappeared the same year.

DNA tests turned out negative.

Police in 1983 did not exclude the possibility that Orlandi may have been abducted and killed for reasons with no connection to the Vatican or been a victim of human trafficking.

COMINGSOON AUGUST AUGUST, 10

COMMUNITY REC

624-4777

Mt. Etna Overnight Camping Trip with Stargazing

Depart: NAS II 11:00 am, Marinai 11:15 am, NAS I 11:30 am Return: 5:00 pm (Sunday) Cost: $135 (includes BBQ dinner on Saturday, lunch & wine tasting on Sunday) Make a wish! San Lorenzo's Tears will be on display for all to see. After hiking to Ox Valley, enjoy a traditional BBQ dinner, then get a few hours of beauty rest before waking up for the show. Complete the trip the next day with lunch and wine at Barone di Villagrande Winery. Maximum participants for this trip is 20!

August 21 • 10:00 am MWR LIBRARY Movement-based story time at the library! A certified fitness staff member will be joining the library team to combine physical activity and reading. This is a guided program that encourages the entire family to get up and move.

With every page we read, there is a fitness element involved and bouncing kids will learn to love books! Jump around with books like, "Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed" and "Shake my Sillies Out"

THURSDAY, 22

Flick N’ Float

SPLASHERS POOL

Location: Splashers Pool at Sundown Cost: Free Midtown 2 Theaters and Splashers Pool present Flick N’ Float movie night! Float around at the pool and watch the movie unfold. Concessions available for purchase poolside. Enter through the poolside entrance. All pool rules apply.

Check Facebook for movie showing.

AUGUST, 15

FITNESS CENTER

Hair of the Dog 5K Hangout

624-4483

Location: Marinai Community Center Time: 6:30 - 8:30 pm Party with your pooch at our woof walk/run! Bring your pup to enjoy beer sales, yard games, and doggy giveaways. Dogs are encouraged but not necessary. The run/walk will kickoff at 7:00 pm. Register in advance at sigonellahairofthedog.eventbrite.com