Sigonella Galley Recognized as "Best of the Best"

By CSC Marco “Blu” Guevarra/NAS Sigonella Galley

Photos courtesy of National Restaurant Association Education Foundation

For the second year in a row, Naval Air Station Sigonella’s galley, Ristorante Bella Etna, was once again selected as the FY 2019 Captain Edward F. Ney winner for the best Small Galley Ashore. To receive the award in back-to-back years is almost unheard of, and is a testament to the commitment to quality and service that galley leadership has.

“To do it once is something, but to do it twice says a lot about this crew’s consistency and dedication,” said Culinary Specialist Chief Marco Guevarra the Galley’s Leading Culinary Specialist.

To accept this prestigious award, a delegation of active duty and local national galley employees traveled to Chicago for the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation ceremony on May 17. For many of them, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to be recognized for dedicated culinary work over their careers.

The Captain Edward F. Ney Memorial Award Program was established in 1958 by the Secretary of the Navy to recognize afloat and ashore general messes that demonstrate excellence in food service. Named in honor of the late Capt. Edward Francis Ney, Supply Corps, United States Navy, the Ney Memorial Awards Program represents the pinnacle of Navy food service success. It promotes friendly competition among units, instills pride in accomplishment, and spreads esprit de corps throughout the Navy. Every year, the Navy awards the “Best of the Best” in each foodservice facility category after a minimum of three rigorous inspections and one assessment before being determined as the category winner.

“Nothing is more satisfying than being a part of this winning team and representing NAS Sigonella Navywide,” added Command Master Chief Nancy Estrada. “The leadership, expertise and hard work of Mr. Domenico Strano, Mr. Agatino Grasso, Mr. Antonino Schiliro, Mr. Carmelo Recupero, Mr. Luca Mastronardo, and Mr. Angelo Viglianesi truly left an indelible mark and a legacy to Sigonellans. It is only right to celebrate and recognize our people –our treasure. Congratulations once again team, Famiglia Bella Etna.”