Direct Line

Capt. Kevin Pickard, NAS Sigonella Commanding Officer

Team Sigonella,

We do a lot of things exceptionally well here at Sigonella. The recent whole-of-base effort to support Operation Allies Welcome was a prime example of what we can do when we pull together as an installation. I could not be more proud of all of you for the exceptional level of effort and professionalism displayed.

But now I need your help on something else.

As most of you know, we recently lost two Sailors in a single-vehicle accident. We have felt the loss of our two shipmates extremely deeply within our command at NAS Sigonella. Across the installation, we have now lost four service members to trafficrelated accidents in the past 14 months and one service member in a liberty-related death in that same time span. That is five deaths too many.

We have also had several significant vehicle accidents requiring hospitalization of service members or dependents. While there is no specific causal factor that directly links all of these mishaps, it is clear to me that we are operating far too close to the edge with respect to driving safety here at Sigonella. I now ask all of you to keep traffic safety at the forefront of your mind as you drive to and from base, around the island, and wherever else you may travel.

Our base safety team, in conjunction with the Motor Vehicle Registration Office (MVRO) and the security department is conducting a comprehensive review of our driving program from initial arrival through check-out. We have already discovered some disturbing trends with regards to vehicle documentation and licensing requirements. With that thought in mind, I want to let you know where we are going with respect to traffic safety, education, registration, licensing requirements, and enforcement.

In the coming days and weeks, you will see significantly increased security enforcement of driving regulations, both on base and in the triangle, including joint patrols with host nation law enforcement. We have already stood up our traffic court, and violators will risk losing their driving privileges for serious enough or repeat offenses. Additionally, we will increase scrutiny on driving registration, insurance, and licensing. Unfortunately, we have too many people who have not updated their paperwork with MVRO or are operating uninsured vehicles. Any car owner found either loaning their vehicle or operating that vehicle without valid insurance risks losing their driving privileges.

Additionally, we will strengthen initial licensing testing requirements to ensure that prospective drivers have the minimum required knowledge to navigate the unique driving situations here in Sicily. Once that program is initiated, drivers will only be issued with a driving license after testing and a class. This is policy is aligned with other overseas bases.

There is much more here to discuss and many things to finalize, but I wanted to provide you with a heads up. The installation is here to support your mission and enable your success. That being said, our collective missions require that we take action to protect our community. I ask each and every one of your for your help, engagement, and cooperation as we work towards making our roads as safe as we can. Thank you for your continued service to our nation and your leadership. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.