The Signature | March 3, 2023

PHOTOS FROM AROUND NASSIG

Pages 6 -7

SAILORS SUPPORT EARTHQUAKE RELIEF IN TURKIYE

ALMOND BLOSSOM AND INTERNATIONAL FOLKLORE FESTIVAL RETURNS TO AGRIGENTO

Direct Line

U.S. Department of Defense delivers Field Hospital to Türkiye

INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Türkiye – At the request of the government of Türkiye, United States Marines, Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen worked around the clock to deliver an emergency field hospital from the continental United States to Incirlik Air Base in Türkiye, Feb. 22, 2023, as part of the United States’ continuous commitment to assist survivors of the catastrophic earthquake. U.S. Naval Forces Europe, in coordination with U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM), U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM), and U.S. Air Force (USAF) Air Combat Command (ACC) facilitated the delivery of the Department of Defense provided field hospital, with assistance from staffs in Kelly Field in San Antonio, Texas, and Langley Air Force Base, Va.

“We are responding to the request for support from the Turkish government to provide a critical medical capability while the Turkish government rebuilds,” said Brig. Gen Andrew Priddy, commanding general, TF 61/2. “I am proud of the professionalism with which the team has responded to assist our Turkish Allies and friends who are suffering from the earthquake’s devastation.”

U.S. service members, assigned to U.S. Sixth Fleet’s Task Force 61/2, are working at the request of the Turkish Ministry of Health through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to ensure the hospital is established and operational in the province of Hatay, one of Türkiye’s most severely impacted areas. The field hospital is equipped with an emergency room, two operating rooms, and an intensive care unit along with critically needed medical supplies, 100 beds, and equipment to ensure the functionality of the hospital. The Marines of TF 61/2 and Airmen from 39th Air Base Wing will set the hospital up over the course of a week, beginning Feb. 25 and will turn the facility over to the Turkish Ministry of Health once complete.

Once turned over, the hospital will provide Turkish medical professionals expanded capability to continue providing critical and urgent health care to the citizens of Türkiye impacted by the devastating earthquakes. TF 61/2, under operational control of U.S. Naval Forces Europe and U.S. Sixth Fleet, is responding to the deadly 7.8 and 7.6 magnitude earthquakes that devastated Türkiye on Feb. 6. Hours after the earthquake, U.S. Marines and Sailors established a forward crisis response operations center at Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye, in close coordination with U.S. interagency partners and Turkish officials. For more than 80 years,

Interactive Customer Evaluation

Q: We are very impressed with the quality of care at the CDC here. However, the level of communication could use improvement. Please provide reasonable advance notice of closures (more than just a day). Not all commands have the same DONSA schedule and even if it is a holiday it should be well communicated in advance for those who need to seek alternative childcare.

A: Thank you for your feedback. We understand that our facilities being open has a major impact on our family’s ability to complete their mission. During orientation, we review all of our planned closures which include all U.S. Federal Holidays. In addition, each year we are able to have two In-Service Training days, where our facilities are closed, so that our staff can complete mandatory trainings. These are put out well in advance, as they must be approved by the CO then CNIC. These dates are included in our Parent Fee Policy each year, and is reviewed upon signing of the fee agreements. We do send out email reminders, and post on our front doors to each facility. If you do not receive our emails, please be sure to stop by our front desk to ensure we have the correct email. We know many people have changed emails, or only provide one that may not be checked as regular. You are always able to add additional emails to ensure information reaches you in a timely manner. In addition, we post these closures on the MWR and CYP Facebook pages. If you have any suggestions to help spread program updates, please do send them for our review to CYP_ Sigonella@eu.navy.mil.

U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability.

Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.

Q: We are in Marinai, and during the “Medicane” our awning was destroyed. Pizzarotti promptly replied to my request and came out to check on Monday and tore it down Tuesday. This was greatly appreciated! However, I was told that the Navy has not approved funds for replacements for broken awnings and fences. Is this something that is “in process” or will Marinai be dealing with missing fences and awnings indefinitely? With the warning of upcoming inspections I want to organize my outdoor space but we currently have everything shifted to allow for work. Thank you!

A: We’re currently in the process of informing residents about the restoration plan. Pizzarotti is currently awaiting authorization from the Lessor (Belpasso SPV, Equitex) to proceed with restoration plan. However, the repair has already started by removing damaged fences to get ahead while they wait on approval for the purchase of materials and the installation. There are 198 units with damaged fences.

Q: What’s up with the smell on Marinai during the early mornings?

A: This could be a number of things. The most common sources of foul odors are the Lentini landfill, manure from the surrounding farms or the local farmers burning debris. This affects not just Marinai as these odors are often detected at NAS 1 and NAS 2 as well.

BRAVO ZULUS!

An MA named Apal was extremely helpful and kind when we needed help at the front gate on NAS 1 getting a pass for a visitor. He went above and beyond-BZ!

My family and I attended the Maiorchino Fesival in Novara di Sicilia on Saturday, February 18 with MWR. It was a lively tour and felt great having the so many drivers and tour guides with us. Now we know why we took 2 smaller vans. The roads were narrow. We did not know what kind of crowds we would encounter. One of the older ladies got slammed into

by one of the disc cheese and she got hurt. She was pretty bruised up and couldn’t walk. The MWR team and a male nurse (everyone said James) from the Navy Hospital on our trip sprang into action to assist with her pain. She took it pretty hard and could not walk. She refused a trip to the local ER but instead waited at the end of our tour to go to the Emergency Room. We all wished her well. Bravo Zulu to those that rendered care in some form or another. Thanks for ensuring our safety at all times.

I attended the New Spouse Orientation through FFSC with Andrea Carobene and had an amazing time. He definitely knows his job and has a great time teaching new spouses things out in Italy. I would have never known how to ride a metro or bus system out here and he showed us how to do everything at our own pace. He taught us so many things in such a short period of time and was beyond patient with us. I had a million questions and he answered all of them and never made us nervous or afraid. I loved getting to learn Italian and practicing it out in the community. I can tell he enjoys his job and truly has a passion for what he does. The orientation is a great tool and would suggest it to all new spouses or spouses who have not been out in town. You all have an amazing employee and I am so glad I had the pleasure of seeing him.

Today I came across a very outstanding worker named Rachel at your gym facility. She was very welcoming and answered every question I asked to her best of ability, I also noticed the cleanliness of the gym as well. She is doing an amazing job. 10/10

Thank you Pizarrotti staff for being in site 24/7 during the storm. They were also working on the weekend to remove fallen trees and respond to any damages. We only had 2 roof tiles blow away and they were replaced by Wednesday

I utilized services for assistance with my resume and preparing for an interview. Catherine Murphy was knowledgeable and was able to provide valuable resources to help me prepare both my resume and for my interview. She scheduled with me in a timely manner and provided useful feedback.

I’d like to use this opportunity to give a shout out to Morgan Callender. She’s always so positive and professional. She goes out of her ways to meet the community’s needs. Morgan was involved in bringing in some wonderful events to Sigonella and we’re really thankful to have her.

Our family is so grateful for all the work and guidance that the command staff put into keeping all of us safe and informed! This was my first heavy storm at Sigonella, and I am glad that the command staff made sure that base housing was staffed with maintenance and PWD to take care of us all! Thank you so much!

I just want to thank our CO and staff who worked all through the storm. They kept us updated constantly with what was going on. They made sure pizzaroti was well staffed and keeping our power on. They prepped the bases before the storm to hit to decrease damage. They are amazing! They are a very well run command. I appreciate everything they do for us. THANK YOU!!!

The service provider at Fleet and Family went above and beyond expectations. She treated me with respect and like a human being. She cared about doing a good job and it was very much appreciated.

A big thanks to Tindy and Francesca from the MWR Gym at NAS 2 for their excellent service.

U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION

SIGONELLA

Commanding Officer

Capt. Aaron Shoemaker

Executive Officer

Cmdr. Ronald Cappellini

Command Master Chief CMDCM Randy Dickerson

EDITORIAL

Public Affairs Officer Lt. Drake Greer drake.e.greer.mil@us.navy.mil

Public Affairs LPO MC1 Joshua Coté joshua.m.cote2.mil@us.navy.mil

Community Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta alberto.lunetta.ln@us.navy.mil

PAO Staff Writers \ Photographers MC2 Kelsey Culbertson kelsey.s.culbertson.mil@us.navy.mil

MR3 Max Rector Timothy.m.rector2.mil@us.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.

Command: NAS Sigonella

Department: Security

By MC1 Joshua Cote, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

Master-at-Arms Sailors carry out many different jobs here on Naval Air Station Sigonella, yet only a select few get to be Military Working Dog (MWD) Handlers. Not every Sailor can become a dog handler after completing in-rate training, they have much more specialized intensive training afterwards.

For Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Jacob Grizzard, from Trenton, Ga., that is exactly the career path he took. He joined the Navy in 2011 and after finishing boot camp and additional training, was stationed at Commander, Navy Region Southwest and Naval Technical Training Center Lackland before coming to NAS Sigonella.

During his work day, Grizzard spends time working directly with the military working dogs on base.

“I start the day by checking my emails,” said Grizzard. “Then I have to pull the dogs for training and utilization. Part of the training is detection for narcotics and explosives as well as patrol training.”

When it comes to working with dogs, no two are the same. They all have different personalities just like humans.

“One of my favorite parts of the job is trouble shooting when training with the dogs,” said Grizzard. “All the military working dogs are different and require individual training plans. It is more than just playing with dogs. Learning how to read and understand an animal and build behaviors into them to better suit the mission is an incredible feeling.”

When it comes to serving in the military, it can

mean many different things to a service member.

“To me serving in the Navy means passing down knowledge to the next generation,” said Grizzard. “That way we can ensure a viable military working dog program in the future.”

There is one accomplishment of Grizzards career that stands out to him more than most so far.

“My proudest accomplishment so far is receiving a Blue Patch from the 341st Training Squadron while attached to NTTC Lackland during an instructor tour,” Said Grizzard. “The Blue Patch is a milestone in dog training when you’re stationed at Lackland. You get it when you qualify a certain number of dogs and are nominated for it by the master trainers of the command.”

Grizzard’s hard work and dedication to his job here on NAS Sigonella has made him stand out to his leadership in his work center.

“MA2 Grizzard is an outstanding Sailor and always puts maximum effort into his work and the work of the Sailors in his division and department,” said Master-at-Arms 1st Class Madison Leathers.

“Grizzard brings a huge light to the kennel with his humor and amazing attitude, keeping the morale of the MWD kennel at an all-time high. His wealth of knowledge is wide, and his leadership skills are unmatched, setting the example to all and paving the way for his junior Sailors.”

When he is not at work, Grizzard likes to spend his free time with his family and going to the gym to work on his physical fitness. On top of that, he enjoys spending time outdoors and taking vacations when possible to travel around Europe.

Today’s African American Sailors stand proudly knowing the accomplishments of their predecessors, including the eight black Sailors who earned the Medal of Honor during the Civil War; Dick Henry Turpin, one of the survivors of the explosion aboard the battleship Maine; and the 14 black female yeomen who enlisted during World War I. The Navy planted the seeds for racial integration during World War II and trained a generation of outstanding African American officers and enlisted personnel who provided critical leadership and expertise during the Cold War.

For more information, visit Navy History and Heritage Command’s website www.history.navy.mil

Name: MA2 Jacob Grizzard

Photos From Around NAS Sigonella

Photos by: Lt. Drake Greer, MC1 Kegan E. Kay, MC1 Josh Coté, MC2 Kelsey Culbertson and MR3 Max Rector

Almond blossom and International Folklore festival returns to Agrigento (March 5-12)

By Dr. Alberto Lunetta, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

After the four-year hiatus due the COVID-19 pandemic, the 75th edition of the traditional “Sagra del Mandorlo in Fiore” (Almond Blossom Festival) and the 65th edition of the prestigious International Folklore Festival return to Agrigento, named the “most beautiful city of mortals,” by Greek poet Pindar. From March 5 through March 12th, expect seven days of amazing dance shows, folklore parades, arts and crafts, beauty contests, concerts, delicious local food and entertainment.

This year, the 20th edition of the “Children of the World Festival,” will also take place at the same time. Two group parades for the city will all be held in the center on the Sundays of March 5 and 12. The weekly shows will be held between Palacongressi Convention Center and Pirandello Theater.

Almond trees have been already in full blossom in Agrigento since February spreading their delicious perfume in the air, all around the enchanting Valle dei Templi (Valley of the Temples) a worldrenowned enchanting Greek archeological site, which features traces of an ancient and proud civilization. Those beautiful trees provide a unique and breathtaking spectacle for the festival annually drawing thousands of tourists from all over the world.

The almond, which is considered as a symbol of rebirth and beauty, is the first tree to come into flower after the winter season. Almonds are native to Central Asia and the Mediterranean, but they are also cultivated in the Middle East, Italy, Spain, Greece, and California.

According to legend, the origin of the almond tree is rooted in a Greek mythological story. It tells of the beautiful princess Phyllis who died of a broken heart for having been deserted by Demophoon, a Greek king whom she loved. Demophoon had left Phyllis to return to Athens for a short visit but never came back for months. Phyllis’s tragic death moved a goddess to turn her into a barren almond tree which when embraced by the grieving Demophoon on his delayed arrival, burst forth into full bloom. The tale is a true demonstration of undying love.

The enchanting Valley of the Greek Temples and the historic center of the town is therefore a perfect backdrop for this worldwide brotherhood celebration. This year, eleven folklore groups from around the world showcase their heritage through traditional dance, music, and costumes.

During the festival, city balconies and windows will be decorated with colored flowers. The origins of the festival date back to the 1930s. Every year, at the beginning of February, the farmers of Naro, a small village in the Agrigento province, used to celebrate the early almond blooming with songs, dances and float parades. The festival also helped to promote local community produce. Through the years, the festival, which was moved to Agrigento, earned an international reputation as a celebration of peace and friendship that involves folklore groups from all over the world.

Festival’s highlights

Every day there will be folklore show and parades in the city’s historic center. Folklore parades, featuring folklore groups from 24 countries (Albania, Armenia, Bulgaria, Chile, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Georgia, Japan, Greece, India, Italy, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Korea, Malaysia, Macedonia, Mexico, Poland, Scotland, Serbia, Spain, United States of America, Thailand and Uzbekistan) will be held at several venues (Palacongressi, Teatro Postavecchia), in piazza Cavour in the morning and in the evening at the Pirandello Theater. This year’s highlights include the exciting ‘Torchlight Procession of Friendship,’ scheduled

for Friday, March 10 at 5:00 p.m., sealing the participation in peace, brotherhood and friendship of groups representing some 30 nations from Africa, America, Asia and Europe.

Live music will include great artists in concert such as Banco del Mutuo Soccorso, the historic Italian progressive rock band founded in Rome in 1968 and the Symphony Orchestra of the Conservatory ‘Toscanini’ of Ribera.

Cooking shows highlighting almond-based specialties will also be among the most exciting events of the festival.

The last day of the festival (Sunday, March 12) will begin at 9:30 am with a folklore show from Piazza Vittorio Emanuele to the viale della Vittoria and will feature the final two-hour award show at 3:00 pm at the Valley of Temples.

The festival will be extended one more day March 13 in the picturesque town of Naro where it was born on the 1930s with a spectacular parade taking place at 10:00 am in the historic center.

This year, it will be possible to reach the places where the events of the International Folklore Festival will take place aboard a historic train from Palermo that, traveling through the hinterland of Sicily, will arrive to the “City of Temples” on March 5 and 12, the opening and closing Sundays of the festival. The March 5 program includes the “Almond Blossom TrainHistoric Train” from Palermo Central Station to Agrigento Central Station. The convoy, operated by electric locomotive with 1930s “Centoporte” coaches, 1950s Corbellini coaches and baggage carriage, will leave Palermo at 8:00 am and arrive in Agrigento at 11:05 am

On the return trip, however, it will leave at 6:23 pm and arrive at 9:10 pm

On the same day there will be the Almond Blossom Express - Tourist Train from Agrigento Central to Porto Empedocle Succursale Station. In this case “ALn 668” train will depart Agrigento at 8:30 am to arrive in Porto Empedocle at 9:10 am Return trip leaving at 9:20 am and arriving at 10:05 am

The Almond Blossom Express - Tourist Train from Agrigento Central to Porto Empedocle Succursale will also replicate on March 11 but with departure at 10:20 am and arrival at 11:00 am and return with departure at 11:10 am and arrival at 11:55 am. On March 12, the closing day of the festival, both trains will then return with identical schedules as on March 5.

For more information visit the Italian railways foundation web site: https://www.fondazionefs.it/

Tickets are required at some events such as concerts and some folklore show. For more information, fully detailed schedules visit https:// agrigento.comune.digital/75-mandorlo-fiore

Running March 5 to March 12 in the breathtaking Valley of the Temples, the 75th anniversary of the Agrigento Almond Blossom Festival and the 65th edition of the International Folklore Festival will bring together almost thirty countries from all around the globe featuring an amazing lineup of folklore parades and shows, arts and crafts, children’s activities, culinary events and live music.