4 March The Signature

Vol. 28 No. 8

march 4, 2011

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NAS Sigonella participates in Citadel Shield 2011

By MCSA Cameron Bramham The Signature Staff

Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella took part in the worldwide annual training exercise Solid Curtain/Citadel Shield Feb. 21-25.

This annual exercise was developed to enhance the training and readiness of Navy security personnel to respond to threats to installations and units. Various scenarios were devised to test base security response to a number of simulated incidents. The weeklong security exercise is the largest anti-terrorism/force protection (AT/FP) exercise conducted worldwide.

“Citadel Shield/Solid Cur-

tain is based around anti-terrorism force protection,” NAS Sigonella Installation Training Officer and Exercise Coordinator Chief Gunner’s Mate Jeremy Elmore said. “So the scenarios were built around situations that have already happened worldwide, which means they can happen again and we need to know how to handle the situation properly.”

The exercise consisted of two scenarios on NAS I and another which took place at the NATO Pier in Augusta Bay. The scenarios on NAS I put an armed man who opened fire inside the Fleet and Family Support Center and involving surveillance of the

NAS I gate and at the NATO Pier in Augusta Bay. Elmore said that planning the exercise can take up to five months making sure everything and everybody is prepared going into the drill.

“For an exercise like this, there are months of planning that go into coordinating the exercise,” Elmore said. “When we set up an exercise, we usually have three planning conferences that we attend for the region and the last one we went to for this one was at the beginning of January in NaEXERCISE, continued on page 13

Photo by MC2 Gary Prill, NPASE East A security forces team tactically clears the Fleet and Family Support Center during a drill scenario involving an active shooter and hostage.

The drill is part of Citadel Shield 2011, consisting of more than 250 individual training events designed to test different regional Anti-Terrorism and Force Protection Operations. It is an annual exercise that ensures U.S. Navy security forces maintain a high level of readiness to respond to threats. Exercise Citadel Shield 2011 is an important part of maintaining the security of the U.S. Navy.

NAS Sigonella takes the pledge to quit tobacco

Get gun qualified

By GM2 Kris Carmody The Signature Staff

All Hands who are interested in qualifying on any current navy small arms i.e. M9 pistol, M16 rifle, and M500 shotgun, please refer to the following guidelines. All participants must be in full duty status and complete the NKO course for the specific weapon in which they wish to qualify on. The current NKO courses

GM2 Brian Silveri demonstrates how to use one of the current Navy small arms. Those interested in qualifying on small arms have guidelines that they need to follow and courses that must be passed on NKO.

GUN, continued on page 12

Weather

top StorieS

Mar. 4 H: 60 update L: 44

Mar. 5 H: 61 L: 44

Mar. 6 H: 66 L: 45

Each year, students in grades 3 through 11 who attend DoDEA schools participate in system-wide testing. During the week of March 14-18, 2011 students at Sigonella Elementary, Middle and High school will be given the TerraNova Standardized Test.

Three Navy members took top honors at the 25th annual Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA) Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Global Competitiveness Conference Awards Gala in Washington, D.C., Feb. 19.

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Navy News 3

Mar. 7 H: 61 L: 36

If you think that cheese is only used as food, you are wrong! The annual cheese rolling competition is taking place this weekend in Novara di Sicilia.

PAGE 6 Community Calendar 4

Mar. 8 H: 54 L: 35

Photo by MCSA Cameron Bramham, The Signature Staff

Naval Hospital Sigonella Health Promotion Coordinators gathered Feb. 24 near the flower shop inside the NAS SiMar. 9 H: 55 L: 35

Get off the island and head to northern Italy for a unique trip, which might include the opportunity to test drive a Ferrari!

PAGE 8 MWR Corner 11

gonella Navy Exchange to celebrate the annual Great American Spit Out event and raise QUIT, continued on page 13

Traffic Numbers

Mar. 10 H: 59 L: 41 In honor of Women’s History Month, the Auto Skills Center is offering the “How to Classes” for females only, ages 12 and up, taught by Crystal Yancey, our ASC manager.

PAGE 11 Il Mercato 14

Jan. 11 Feb. 11

Jan. 10 Feb. 10

Accidents

32

31

Injuries

3

4

DUIs

3

1

Traffic Deaths

0

0

please, don’t become a statistic!

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March 4, 2011

D irecT LiNe NaS S Change is an inevitable And truthfully, we aren’t

igoNella

part of life – in the military the CHANGE that often times generates the most angst (at least in my household) is the Permanent CHANGE of Duty Station – PCS. This week we will PCS ending my time as your Executive Officer and the beginning a new adventure.

For the next year I will spend my time in Washington DC attempting to learn Portuguese, as well as learning which fork to use at a dinner party (no small task for an aviator) before reporting to the U.S. Embassy in Lisbon Portugal as the Navy Attaché. Pretty cool duty.

And the family is excited.

Well sorta. The thing is that in order for our Portuguese adventure to begin, our Sicilian adventure here at NAS SIGONELLA has to end.

ready for that to happen. Not at all.

In my 26 years in the Navy I have been stationed many places and made many friends, but no place – no place - has touched my familia as much as Sigonella.

The sense of community, the quality of people, and the warmth of our Italian neighbors have made this the best tour of my career.

While the work has been incredibly rewarding and the opportunities to travel have been plentiful – that’s not what made the tour special. I can sum it up in one word – the people (actually I guess that’s really two words.) It’s the personal and professional relationships that both myself and my family have developed here that have made make this stop on the Navy

Story of the Seabees

executiVe officer, capt. Joe BeadleS

merry go round our best yet.

I know the community has given me so much more than I gave it – so I want to say a big thank you to all of Sigonella. Thanks to the Officers, Chief Petty Officers, and Senior Civilians – US and Italian - who selfless lead this command daily only thinking of how they could support the mission the mission while at the same time support their Sailors. No small task – but they were unmatched at being able to achieve those two ideals each and every time. Thanks to all the Sailors, Airmen, Soldiers, and Marines – YOU make NAS SIGONELLA what it is – the best Navy Base in the World.

And last, but certainly not the least, thank you to my Italian friends. Through

your friendship, camaraderie and hospitality you have made this such a special place for me and my family.

Your example of fellowship and family values has taught my family much. You welcomed us into your homes and your lives and showed us what a beautiful place Sicily is. My family and I will always cherish that.

Although I have tried to capture all of the above for my relief, Cmdr. Eric Vosler, he will have to experience it for himself to truly begin to appreciate. I know the Sigonella community will give him the same warm welcome I received. He too is a helicopter pilot so if you continue remember to talk a little slower and stay away for those multisyllabic words –you both will do fine. Because the Navy is wise, he

doesn’t show up until June – so in the meantime, Lt. Cmdr. Scott Hottenstein will lead Sigonella as the Executive Officer until Cmdr.

Vosler is onboard.

With much respect I say “Arrivederci e buona fortuna i miei amici Sigonella. In Bocca al lupo.”

NASSIG WORSHIP SERVICES Chapel Offices: NAS I 095-56-3975, NAS II 095-86-9049 ROMAN CATHOLIC Sunday 0900 Catholic Mass (NAS I Chapel) 1200 Catholic Mass (NAS II Chapel) Monday-Thursday 1200 Catholic Mass (NAS II Chapel) JEWISH LAY SERVICES First Friday 1800 Shabbat Service (NAS I Chapel) sigshalom@yahoo.com

PROTESTANT Sunday 1045 Protestant Worship (NAS I) Wednesday 1700 Fellowship Meal 1800 Adult Bible Study Youth Group Children’s Class CHURCH OF CHRIST LAY SERVICE Sunday 1530 NAS I Chapel Call 624-5128 or 338-736-3061

OTHER SERVICES/ACTIVITIES POINTS OF CONTACT Latter-day Saints: Sunday 1300 Catania Chapel, shefchik@hotmail.com; 624-1393 AA Meetings: Monday,Wednesday, Friday – 1900, NAS II Chapel, 346-840-7745

Counselor’s Corner TerraNova Standardized Testing

By Oletta Saupe

By BUC(SCW) Cortny Johnson Public Works Department Sigonella

The Seabees have a history of building bases, bulldozing and paving thousands of miles Commanding Officer Capt. Scott Butler Public Affairs Officer Lt. Matt Knight Deputy Public Affairs Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta Editor Tracie Barnthouse Staff Writers/ Photographers MC1 Christopher Delano MC2 Gary Prill GM2 Kris Carmody MCSA Cameron Bramham The Signature editorial office is located at: Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily PSC 812 Box 3020, FPO, AE 09627 Telephone: 095-86-5440: DSN 624-5440

of roadway, airstrips, and accomplishing many other construction projects dating back to World War II. The official SEABEES, continued on page 12 This civilian enterprise (CE) 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. The appearance of advertising in this newspaper, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DoD or Stampa Generale S.r.l., of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. A confirmed violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. The Signature is published weekly

Counselor Each year, students in grades 3 through 11 who attend DoDEA schools participate in system-wide testing. During the week of March 14-18, 2011 students at Sigonella Elementary, Middle and High school will be given the TerraNova Standardized Test. Standardized means these tests are administered with the same directions, the same time liby Stampa Generale S.r.l., Sig. Bruno Brandi, Publisher, Naval Support Activity, Capodichino (Naples), Italy - Tel. 081-568-7884, Fax 081-568-7887.

E-mail: stampagenerale@tin.it. 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, guard mail stop #68 or hand-delivered to our office no later than the close of business on the Friday proceeding the expected publication date. All articles submitted by non-staff members will be considered contributing writers. The Signature will not publish any anonymous articles. All advertisements in this publication are the property of Stampa Generale S.r.l. Any reproduction of advertisements in The Signature is unauthorized without the written consent of the publisher.

mits, and the same scoring criteria, with the goal of ensuring equity for all students. The Terra Nova is a norm-referenced achievement test based on educational objectives. It is used to provide objective information about the knowledge and skills that students have acquired at a certain point in time.

Teachers and administrators use TerraNova test results as another source of data for school achievement, program changes, and improvement in instructional planning in the content areas of Reading, Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.

When used in conjunction with classroom observation,

homework assignments, dayto-day class work & teachermade tests, a standardized achievement test can help provide an even more complete picture of student performance.

Educators and parents/guardians share the goal of helping students work at their best level of efficiency when they take standardized achievement tests. Some suggestions to help prepare your child for the test are as follows: • Let your child know you consider the test important.

Explain that the purpose of the test is to get a “snapshot of the many things they have TESTING, continued on page 12

CNE-CNA-C6F/CNREURAFSEA IG Hotline It’s everyone’s responsibility to report fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement in Navy activities to: Office of the Inspector General, Naples, Italy Leave a recorded message 24/7: DSN 626-2983, Comm: 081-5682983 Speak to the Investigator: DSN 626-2964, Comm: 081-568-2964 Email: ighotline@eu.navy.mil Website: www.cnic.navy.mil/europe/index.htm You can choose to remain anonymous or confidential.

March 4, 2011

Black Engineer of the Year Awards showcase Navy's top talent

Bravo Zulu - Top 5 Commands leading in Individual Medical Readiness:

technologies would not exist without the intrepid individuals who have devoChief of Naval Personnel Diversity ted themselves to getting us a bit closer Directorate Public Affairs to tomorrow, today. Their work is what we will remember 10, 15, 25 years from WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Three Navy now, when we reflect upon the advancemembers took top honors at the 25th ments that changed our individual lives annual Black Engineer of the Year and charted a bold new course for us as Awards (BEYA) Science, Technology, a planet."

Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) The Navy was also a sponsor of the Global Competitiveness Conference Feb. 18 Stars and Stripes Awards Gala in WashinDinner, which honored the gton, D.C., Feb. 19. leadership of African-AmeriRear Adm. Bruce Grocan flag and general officers, oms, assistant deputy as well as several Africanchief of naval operations American pioneers of naval for operations, plans and aviation and current and forstrategy (OPNAV mer African-American naval N3/N5B ); Victor Gavin, aviation commanding offiSES, Naval Sea Systems cers.

Command executive diChief of Naval Operations rector for the program Adm. Gary Roughead, keyexecutive officer for littonote speaker at the dinner, ral and mine warfare; and expressed the importance of Kerry Nichols, Naval Air STEM in the Navy and how Systems Command; reorganizations like BEYA ceived awards at the gala, U.S. Navy photo by MCCS Tiffini Jones Vanderwyst/Released contribute to the success of which recognized the siChief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead presents John H. the Navy. gnificant accompliJames, Jr., director of the National Security Personnel System Transition Of"Navy participates with shments of African-Americans in go- fice, with the 2011 Stars & Stripes Honors at the 2011 Black Engineer of the BEYA and other activities vernment and industry, Year Award (BEYA) Stars and Stripes dinner. The event was part of the BEYA that stress STEM and diverScience, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Global Competitive- sity because we really believe who have achieved exthat as a Navy, we will be a ceptional career gains in ness Conference. better Navy if we represent all of Amethe fields of STEM. Wind System program, a software-intenrica," he said.

Grooms, winner of BEYA's Professiosive wind and navigation system integraThe Navy has participated in BEYA nal Achievement in Government Award, ted on approximately thirty-five Navy for the last 20 years. Additionally, in was recognized both for his significant vessels.

2008, the Navy signed an agreement accomplishments in STEM and his serAdditionally, twenty-three Sailors and with CCG to promote further Navy parvice as a role model and leader for other Navy civilians were honored with Moticipation in CCG events in an effort to minorities. Grooms, who was one of dern Day Technology Leadership reach a diverse workforce. only seven African-Americans to comawards at a luncheon Feb. 18, which reCommitment to BEYA represents the mand a submarine in the twentieth cencognized their efforts as technologists Navy's campaign to develop future engitury and the first African-American and engineers at the top of their respecneers and scientists, and retain top-percommandant of midshipmen at the U.S. tive fields. forming Sailors and civilians whose Naval Academy, was also recognized as a The three-day BEYA conference, diverse backgrounds, experiences and key mentor in the submarine commusponsored by Career Communications skills are necessary to meet today's chalnity who takes time to meet with educaGroup (CCG), attracts thousands of lenges. tors to build on partnerships to train STEM professionals and also serves as a Today, there are nearly 89,000 Afrifuture officers as nuclear engineers. learning tool for students interested in can-Americans serving in the Navy, inGavin, a recipient of BEYA's Career pursuing professional interests in engicluding 19 active and reserve flag Achievement in Government Award, neering. officers, 105 command master chiefs, was lauded for his leadership of eight According to Tyrone D. Taborn, and 16 members of the senior executive program management offices and more CCG chairman and CEO, this year's service. than 179 employees, both military and winners represent some of the brightest For more news from Chief of Naval civilian, who oversee the design, deveminds in STEM today.

Personnel - Diversity Directorate, visit lopment, procurement, fielding and su"In the past 25 years, we have seen a www.navy.mil/local/cnp-diversity/. stainment of 220 registered programs stunning shift in almost every aspect of for the Department of the Navy. He was our everyday lives," said Taborn. "These

By Lt. Laura K. Stegherr

page 3

Executive Transport: 100% CNE DET MAST: 96% Naval Munitions: 95% CTF-67: 91.7% Naval Hospital: 89.5% Percent of Staff Fully Medically Ready (Commands >10 personnel) Brought to you by your Flight Line Clinic, Medical Home Port

also recognized for his efforts in promoting small business innovation research integration and mentoring young engineers.

Nichols, a computer engineer and Wind Systems Software Lead with Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), was awarded with BEYA's Outstanding Technical Contribution Award for his work as a leader in NAVAIR's Moriah

What is your favorite weapon currently employed by the U.S. Navy?

NC1 Dennis Murphy

MASA Duane Jones

MA2 Dan Devine

"An Aircraft Carrier. Once a nuclear bomb hits, it's the safest place on earth."

"The M9 service pistol.

Because I'm really familiar with it and I've a lot of time and experience shooting it."

"The MK19 (automatic grenade launcher).

Because it gets the job done."

CE2 Randy Ramos

IT3 Mylin Almader

"The M16 rifle. Because it's fully automatic and very accurate."

"The M9 service pistol.

Because it's easy to carry and the safety features make it virtually idiot proof "

New Hope Picciolo

Dott. Stella

page 4

March 4, 2011

Arriverci class 8 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Crews Into Shape. Runs through April 2

Breastfeeding Basics Class 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

PCC Hospital

Nearly New Shop Open 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

CPR Certification 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Budget for Baby Class 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

NMCRS New Volunteer Orientation 10 a.m.

Tobacco Cessasion Class 9 a.m.

Flight Line Clinc

Babysitter Training Class 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Red Cross Volunteer Recognition Party 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

NMCRS Thrift Shop Open 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

FFSC can be reached at x4291 American Red Cross at x4900 Does your command or organization have an event you’d like to see on the Community Calendar?

Email us at thesig@eu.navy.mil and let us know!

Pantellaro

Chiechio

Oxidiana

Gelso Bianco

March 4, 2011

page 5

Fleet and Family Support Center Administration Building Bldg. 319 (NAS I) Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

DSN 624-4291 Commercial 095-56-4291

Motta

Empower. Enrich. EDUCATE. You have the power to prevent child abuse and neglect Courtesy of the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information

Marchi

As an individual and as a member of your community, you have the power to prevent child abuse and neglect. Here are some ways to contribute your ounce—or more—of effort to prevention.

Understand the problem.

Child abuse and neglect affect children of all ages, races, and incomes.

According to the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System, in 2001, an estimated 903,000 children nationwide were victims of maltreatment. Most experts believe that actual incidents of abuse and neglect are more numerous than statistics indicate.

Understand the terms. Child abuse and neglect take more than one form. Federal and State laws address four main types of child maltreatment: physical abuse, physical or emotional neglect, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse. Often more than one type of abuse or neglect occurs within families. Some types

of maltreatment, such as emotional abuse, are much harder to substantiate than others, such as physical abuse.

Understand the causes. Most parents don't hurt or neglect their children intentionally. Many were themselves abused or neglected. Very young or inexperienced parents might not know how to take care of their babies or what they can reasonably expect from children at different stages of development. Circumstances that place families under extraordinary stress— for instance, poverty, divorce, sickness, disability—sometimes take their toll in child maltreatment. Parents who abuse alcohol or other drugs are more likely to abuse or neglect their children.

Support programs that support families. Parent education, community centers, respite care services, and substance abuse treatment programs help to protect children by addressing circumstances that place families at risk for child abuse and neglect. Donate your time or money, if you can.

Report suspected abuse and neglect. Some states require everyone to report suspected abuse or neglect; oth-

ers specify members of certain professions, such as educators and doctors. But whether or not you are mandated by law to report child abuse and neglect, doing so may save a child—and a family. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, call the police or your local child welfare agency.

Spread the word. Help educate others in your community about child abuse and neglect. See the list below for sources of free materials.

Ask if you can leave a stack of brochures at your local public library, recreation or community center, government center, or other public place. You also might make material available at your church, synagogue, mosque, temple, or other faith institutions. Even grocery stores usually have places to distribute community materials.

Strengthen the fabric of your community. Know your neighbors' names and the names of their children, and make sure they know yours. Give stressed parents a break ABUSE, continued on page 13

Sigonella All Officer's Spouse's Club would like to support the wonderful organizations that contribute to our community. AOSC is now accepting written requests for funds from any NASSIG sanctioned group or DODDS organization. Written requests outlining the need for funds must be received no later than March 31st, 2011. The requests will then be reviewed by the AOSC Board and funds will be earmarked by April 15th, 2011.

Dr, Riccardo Milici

Please send requests to: Sigonella All Officer's Spouse's Club c/o Lisa McEwen PSC 812 Box 3320 FPO, AE 09627 If you have any questions or if you would like more information, please contact AOSC at the following email address: aoscsigonella@yahoo.com

Pentagon

page 6

March 4, 2011 Alberto Lunetta The Signature Staff

Rolling Cheese competition in Novara di Sicilia this weekend If you think that cheese is only used as food, you are wrong! Imagine seeing a wheel of hard cheese rolling down the narrow winding streets of a picturesque Sicilian town. Sounds crazy? No, this is actually the show that you will see if you go to the annual “Sagra del Torneo Provinciale del Maiorchino,” an exciting festival which features a unique cheese rolling competition, taking place this weekend in Novara di Sicilia, an ancient village in the Messina Province that is nestled between the Peloritani and the Nebrodi Mountains.

Held in piazza Michele Bertolami, the race typically takes place during the Carnival celebrations on the following days: Saturday, March 5 /3 p.m. (qualifying games and semifinals); Sunday, March 6 / at 3 p.m. (finals) – 5 p.m. (award ceremonies).

Two teams made of three competitors roll down a 25pound pecorino cheese wheel for about one mile throughout the “vanelle” (narrow streets) of Novara’s historic center. The cheese is launched with a special leather strap, named “mazzacorto” or “lazzàda” that is wrapped around it.

The event, whose origin dates back to the 17th century, is attended by hundreds of villagers and tourists who follow with great attention, excitement and enthusiasm the course of the rolling cheese which is sent up and down the streets of the village’s historic heart. Sometimes, it even rolls off a cliff.

This game which is also known as “la ruzzola del formaggio” or “the rolling of the cheese” is practiced in other regions of Italy, where cham-

pionships are held.

At the end of the competition on Sunday, March 6, the winner is awarded and the Maiorchino cheese is offered to festivalgoers. But it is not over, there will also be a tasting of “maccheroni con il sugo di salsiccia” (short tubular pasta with pork sausage sauce), which will be obviously sprinkled with grated Maiorchino cheese!

Other scrumptious specialties will include oven baked ricotta cheese (called “salaprisa”), provola cheese, hazelnuts, “u risu niru” (rice mixed with roasted hazelnuts, cacao, coffee, orange peel and cinnamon), “i cassatèlli” (sweet pastry filled with dried figs, honey, cinnamon and hazelnuts), “i raviiò” (deep fried sweet ravioli stuffed with cinnamon flavored ricotta cheese), “a pignurada” (sweet pastry dough diced and deep fried) and “i iiditi d’aposturu” (glazed cannolo filled with ricotta).

A rolling cheese championship, featuring women competitors only, will be repeated on Monday, March 7at 3 p.m. and March 8 (Fat Tuesday) at 3 and 5 p.m. At the end of the March 8 competition, a tasting of “maccheroni con il sugo di salsiccia” will be offered to festivalgoers.

Before you leave the festival don’t forget to visit the main town’s attractions. Novara has about 30 churches.

As for the rest of Sicily, Novara was conquered by many civilizations during its long history. Among them, the Normans left a special cultural mark. They populated the town with Lombard settlers whose language still survives today as community dialect.

Novara townspeople still

Photo by Tommaso Farina

The exciting Sagra del Torneo Provinciale del Maiorchino festival returns to Novara di Sicilia this weekend featuring a nail biting rolling cheese competition and excellent Sicilian food and arts and crafts.

speak a French-like dialect called Gallo-Romance.

Town’s attraction highlights include the “Museo etno-antropologico” or Museum of Anthropology and Rural Life (Stancanelli Palace– piazza M. Bertolami – featuring artifacts, folk tools, utensils, furniture and farming equipment); the Chiesa Madre (main church which has a precious statue of the Virgin Mary by Neapolitan 18th century sculptor Filippo Colicci, and several 17th centuries valuable paintings, chapels and altars and the crypt where mummies can be seen).

Novara di Sicilia is about an hour and half drive from Sigonella. Exit Giardini Naxos on A-18 (Catania-Messina highway) and follow directions for Francavilla di Sicilia, Portella Mandrazzi and then Novara di Sicilia.

For more tourist information and detailed festival schedules call 339-7686613

Magnolia

March 4, 2011

page 7

Iceman to get new face Story by ANSA

"You'll have to wait till March 1 to see what Oetzi really looked like," the officials said.

The eyes of the world's scientific community have been focused on the Iceman since he was found peeping out of a glacier in

cottage industry of studies.

There have been discoveries Rome - Italy's famed prehistoric about what he ate, what illnesses 'Iceman' is set to get a new face he suffered from, whether he was after scientific studies showed a shepherd, herder or hunter, and the fierce warrior features of his exactly how he died. lifelike replica are not correct.

A couple of years ago a Bristol "The face should be University researcher, space much older than that of a technology professor Mark 40-year-old of today, and Hempsell, said he believed marked by the adversities new evidence of an asteroid of life in the high mounlanding could be linked to tains with their hostile clithe Iceman's death. mate," experts said ahead of A newly deciphered Asthe unveiling of the new syrian tablet described the model on March 1 in the annihilation of communilab where his frozen and ties near the Iceman's death mummified body is presersite about the time he died, ved.

Hempsell said.

Dutch twins Alfons and Hempsell advanced a seAdrie Kennis, two of the cond theory: that the Iceworld's top specialists in man may have been a palaeontological reconpowerful man who was the struction, have based the victim of a ritual sacrifice new face on the latest 3D made to appease the mighty computer modelling of the forces who sent the asteIceman's skull. roid.

The technique, known as Photo by Heike Engel-21Lux/Südtiroler Archäo- Ritual sacrifice had long stereo-lithography, was first logiemuseum/NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC been one of the favourite used in 1992 when it was DEUTSCHLAND theories about the Iceman's tried out on the Iceman, or Oetzi as he is also known. Brown-eyed, bearded, furrow faced, and tired: this is death until a CAT scan in "The new appearance of how Ötzi the Iceman might have looked, according the late 1990s revealed an to the latest reconstruction based on 20 years of resethe man who came out of arch and investigations. Realized by two Dutch ex- arrow wound in his body.

This led most experts to the ice is fully supported by perts, Alfons and Adrie Kennis, the model was the results of numerous stu- produced with the latest in forensic mapping techno- conclude he was shot dudies over the last few years," logy that uses three-dimensional images of the mum- ring a fight with rival hunters. officials at the Iceman lab in my's skull as well as infrared and tomographic images. Believed to have died around the age of 45, Another study - fiercely this northern Italian city Ötzi was about 1.60 meters (5 foot, 3 inches) tall and contested by patriotic resisaid Thursday. weighed 50 kilograms (110 pounds). The model will However, only the barest go on display beginning March 1 to Jan. 15, 2012, at dents of this formerly Auoutline of the face has been the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano, strian region who see Oetzi Italy. (Rossella Lorenzi/Discovery News) as their forefather - reckons released amid high secrecy he was cast out from his surrounding its unveiling at the the Oetz mountain valley in community because a low sperm start of 'Oetzi 2011', a major 1991. count rendered him childless. show on the most recent findings The body, which dates back to about the Neolithic hunter.

3000 BC, has spawned a global

Photo by MCSA Cameron Bramham, The Signature Staff Last Friday, GM2 Ericka L. McKim and PO2 Davis Ronnie, two representatives from the NASSIG OPS Department, delivered ten boxes of Navy donations consisting of baby clothing and adult apparel to the facilitators of the Istituto delle Suore della S. Famiglia in Niscemi, a Catholic institute which provides education and support to the needy and underprivileged.

"I'm proud of having been able to participate in this community service project. I also got a unique chance to visit the beautiful town of Niscemi," said GM2 McKim. The sailors were accompanied by Mr. Totò Meli, an official from the local Pro-Loco tourist office. "We are truly grateful to those American sailors for their solidarity and support which will benefit the Niscemi needy," said Sister Provvidenza, the institute's director.

Palermo Mobili

Italians observe Women’s Day Mimosa flowers are the symbol of the March 8 "Festa della donna"(Women's Day), a day which is commemorated in Italy and all over the world to promote equal rights for women and celebrate their achievements in the field of art and science.

In Italy, it is a popular custom to bring mimosa flowers to wives and girlfriends. Vendors sell those perfumed yellow flowers at every street corner. According to a tradition, the origin of this celebration dates back to the tragic events which occurred in 1911 in New York, when 145 immigrant female workers, who worked there under terrible conditions, died during a fire in the sweatshop, where they were kept locked. This doomed tragedy sparked strong public outcry and, therefore, strikes were held to protest against inhumane working conditions and low wages. A few years later, during the Conference

of Socialist Women in Copenhagen, Clara Zetkin, a German socialist leader, suggested that an International Day should be held each year to commemorate that ill-fated strike and assist in achieving universal suffrage for women.

Representatives from 17 countries supported the proposal.

Today, Women's Day is commemorated all over the world to draw attention to gender issues. Mimosa flower replaced red carnations as a symbol of feminist groups in the post WWII era. It was officially presented in 1946 during the first Women's Day in Rome, that was organized by a group of members from Italian Women's Trade Union League organized the first Women's Day in Rome. Women's Day is also a big commercial event just like Valentine's Day. Florists annually make big profits from selling mimosa bunches. Restaurants are all booked by crowds of women who go out to "girls-only" dinners.

Wild West

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March 4, 2011

Test drive a Ferrari in Maranello, stroll through Bologna

By Tracie Barnthouse The Signature Editor

Ladies, you can go ahead and thank me now. The information you will read about in this article will earn you Wife of the Year award, guaranteed.

It involves an iconic brand of vehicle, called a Ferrari. Do I have your attention now? Maranello, located northwest of Bologna, is the town where Ferrari first hit the streets and is manufactured. With some pre-planning, you can book either yourself or your deserving husband the thrill of a lifetime, giving yourselves the opportunity to test drive in a Ferrari.

Here are the steps I took to reserve my husband a test drive in a Ferrari 458 Italia.

To get the ball rolling on this trip, I first contacted the company that offers Ferrari test drives to make sure I could book something for the date I wanted, since that was the main reason for our trip. There are a number of ‘test drive a Ferrari’ agencies in Maranello. I went through ilovemaranello.com and they were fantastic.

On their website, there are a few options for test drives, and

the prices vary based on the car you choose the length of time you drive it. You can also book a drive around a race track, but that is only offered on certain weekends, so make sure you nail down the date first if that’s specifically what you’re looking for. After putting in the proposal to ilovemaranello, they will confirm through an email, and will attach a booking form. On the form, you write the ‘program’ you choose (the car, length of time, if you want a DVD recording of the drive, etc.), the time you wish to do the drive, and the date. Also, there is a space for payment, and you can choose to write in all of your credit card information, scan it and email it back to them, or you can pay with Paypal, which is what I did. After they receive payment, they will send you an invoice that you’ll need to print out and bring with you to the test drive. It will also include the address where you’ll meet the car for the drive.

After you get the drive nailed down, you need to get there. The closest airport to Maranello is Bologna. There

Moroboshi

are a few airlines that fly direct from Catania to Bologna, and if you search around, you can find decent prices, depending on the season. I booked the entire trip – hotel, rental car, and airfare – through Expedia, but I like the convenience of having everything booked together all at once. That probably costs a bit more, but for me, not having to worry about anything is worth it.

If you chose to wait until you got to Bologna to rent a car, there are a handful of rental car agencies in the Arrival Terminal, including Avis, Hertz, Eurocar, for you to choose from. Maranello is about 25 miles from Bologna, and for the ultimate experience, you can stay in the town of Maranello, but since we were planning on branching out to other northern Italian cities (Verona, Venice, etc.), we decided to use Bologna as a home port. Most hotels have a fee for parking, too, so keep that in mind. The hotel we stayed at charged 20 euro per day to park our car.

That wasn’t something we budgeted for and were a little surprised.

The people of Maranello are proud of their Ferrari history, and you can visit the Ferrari Museum, which attracts more than 200,000 fans from all over the world each year. Inside the museum, there are cars, pictures, and more that shows how the Ferrari brand has evolved over the years. It’s definitely a not-to-miss museum for the car lover.

If you choose to stay in the town of Bologna, be forewarned that it’s not much of a touristy town – it’s more for the business traveler. That said there’s still much to see and do there. Admittedly, we did a quick stroll through the city at night, but we had other plans in other cities. If you aren’t frantic travelers like we are and enjoy seeing things at a leisurely pace, sticking around Bologna while you’re up north isn’t a bad idea.

The Piazza Maggiore is in the heart of the city and includes the Basilica of St. Petronio, the Palace of the Notaries, the Palazzo d’Accursio, and the Palazzo del Podestra. It’s a big piazza with fantastic views. You really feel like you’re in old school Europe while strolling

Pietro

through it. Another site to see is the Two Towers, which are the symbol of the city. Construction of the towers began around 1120 and reaches as high as 97 meters (498 feet).

There are plenty of restaurants, and oddly enough, a TON of kebab stands, in Bologna. If you’re looking for a gyro or falafel wrap, this is the place to go.

There are also sushi restaurants, steakhouses (called Roadhouse Grill), and other diverse foods. If you’re in the area, you should definitely try the typical cuisine, including Tagliatelle alla Bolognese, which is a meat and pasta dish that’s popular in Bologna. The area is also known for its tortellini, and can be found stuffed with mortadella or ham. Bologna is also popular for Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, and there are tours offered to see the process of how it’s made.

For an unforgettable trip, and the title of Wife of the Year, check into Maranello and the Bologna area. It’s so easy to get to, and you’ll have a great time!

If you have any specific questions, feel free to contact me at tracie.barnthouse@eu.navy.mil.

Ange

ela

March 4, 2011

Days Inn

Alphio

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March 4, 2011

Go Green Sigonella!

Are You D o i n g Your Part?

Energy Smart:Paying the Ultimate Cost for Energy

By: Brian Scott Sigonella Resource Efficiency Manger The recent loss of 29 coal miners in the West Virginia mine reminds me of the high cost we pay for freedom, and the high cost for energy. Why are we still mining coal in an age where we have alternative fuels such as natural gas, and nuclear energy?

It may surprise you that Coal is used to create almost half of all electricity generated in the United States. Power plants burn coal to make steam. The steam turns turbines (machines for generating rotary mechanical power) that generate electricity.

In addition to companies in the electric power sector, industries and businesses with their own power plants use coal to generate electricity A variety of industries use coal's heat and by-products. Separated ingredients of coal (such as methanol and ethylene) are used in making plastics, tar, synthetic fibers, fertilizers, and medicines.

Coal is also used to make steel. Coal is baked in hot furnaces to make coke, which is used to smelt iron ore into iron needed for making steel. It is the very high temperatures created from the use of coke that gives steel the strength and flexibility for things like bridges, buildings, and automobiles. The concrete and paper industries also use large amounts of coal.

How much coal is there? Based on U.S. coal consumption for 2008, the U.S. recoverable coal reserves represent enough coal to last 234 years. However, EIA projects in the most recent Annual Energy Outlook (April 2009) that U.S. coal consumption will increase at about 0.6% per year for the period 2007-2030. If that growth rate continues into the future, U.S. recoverable coal reserves would be exhausted in about 146 years if no new reserves are added.

So we expect to be mining coal for years to come. As you serve your country to keep it free, remember the coal miners who do the same for us back home. Saving a watt, may save a life.

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*Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Grilled Sausage Links, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Waffles, Asstd Doughnuts, Apple Fritters. *Lunch: New England Clam Chowder, Fried/Baked Pollok Fish, Pasta al Forno , Mushroom Gravy, Steamed Rice, Roasted Garlic Potatoes, Steamed Asparagus, Fried Cauliflower, Lemon Cookies, Cheese Cake, Chocolate Cream Pudding.

Speed line: Grilled Cheese/Hamburger, Baked Beans, French Fried Potatoes. *Dinner: Cream Of Mushroom Soup, Cantonese Spareribs, Sandwich, Pork Fried Rice, Steamed Whole Corn, Seasoned Spinach, Lemon Cookies, Cheese Cake, Chocolate Cream Pudding.

Choice hamburger or hotdog by order

*Breakfast: Farina, Grilled Ham Slices, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Buttermilk Pancakes, Asstd Doughnuts, Butterhorns. *Brunch: Breakfast Items, Beef Vegetable Soup, Chicken Nuggets, French Fries, Mixed Vegetables, Broccoli, Sweet & Sour Sauce, Chocolate Drop Cookies, Apple Crisp. *Dinner: Manhattan Clam Chowder, El Rancho Stew, Mashed Potatoes, Chicken Gravy, Steamed Rice, Green Kale, Peas & Mushroom, Chocolate Drop Cookies, Apple Crisp Choice hamburger or hotdog by order *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Grilled Minute Steak, Oven Fried Bacon, French Toast Puff, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Asstd Doughnuts, Kolaches. *Brunch: Breakfast Items, Bean & Bacon Soup, Grilled Reuben Sandwiches, Italian Roasted Potatoes, Seasoned Green Beans, Glazed Carrots, Yellow Cake w/ Frosting, Hermits. *Dinner: Split Pea Soup, Turkey Ala King, Aztec Rice, Black-eye Peas, Fried Cauliflower, Yellow Cake w/ Frosting, Hermits.

Choice hamburger or hotdog by order *Breakfast: Hominy Grits, Minced Beef on Toast, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, French Toast, Asstd Doughnuts, Streusel Coffee Cake. *Lunch: Chicken Noodle Soup, Rosemary Roast Turkey, Pasta Chef, Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Seasoned Summer Squash, Steamed Peas, Turkey Gravy, Cranberry Sauce, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, Banana Cake, Dutch Apple Pie. *Speed line: Baked Italian Sausage W/Pepper & Onion. *Dinner: Pepper Pot Soup, Steak w/ Onions, Baked Chicken Quartered , Baked Potatoes, Collard Greens, Calico Cabbage, Brown Gravy, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, Banana Cake, Dutch Apple Pie .

Choice hamburger or hotdog by order *Breakfast: Farina, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Waffles, Biscuits and Gravy, Asstd Doughnuts, Blueberry Muffins. *Lunch: Cream of Asparagus Soup, BBQ Spareribs, Southern Fried Chicken, Chicken Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Hopping John, Corn on the Cob, Southern Style Greens, Jalapeno Corn Bread, German Chocolate Cake, Cherry Pie. *Speed line: Chicken Drum, Onion Rings.

Dinner: Beef Rice Soup, Spaghetti w/ Meatballs, Lyonnaise Rice, Vegetable Stir Fry, Steamed Asparagus, Brown Gravy, German Chocolate Cake, Cherry Pie .

Choice hamburger or hotdog by order

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*Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Creamed Ground Beef, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Blueberry Pancakes, Asstd Doughnuts, Bear Claw. *Lunch: Beef Vegetable Soup, Breaded Pork Steaks, Savory Baked Chicken, Potatoes Au Gratin, Oriental Rice, Eggplant Parmesan, Tangy Spinach, Cherry Cheese Cake, Chewy Nut Bars, Cream Puffs. *Speed line: Grilled Cheese/Hamburger, Baked Beans, French Fried Potatoes. *Dinner: Minestrone Soup, Salisbury Steak, Steamed Rice, Brown Gravy, Peas & Carrots, Wax Beans, Cherry Cheese Cake, Chewy Nut Bars, Cream Puffs.

Choice hamburger or hotdog by order *Breakfast: Hominy Grits, Oven Fried Bacon, Corned Beef Hash, Asst Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, French Toast, Asstd Doughnuts, Raisin Muffin. *Lunch: Onion Soup, Asian Barbecue Turkey, Beef Stroganoff, Mashed Potatoes, Boiled Pasta, Chicken Gravy, Mix Vegetables, Simmered Cauliflower, Vanilla Cookies, Devil’s Food Cake.

Speedline: Assorted Pizza, Chili Dog. Dinner: Chicken Noodle Soup, Meat Loaf, Oven Browned Potatoes, Corn O’ Brien, Simmered Carrots, Vanilla Cookies, Devil’s Food Cake.

Choice hamburger or hotdog by order

Kartodromo

March 4, 2011

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MWr

Calling all Women!

Casting Call "at Guy" In honor of Women’s History Month, the Auto Skills Center is offering the “How to Classes” for females only, ages 12 and up, taught by Crystal Yancey, our ASC manager.

The class will begin at noon and last an hour or until all

your questions have been answered. These classes are free, but those that wish to attend should stop by the shop to sign up no later then close of business day Thursday before the class.

Space is limited to 10 so

hurry and reserve your spot today!

Saturday, March 12 we will be learning “How to tune-up your vehicle. Saturday, March 19 you can learn “How to change your oil, tires, and brakes”.

MidtoWN MoVie theaterS Schedule & deScriptioNS

HALL PASS- Owen Wilson, Jason Sudeikis, Jenna Fischer, Christina Applegate, Nicky Whelan

Friday, March 4 5:00pm True Grit PG-13 5:30pm The Green Hornet PG-13 7:30pm The Dilemma PG-13 PREMIERE 8:00pm The Fighter R Saturday, March 5 2:00pm Despicable Me PG 2:30pm Megamind PG 5:00pm Just Go With It PG-13 5:30pm The Dilemma PG-13 7:30pm Hall Pass R PREMIERE 8:00pm The Green Hornet PG-13 Sunday, March 6 2:00pm The Dilemma PG-13 2:30pm Just Go With It PG-13 4:30pm Season of the Witch PG-13 6:30pm Hall Pass R Tuesday, March 8 5:00pm The Dilemma PG-13 5:30pm Just Go With It PG-13 7:30pm Hall Pass R 8:00pm The Fighter R Wednesday, March 9

Rick and Fred are best friends who have a lot in common, including the fact that they have each been married for many years. But when the two men begin to show signs of restlessness at home, their wives take a bold approach to revitalizing their marriages: granting them a "hall pass," one week of freedom to do whatever they want... no questions asked. At first, it sounds like a dream come true for Rick and Fred. But it isn't long before they discover that their expectations of the single life--and themselves-are completely, and hilariously, out of sync with reality. (105 min.)

SEASON OF THE WITCH- Nicolas Cage, Ron Perlman, Stephen Campbell, Claire Foy, Ulrich Thomsen

7:30pm Gulliver’s Travels PG LAST SHOWING

5:00pm Just Go With It PG-13 5:30pm Season of the Witch PG-13 7:30pm Little Fockers PG-13 LAST SHOWING 8:00pm The Fighter R Friday, March 11 5:00pm The Green Hornet PG-13

Life story of boxer "Irish" Mickey Ward and his trainer brother Dick Eklund, chronicling the brothers' early days on the rough streets of Lowell, Massachusetts through Eklund's battle with drugs and Ward's eventual world championship in London. (116 min.)

COUNTRY SONG- Gwyneth Paltrow, Tim McGraw, Garrett Hedlund, Leighton Meester, Marshall Chapman

Soon after a rising young singer-songwriter gets involved with a fallen, emotionally unstable country star, the pair embarks on a career resurrection tour helmed by her husband/manager and featuring a beauty-queen-turned-singer. Between concerts, romantic entanglements and old demons threaten to derail them all. (117 min.)

NO STRINGS ATTACHED- Natalie Portman, Ashton Kutcher, Gretta Gerwig, Kevin Kline, Ophelia Lovibond

Emma and Adam are life-long friends who almost ruin everything by having sex one morning. In order to protect their friendship, they make a pact to keep their relationship strictly "no strings attached." "No strings" means no jealousy, no expectations, no fighting, no flowers, no baby voices. It means they can do whatever they want, whenever they want, in whatever public place they want, as long as they don't fall in love. The question becomes -- who's going to fall first? And can their friendship survive? (110 min.)

5:30pm Country Song PG-13 PREMIERE 7:30pm The Dilemma PG-13 8:00pm No Strings Attached R PREMIERE

Titina’s Smiles Clown Class

THE FIGHTER- Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Melisa Leo, Amy Adams, Jack McGee

8:00pm Hall Pass R Thursday, March 10

story combined with many others, will be recorded, and turned into an AFN commercial. There will be two casting calls Monday, March 7, and Monday, March 21 you can stop by anytime. Take 5 is open and waiting on you to tell your story. For more information call 624-5602.

A medieval knight undertakes a mission pitting him against a devious witch and making him the last hope for the world against an ancient and dark force. His faith broken by years of battle as a crusader, Behmen returns to central Europe to find his homeland decimated by the Black Plague. While searching for food and supplies at the Palace at Marburg, Behmen and his trusted companion, Felson are apprehended and ordered by the dying Cardinal to deliver a young peasant girl - believed to be the witch responsible for the Plague - to a remote abbey where her powers can be destroyed. Behmen agrees to the assignment but only if the peasant girl is granted a fair trial. As he and five others set off on this dangerous journey, they realize with mounting dread that the cunning girl is no ordinary human, and that their mission will pit them against an evil that even in these dark times they never could have imagined. (95 min.)

5:00pm Megamind PG 5:30pm The Dilemma PG-13

Do you have what it takes to be Sigonella's next shining Star? Well today is your lucky day. Take 5 and the Liberty program are holding a casting call for Operation "That Guy Documentary". If you have a "That Guy" story that impacted your life in a positive way, come out and share your “That Guy" memory. Your

Movie schedule is subject to change. Please call to confirm.

Movie Hotline: 624-4248

March is the month to get ready for the Military Child Parade.

So join us for an exciting time to learn the different arts of clowning. Clowning is more than meets the eye, come and learn the special skills of clowning. You will learn the art of laughing, crying, whining, acting funny, and being foolish. Sign up for the entire clown class package or choose the areas you are interested in. Classes range from learning how to put on clown make up to the art of performing. Classes start March 7, to sign up to ITT or call 624-4941 for more information.

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March 4, 2011

SEABEES, continued from page 2 motto of the Seabees is “ Construimus Batuimus” translated into English as "We build. We fight. ". Their best-known unofficial motto is the simple phrase "Can Do!" December 1941, Rear Admiral Ben Moreell recommended establishing Naval Construction Battalions at Davisville, Rhode Island.

With the attack on Pearl Harbor and the U.S. entrance into the war, he was given the ok.

More than 325,000 men served with the Seabees in World War II, fighting and building on six continents. In the Pacific, where most of the construction work was needed, the Seabees landed with the Marines and built major airstrips, bridges, roads, and hospitals.

During the Korean War the Seabees landed at Incheon with the assault troops. They fought enormous tides as well as enemy fire and provided causeways within hours of the initial landings. During the Korean War, the Navy realized they needed a Naval Base in this region. Cubi Point in the Philippines was selected. Civilian contractors were initially selected for the project but soon claimed the work could not be done due to the Mountains and jungle. The Navy then turned to the Seabees. The bees cut the mountain in half to make way for a two-mile-long runway it turned out to be one of the largest projects in the world, equivalent to the construction of the Panama Canal. When work was complete the base comprised of an air station with an adjacent pier that was capable of docking the Navy's largest carriers.

Seabees were deployed to Vietnam beginning in June 1954 and extending to November 1972. Their primary mission was to build camps for Special Forces. In June 1965, Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Marvin G. Shields, was actively engaged at the Battle of Dong Xoai and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions there. Shields remains the only Seabee ever to be awarded the Medal of Honor.

Seabees often fend off enemy forces alongside their Marine and Army counterparts also built schools, barracks and in-

frastructure and provided health care.

During the War on Terrorism, Seabees built 10 camps for more than 42,000 personnel, 14 galleys capable of feeding 75,000 people, and 6 million feet of aircraft parking apron and runways as well as 200 Helicopter landing zones and built two 500 bed Fleet Hospitals near Al-Jubayl. The Seabees have continued to provide critical construction skills in the effort to rebuild the infrastructure of both Iraq and Afghanistan. All Active and Reserve NMCBs and NCRs have been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan dating back to 2003.

Peace time efforts have seen Seabees play an integral role in disaster recovery and humanitarian efforts both in the United States and overseas. Using that Seabee “Can-Do” attitude they have been directly involved with projects that have benefited millions of people.

Seabees were vital to the humanitarian efforts in Somalia during Operation Restore Hope. In 1994, they were called on to provide assistance to the Haitian Relief effort at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Seabees deployed to Pensacola, Florida in September of 2004 in response to Hurricane Ivan’s destruction to the Naval Air Station. Disaster struck close to home in August of 2005 for the Seabees assigned to The Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport MS. when it suffered much damage in Hurricane Katrina.

Seabee skills were immediately employed to rebuild the base and the Gulf Coast.

The bees have most recently been deployed to provide construction support in Haiti after their devastating earthquake in 2010.

The Seabees currently have nine active duty Naval Mobile Construction Battalions (NMCBs) and 12 Reserve NMCBs. With 14 other Seabee commands spread out across the Nation. The current force manning is close to 20,000 active duty and reserve personnel. March 5, 1942 is the official Birthday of the Seabees. This year Seabee’s everywhere will celebrate the 69th annual Seabee Ball in some way or another. With that said, Cheers and HOORAH Seabee’s.

TESTING, continued from page 2 learned so far. The results of the test will help teachers plan for the following year. Remind your child that while the test will have no impact on their grades, you still expect them to do their best. Students who are calm and confident do better on tests.

• Explain to your child that there may be questions that s/he does not know the answer to, but there will also be many questions that s/he will know, or through a process of elimination, will be able to figure out.

• Encourage your child to employ good study habits that are useful in test taking as well as other work. These habits include: following directions carefully, reading the questions and all possible choices before selecting an answer, finding the key words e.g. who, what, when, where, etc., avoiding careless errors, and re-checking their work.

• Be sure your child gets plenty of sleep and has a good, nourishing breakfast each day.

Test taking is hard work and takes a lot of energy.

• Be sure your child is at school on time. Rushing and worrying about tardiness could affect test performance.

Also if a child is late and testing has already begun, the child cannot take the test that day. The test will have to be given the following week, which will result in missed class time. For more information, contact Ms. Saupe, Counselor 624-4491/4406 oletta.saupe@eu.dodea.edu

pon.

GM2 Brian Silveri states, "As far as this class is concerned, personnel will gain a basic knowledge of the inner workings, loading, unloading, and basic field strip of the M9 service pistol, M16 service rifle, and M500 shotgun. They are expected to learn the four general weapons safety rules and the condition codes for the weapons. Students will also conduct dry fire, which gives us, the instructors, a chance to see some of their shooting fundamentals, and possibly tweak their shooting motions in order to obtain a higher score on the range."

After the class is over students will begin their course of fire at the gun range. For the basic qualifying courses, depending on the weapon being fired, shooters will fire weapons from the standing, and kneeling positions, and prone position for the M16

course.

Targets will be placed at various distances from the shooter and each shooter will have a qualified line coach behind them to assist them with any issues they may have.

Another, more advanced course is also available. The Practical Weapons Course, or PWC, is designed to test the shooters ability to think and act during various stages of stress. The course consists of multiple targets spread across varying distances from the shooter and the shooter must move between the targets while firing from behind cover. The stress element is introduced by a siren or various combat sound effects played over the range loud speaker.

For further information or answers to any subject related questions, please contact MA1 Rocha, Armory/Range LPO at DSN 624-5101.

New Place

GUN, continued from page 1 that are required are: M9 pistol: CSF-M9010-1.0 M16 rifle: CSF-M16010-1.0 M500 shotgun: CANS-M500-1.0 Once the courses have been completed, the only thing students must bring to the gun range are the certificates and a willingness to learn. Students are restricted from consuming alcohol 24 hours prior to any weapons handling evolution and any student currently being prescribed barbiturates or muscle relaxants will be unable to handle any weapon.

Once at the range, students will go through a safety brief class prior to firing the wea-

Casablanca

Mario & Brothers

March 4, 2011

EXERCISE, continued from page 1 ples.”

Overall, Elmore said he was pleased with how his teams responded to the scenarios and the sudden changes throughout the week.

“I’m still in the process of getting feedback from the teams, but overall I think it went very well,” Elmore said.

“What one person sees may not be the full story, but I believe we responded to every situation and the changes throughout the day about as good as we could have.”

Elmore also said he hopes the teams can build on Solid Curtain/Citadel Shield for future training exercises.

“We have more exercises coming up shortly, so I hope that the lessons we learn from Citadel Shield will be corrected by the time we’re ready to go again in May and June,” Elmore said.

Elmore said the exercises in May and June are also annual exercises and can’t wait to see improvements for his teams.

“Once a year, the region training team comes down and evaluates the installation training team, and the one in May is called the RTT (Region

Training Team Inspection),” Elmore said. “We actually run a drill like normal and they come down and evaluate everyone’s performance, from the paperwork side of it to the actual drill,” Elmore said.

Elmore said the training exercise in June is a favorite base-wide, called Reliant Star and focuses on situations involving natural disasters such as Mt. Etna exploding, earthquakes and wild fires.

“I want to give a Bravo Zulu out to my training teams, we put a lot of hard work into this and they deserve a lot of credit,” Elmore said. “They did an outstanding job making sure everything was prepped and ready to go.”

QUIT, continued from page 1 awareness of the harmful materials in smokeless tobacco.

The Great American Spit Out occurs in February every year as a means to raise awareness of the dangers associated with smokeless tobacco.

“The National Great American Spit Out is very similar to the Great American Smoke Out, so we’re asking our smokeless tobacco users and all of our tobacco users to quit for one day,” Naval Hospital Sigo-

Univ. Maryland

nella’s Health Promotion Coordinator, Paola Klein said.

“The hope is that if they can quit for one day, they can quit for life.”

Klein said that the Navy Exchange (NEX) teamed up with Naval Hospital Sigonella and created a booth with free awareness packages for people who signed a pledge to quit for one day or pledge to help a friend quit for a day.

“We gave out free awareness kits which included Nicorette Gum and informational brochures and pamphlets to individuals who signed pledges,” Klein said. “We’re also here to give information about the unhealthy effects of tobacco use. We’re not only asking the people who use tobacco to pledge to quit for 24 hours, but we’re asking those who know tobacco users to pledge to help them quit as well.”

Klein said she believes this event is really important and thinks that it’s always a good thing when people are able to take time out of their day and learn about the health concerns associated with tobacco.

“A day like this is important because we need our service members 100% healthy and ready to fight with everything that’s going on in the world,”

Klein said. “So, this is a day to give them that information and get them healthy.”

According to www.ucanquit2.com, 19 percent of 18– 24 year old men who serve in the armed forces use smokeless tobacco which is more than double the rate in the United States.

Chewing smokeless tobacco contains 28 carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) and can lead to many different types of oral cancer which can force the removal of parts of the face, tongue, cheek or lip.

Visit http://www.ucanquit2.org/ for more information on the Great American Spit Out or to learn more about how to quit using tobacco products.

ABUSE, continued from page 5 by offering to watch their children. Volunteer. If you like interacting with children, great, but you do not have to volunteer directly with kids to contribute to prevention. All activities that strengthen communities, such as service to civic clubs and participation on boards and committees, ultimately contribute to the well-being of children.

Be ready in an emergency. We've all witnessed the screaming-child-inthe-supermarket scenario. If we are parents, at least once that screaming child has been ours. Most parents take the typical tantrum in stride. But what if

page 13

you witness a scene—in the supermarket or anywhere else—where you believe a child is being, or is about to be, physically or verbally abused? Responding in these circumstances technically moves beyond prevention to intervention, and intervention is best handled by professionals. Still, if you find yourself in a situation where you believe a child is being or will be abused at that moment, there are steps you can take. Prevent Child Abuse America suggests the following: Talk to the adult to get their attention away from the child. Be friendly.

Say something like, "Children can really wear you out, can't they?" or "My child has done the same thing."

Ask if you can help in any way— could you carry some packages? Play with an older child so the baby can be fed or changed? Call someone on your cell phone?

If you see a child alone in a public place—for example, unattended in a grocery cart—stay with the child until the parent returns.

Finally—and most important if you are a parent—remember that prevention, like most positive things, begins at home. Take time to re-evaluate your parenting skills. Be honest with yourself—are you yelling at your children a lot or hitting them? Do you enjoy being a parent at least most of the time? If you could benefit from some help with parenting, seek it—getting help when you need it is an essential part of being a good parent. Talk to a professional that you trust; take a parenting class; read a book about child development. To locate places that parents can get help, please visit http://www.parentsanonymous.org or http://preventchildabuse.org.

Eno

Agricola Gambino Mojito