The Signature | February 5, 2021

February 5, 2021

Vol. 38 No. 3

SIGONELLA’S RENAISSANCE MAN pages 6 & 7

PAGE-TURNING POSSIBILITIES SAINT AGATA FESTIVAL CANCELED

2

The Signature

Direct Line

CMDCM Anna Wood, NAS Sigonella CMC

uon pomeriggio, Sigonella Family! I’m excited to connect B with you again via the Direct Line. It has been a few months since I have had the opportunity to write to you directly, but today I want to discuss the Navy’s Culture of Excellence along with Signature Behaviors and how they apply to us here across our “Sigonella Strong” community.

Our Chief of Naval Operations has directed that we achieve a “Culture of Excellence” across our Navy, but I can tell you that this culture can apply to all military members, civilians, children, and the rest of our community. So when I say “Sailors”, please know that I mean all of our community members.

So, what exactly is this Culture of Excellence (COE)?

A COE is exactly what it sounds like. It is an act of building excellence through our thoughts, behaviors and actions, emphasizing TOUGHNESS, TRUST and CONNECTEDNESS. It is about creating an environment where our Navy core values of honor, courage and commitment complement our Navy ethos (integrity, discipline and teamwork) and core attributes (integrity, accountability, initiative and toughness).

Now, the real question is how do we build this Culture of Excellence in our personal and professional lives?

Well, I have a list of ten Signature Behaviors to share with you that can help create a transformation of behavior that is applicable at every level of leadership both in and out of the workplace. These ten specific areas look beyond the programs and policies to bring the focus to our Sailors as well as our team, our community, our family, and ourselves.

Signature Behaviors are a list of established acceptable behaviors that highlight not only what we expect of our Sailors, but also what Sailors should expect from their leaders and from the United States Navy as a whole.

01. Treat every person with respect 02. Take responsibility for my actions 03. Hold others accountable for their actions 04. Intervene when necessary 05. Be a leader and encourage leadership in others 06. Grow personally and professionally every day 07. Embrace the diversity of ideas, experiences, and backgrounds of individuals 08. Uphold the highest degree of integrity in professional and personal life 09. Exercise discipline in conduct and performance 10. Contribute to team success through actions and attitudes One area we can improve on here onboard NAS Sigonella is our personal behavior surrounding the local decrees in response to COVID-19. Our military community has received more attention than we should concerning our lack of respect to abide by the basics, especially out in town. Loud, elaborate parties are a prime example of disrespectful actions. Orange and red regional classifications prohibit any gatherings beyond two adults (and their dependents) visiting one other household once per day, and we are not exempt from these rules whether we live in the barracks, in Marinai, or out in town. As members of the

military I expect you to take a level of personal responsibility to follow the rules. So I ask that we each reflect on what it means to be a good ambassador of our military community and refrain from violating our host nation’s decree on acceptable behavior.

Another area that demands our immediate attention is our driving behavior. We all know that driving in Sicily is very different from what many of us are used to, and too often American drivers take risks here that they wouldn’t at home. We all need to recommit to the responsible behaviors behind the wheel to ensure everybody makes it home safe and sound. Watch your speed, especially on curves; don’t pass cars unsafely; and stay aware of your surroundings. It’s better to arrive late than not arrive at all.

A COE is something to work on everyday. You can create a positive culture, but you also need to sustain it. Furthermore, when you work to sustain a COE, you provide a positive example for your shipmates and your community. I challenge each of you to work on your circle of influence and vow to make a difference in the lives that surround you each and every day!

“Don’t strive to LOOK awesome, strive to BE awesome!!”

You can read about Signature Behaviors in more detail at https://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/support/21st_ Century_Sailor/COE/Pages/default.aspx and at https:// www.cpf.navy.mil/downloads/2020/02/signature-behaviors. pdf

February 5, 2021

3

THE SIGNATURE

U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA

Commanding Officer Capt. Kevin Pickard Executive Officer Cmdr. Ronald Cappellini Command Master Chief CMDCM Anna Wood EDITORIAL Public Affairs Officer Lt. Karl Schonberg karl.schonberg@eu.navy.mil

Day One Message

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin, III

I

am honored to have this chance to serve again and to do so alongside you and your families. My wife, Charlene, and I know all too well the sacrifices you make to keep this country safe. That safety is job one, and I promise to work as hard as you do at it.

The way I see it, my job as Secretary of Defense is to make you more effective at doing yours. That means ensuring you have the tools, technology, weapons, and training to deter and defeat our enemies. It means establishing sound policy and strategy and assigning you clear missions. It means putting a premium on cooperation with our allies and partners. And it means living up to our core values, the same ones our fellow citizens expect of us.

Right now, of course, doing my job also means helping our country get control of the pandemic, which has killed more than 400,000 Americans. You have already come to the aid of our Nation’ s health care professionals. You can expect that mission to continue. But we must help the Federal Government move further and faster to eradicate the devastating effects of the coronavirus. To that end, we will also do everything we can to vaccinate and care for our workforce and to look for meaningful ways to alleviate the pressure this pandemic has exerted on you and your families.

None of us succeeds at this business alone. Defending the country requires teamwork and cooperation. It requires a certain humility, a willingness to learn, and absolute respect for one another. I know you share my devotion to these qualities.

I am proud to be back on your team.

Assistant Public Affairs Officer Megan Mills megan.mills@eu.navy.mil Public Affairs Leading Petty Officer MC1 Kegan Kay kegan.kay@eu.navy.mil Community Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil PAO Staff Writers \ Photographers MC2 Joshua Coté joshua.m.cote@eu.navy.mil MCSN Triniti Lersch triniti.lersch@eu.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.

4

The Signature

Name: Joseph Vellon Command: RLSO EURAFSWA Department: Sigonella Legal

By MCSN Triniti Lersch, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

t. Joseph Vellon, the Deputy Staff Judge Advocate L (JAG) at U.S. Region Legal Service Office Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia (RLSO EURAFSWA) Detachment

Sigonella, Italy, was recently recognized as the 2020 Junior Officer of the Year for RLSO EURAFSWA. In his nearly two years with Naval Air Station Sigonella, Vellon has served as the Civil Law Section Head, Command Services Section Head, and Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) Lead, as well as the SJA to Naval Support Facility Deveselu, Romania and Redzikowo, Poland.

According to Capt. Christopher Greer, commanding officer of RLSO EURAFSWA, Vellon represents what it means to be both an officer and an attorney in the United States Navy. “His legal acumen, along with his commitment to fairness and selfless teamwork, coupled with his ability to assume greater levels of responsibility, have allowed him to provide outstanding legal support in a remote duty location under unprecedented operating conditions,” said Greer. “His unswerving dedication to duty and performance are truly exemplary.”

First, Vellon was nominated for and won the Junior Officer of the Quarter for the command. “It feels great,” said Vellon in regards to winning the awards. “It’s always nice to be recognized for your efforts.”

At the same time, Vellon believes that this recognition is due to not only his own hard work, but mainly that of his entire team. “The award has got my name on it, but obviously it’s a team effort,” said Vellon.

As a JAG, Vellon’s main duty is to provide solutions to a variety of legal issues.

“We’ve always got a couple investigations going on, whether those are NASSIG (command investigations) or NCIS investigations,” said Vellon, “so we try to keep up to date with those. As Legal, we kind of get pulled into a

lot of different issues that happen on base. It’s not just the disciplinary issues.”

In addition to conducting investigations, his tasks can include projects as varied as helping a commanding officer with an operational issue, reviewing an instruction, or helping someone with a custody case.

“I like giving people advice,” said Vellon. “I like being able to help people, give them advice, and help them get through those tough times, whatever they might be. You don’t call your lawyer unless you’re having a bad day. It’s just nice to help people.”

Vellon joined the Navy in February of 2017. “My wife definitely had some input on that,” said Vellon. “I applied with the Air Force and the Navy. The Air Force said no, but I think that even if they had said yes I would have chosen the Navy. I think that the mission of the Navy is a lot more interesting and more important. It’s also nice to be close to water,” he added.

Because Vellon was stationed in NASSIG not too long before COVID happened, he was unable to travel as much as he would have liked. He enjoys the history of Sicily, and he is excited to travel as soon as he is able to.

February 5, 2021

5

FY21 Chief Petty Officer Pinning Ceremony

S

igonella welcomed 21 new chiefs to the mess Friday, Jan. 29. This year’s unusual chief season culminated in a socially-distanced chief pinning ceremony that was simultaneously broadcast virtually to compensate for reduced audience size.

Chief season normally takes place in September but was deferred to December this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The restrictions on large gatherings also impacted physical training and other aspects of this year’s season.

“Going through the season during this year presented a different set of challenges which required strict adherence to COVID-19 mitigation and the need to be flexible in the name of our long-standing tradition,” said Chief Logistics Specialist Gregory Chery, one of this year’s inductees. “However, our season leads and everyone involved did an outstanding job ensuring the safety for all 21 chief petty officer selectees for ten long weeks. Such success is due to the Chiefs Mess’ unrelenting ability to adapt and overcome in the face of adversity, and I am proud to be a part of that.”

“It was not an easy season for anyone,” said Chief Naval Career Counselor Garrick Larocque. “This season was much longer, and we had many more hurdles to overcome than a typical season. The Chiefs Mess did not cut any corners and still applied the same structure and difficulty this season. They were still tried, tested and accepted.”

Although the COVID-19 restrictions necessitated a unique season, the new chiefs still demonstrated excellence. “This year’s chiefs will forever be known as the COVID chiefs,” Larocque added. “They will now be at the forefront to share their experience and knowledge to better the fleet and their junior Sailors.”

6

The Signature

SIGONELLA’S RENAISSANCE MAN

By MC2 Josh Cote, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

uring his more than 30 years as part of the Naval Air D Station Sigonella family, Joe Micalizio has enjoyed an illustrious and varied career. Not only is he an accomplished

investigator and liaison, but as a performing musician and a published writer, Micalizio embodies the spirit of a Renaissance man.

A native of Sicily, Micalizio is originally from the city of Carlentini in the Siracusa province. He began his journey here in Sigonella working at the on-base auto port. In 1994, an opportunity arose for him to work with Naval Criminal Investigative Service. After applying and then getting the job, he has now been working as NCIS investigator for almost 27 years.

A big part of what Micalizio does for his office and for the base is cultivating and maintaining work-related contacts with a considerable number of Italian law enforcement officials. This makes his job easier and helps him to resolve a number of situations with just a phone call.

“I maintain relationships with prominent members of numerous Italian law enforcement agencies in support of NCIS’ mission here in Sicily. These include the Carabinieri’s regional and provincial commands and the NAS Sigonella base Carabinieri,” said Micalizio. “I also work regularly with the Italian Air Force 41 Stormo military personnel, the Niscemi police, Guarda di Finanza, the Catania drug squads, several magistrates of the Court House of Catania and Siracusa, airport security, municipal police, and port authorities in Catania and Augusta Bay.” During his time as an investigator, Joe has been part of many cases on base, including some of the more high-

February 5, 2021

profile ones. In 2018, he initiated and then supported the base Carabinieri during an investigation regarding the theft of fuel for aircrafts from the pipeline that runs for 24 miles from Augusta to the base. After a long and complicated investigation and a great deal of hard work, the Carabinieri were able to make 15 arrests with the help of video cameras that the NCIS tech squad installed on one of the sites of the pipeline.

When it comes to his job, though, it is not just all about working on investigations for NCIS. “In 2019, I played an active role in organizing and bringing together the Navy Legal Service Command Sigonella and the Italian Penal Courthouse of Catania in order to facilitate increased cooperation in the administration of criminal proceedings as envisioned by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Status of Forces Agreement,” said Micalizio.

“These guidelines for mutual cooperation will help to speed up legal proceedings involving US military personnel in Sigonella.”

Through his career at Sigonella, Micalizio has also worked with a few big names, including actor Michael Douglas in 2007 and former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld in 2006. He helped coordinate President Donald Trump’s participation in the G7 meeting in Taormina in 2018, and in 2008 he assisted U.S. Supreme Court Justice John R. Roberts and his wife during their visit. The couple even invited Joe and his wife Lynn out to lunch in Siracusa.

Working with the U.S. Navy is a Micalizio family affair.

Micalizio met his future wife Lynn, originally from San Mateo, Calif., here in Sicily. His parents had previously traveled to California where they met her parents, beginning a cross-cultural family friendship. When Lynn and a friend decided to travel to Sicily on holiday, she contacted Joe and they decided to meet. The rest, as they say, is history.

Lynn now works here on base at DoDEA Sigonella Community Schools. Joe and Lynn have two daughters named Alessandra and Veronica. Alessandra followed in her

7

father’s footsteps and works for NCIS in Naples, Italy as an intelligent specialist, and Veronica, who is a psychologist specializing in children with autism, works in Dubai.

When he is not at work, Micalizio is a man of many hobbies.

For example, he is an accomplished writer and musician.

“I wrote a book, the only book I have ever written, called ‘Il Sole Siciliano di Quattrossa,’” said Micalizio. “The book is memories my father would tell me and my brother when we were kids. At one point in my life, when my father was getting old, I thought it would be nice to write an about 15 page book to summarize all experiences and life style of those times—we are talking about the 1930s.”

However, the project took longer than Joe anticipated.

“When I started to write, it took me about three years of my spare time to complete the book, and then 15 pages of course turned into 150 pages. My father enjoyed it very much.”

Micalizio’s musical path followed a similar trajectory as his writing. He started messing around with the guitar, at first just covering a few songs. After some time passed, he started writing his own lyrics and adding his own music to it. He now has written around 70 of his own songs and has put two CDs out.

His hometown of Carlentini organized a concert for his songs, but since Micalizio is not a singer, he found singers and a band to perform with him. About 500 people came to his performance.

Given the importance of relationships to Micalizio’s work, it’s not surprising that he invited the then NAS Sigonella Commanding Officer Capt. Dennis and Italian law enforcement personnel to the concert.

“The best part about my job is being able to be the liaison with the Italian forces,” he said. “Being able to assist the agents with dealing with Italian law enforcement is very fulfilling to me. I get to represent the United States government for the base and for our office for little and sometimes more important things that can help the life of our Sailors here in Italy.”

The Signature

8

Catania’s Saint Agata Festival Canceled due to Pandemic

By Dr. Alberto Lunetta, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs here are some things in life that even saints can’t make happen; at least, this is what disappointed devotees of Saint Agatha have been repeating to themselves since the cancellation of Festa di Sant’Agata (Saint Agatha Festival), Catania’s most important religious event of the year.

For the first time since the 16th century, the third largest Catholic festival in the world will only feature religious celebrations behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions which ban street gatherings.

Many aspects of the annual three-day religious festival, which is also a major tourist attraction, have been canceled.

There will be no procession comprised of thousands of devout Catania citizens swarming the streets to pay homage to their beloved “Santuzza.” Santuzza or young saint is a nickname given to the Saint because of her young age. The streets of Catania will stay relatively quiet this year since festival revilers will not be screaming “Semu divoti tutti?

Cettu, Cettu, Citatini, viva Sant’Aita!” Which means “are we all devotees? Yes, of course, sure, Townspeople, long live St. Agata!” The traditional processions of the Cannalori, the tall wax candles surrounded by heavy decorated wooden structures, and the fireworks in the Piazza Duomo will be noticeably absent this year.

T

The bust of the reliquary of Saint Agata, which is now kept in the cathedral of Catania, and represents the only certain work of “Bartolo.” ( Photo from Sicily Day By Day )

So, what how have Sicilians celebrated this year? Catania Archbishop Salvatore Gristina, celebrated a Holy Mass today at 10 a.m. at the cathedral that can be watched via Facebook.

He encouraged heartbroken devotees to gather with their families and pray at home after lighting a red wax candle in front of an image of Saint Agatha. As for today’s religious celebrations, Gristina also suggested that devotees could attend the holy masses celebrated in the churches near their homes at reduced capacities and abide to the safety restrictions.

“We will continue to turn to St. Agatha so that she will be our traveling companion in this difficult test that life offers us,” said Gristina. “To her, our beloved patroness, we will once again entrust the sick, healthcare personnel, volunteers and those responsible for the common good.

With confidence, we dare to hope that we will once again experience the strength of her patronage.”

Other festival virtual highlights will include the following religious events: Feb. 6-11, Holy Masses at the Altar of St. Agatha at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and on Feb. 11 at 4:30 p.m. Archbishop Gristina will preside over Holy Mass on International Day of the Sick, behind closed doors without the faithful. Devotees will have the chance to worship the saint through live streaming on Facebook and YouTube channels of the Archdiocese. Only hospital chaplains will be present. At the end of the celebration, the Archbishop will impart the traditional blessing with the Veil of St. Agatha.

Friday, February 12 - Closing of Celebrations: from 8 am to noon the Cathedral will remain open for the personal prayer of the faithful and devotees. At 7 p.m., the Archbishop will preside over the Holy Mass at the conclusion of the annual celebrations behind closed doors and without the faithful.

Life of Sant’Agata According to tradition, Agata was born to a rich family in the year 231. As she grew up, her beauty and virtuous life drew the attention of Quintianus, a local Roman governor who actively and brutally persecuted Christians.

Agata, who had already consecrated herself to God, refused his advances. Therefore, Quintianus decided to punish her by locking her in a brothel where Aphrodisia, a wicked woman, tried to corrupt Agata’s virtue and faith but Agata never wavered. Quintianus, miffed by Agata’s resistance, had her tortured and at one point ordered to cut off her breast. This detail was often depicted in the Christian medieval paintings as a peculiar characteristic of Saint Agata.

Eventually after repeated tortures, Quintianus condemned Agata to death at the stake. While she was burning alive, a violent earthquake struck Catania. This natural disaster was

February 5, 2021

welcomed by the Catanians as a sign from God who wanted the tortures inflicted upon Agata to end. A riot broke out in the city, forcing Quintianus to stop the execution. Agata was then brought back to her prison, but she died soon after her return on Feb. 5, 251 AD. The evil Quintianus drowned in the river Simeto while fleeing the riot on the day of the execution.

Tradition and Devotion According to an ancient tradition, Saint Agata is considered a salvatrice (savior) because she rescued Catania several times over the centuries, especially during earthquakes and lava eruptions.

Legend has it that her holy purple-colored veil (named “limpia” in Sicilian) has stopped two dangerous eruptions.

The first one occurred in 251 AD, a year after her martyrdom, and the second one in 1886, when the lava threatened Nicolosi. In both cases, the veil was brought in procession to the eruption site, and the advancing lava flow miraculously stopped. Catania cardinal Giuseppe Benedetto Dusmet, who is regarded as a saint and whose body is preserved inside the cathedral, is said to have led the 19th century procession to Nicolosi.

The holy veil is 13 feet long by 20 inches large. According to legend, the veil, which was originally white, covered the head of Saint Agata when she was rolled over live coals during her martyrdom. Throughout this torture, the “limpia” remained miraculously undamaged by the fire but turned red. From then on, the veil has been venerated as a defense against Etna eruptions.

Catanians have been celebrating a festival in Saint Agata’s honor since 1519. Every year in early February, a stream of devotees of all ages crowd the streets of the historic center.

In non-pandemic years Feb. 4 would have been the “Giro Esterno” a spectacular procession in which the relics of Saint Agata are taken from the church and paraded throughout the city of Catania through day and night.

Devotees wear special tunics (in Sicilian, “saccu”), gloves, a handkerchief, and a black skullcap (in Sicilian, “a scuzzitta”). Some historic accounts link the white tunic to either the ancient Egyptian Goddess Isis or the penitential garment worn by priests. According to another tradition, the saccu symbolizes the nightdress that the Catanians wore when they welcomed the return of the Saint’s relics from Turkey on Aug. 17, 1126. Giorgio Maniace, a Byzantine general, had stolen the relics as a war trophy and taken them to Constantinople (renamed Istanbul) in 1040.

Dressed in these traditional garments, devotees of Saint Agata take part in a procession of the “Cannalori,” which are tall wax candles surrounded by a heavy candelabrumshaped gilded wooden structure decorated with statues depicting angels, saints, pennons and flowers. Scenes from Saint Agata’s martyrdom are also carved on their sides. Each Cannalora represents a city’s guild, including butchers, greengrocers, fishmongers, pasta makers, bakers and more.

Nowadays, there are just 11 Cannalori that take part in the procession and each can weigh up to 1,500 pounds! During the processions, the Cannalori, each carried by 8 to 12 people, stop every once in a while and “compete” with one another by performing a kind of dance named “Annacata” that consists of a series of swaying moves.

Another important procession during the festical is of the

9

“Vara.” The “Vara” is a 16-foot long richly decorated silver float that includes bust depicting Saint Agata and several crystal and silver caskets which contain her relics to include bones from her legs and arms.

Giovanni di Bartolo, a goldsmith from Siena, created the bust in the 14th century. The bust is made of enameled silver and lies on a magnificent pedestal and is cut just under the waist. Hundreds of precious jewels cover the statue. Most of which were donations of devotees.

The magnificent golden crown studded with gems donated

by English King Richard “The Lionhearted” in 1190 during his visit to Sicily on his way to a crusade, is undoubtedly a highlight of the collection within the Vara.

Many people carry huge candles on their shoulders throughout the procession. During a normal festival year, Catania wax shops sell hundreds of ceri (tall wax candles) that devotees carry in the hopes that a saint will grant them a miracle they have been asking for. Usually, it is up to the devotee to decide how heavy the candle should be and for how long they would carry it. According to Catania wax dealers, the most requested candle is the one that weighs approximately 85 pounds, but some also request candles that can weigh up to 350 pounds.

Carrying ceri in procession is usually a lifelong practice.

If one devotee is too old or sick to carry a heavy candle, another person such as a son or a relative could continue to participate in the procession instead of them.

Although the celebrations look different this year, many Sicilians will still carry out their own private devotions to Catania’s beloved patron saint.

Navy Volunteer Teaches Art Class for Biancavilla Children

M

ass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kegan Kay assigned to NAS Sigonella Public Affairs Office teaches an art class for the children of the Circolo Didattico “S. G. Bosco” elementary school in Biancavilla (Catania province), during a community relations project January 28, 2021. NAS Sigonella and tenant commands’ service members routinely take part in unique educational community outreach events at Sicilian schools of all grades to help host nation students to improve their English language skills and give back.

(Photo by Alberto Lunetta)

10

The Signature

Page-turning possibilities on nassig

By Megan Mills, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs hile Sicily is full of wonders like fantastic scenery, uniquely delicious food, and marvelous markets for newcomers to explore, one thing that is (understandably) hard to find in Sicily is books written in English. Luckily for the Sigonella community, there are multiple places on base to pick up a new novel, a picture book, a travel guide, or even a history of Sicily itself.

Located on NAS I, the MWR Library holds more than 25,000 items in its collection, including books, DVDs, video games, magazines, and more. In addition to a wide variety of bestsellers, young adult literature, cookbooks, and professional development selections, there is a special shelf full of books related to Sicily. A small but inviting children’s section, tables full of computers, and a lovely balcony are just a few of the amenities on site, and even though COVID-19 restrictions have put a damper on some activities, there are still plenty of resources and programs available from the library.

“Except for the national lockdown last spring, we have been able to stay open and continuously provide as many services as possible,” said librarian April Miller, who came to Sigonella most recently from Iwakuni and brings 20 years of experience to the position. “Due to social distancing guidelines, seating has been rearranged and our library programming has had to take different forms, but we’re still offering computer use, Wi-Fi, and printing capabilities.” She also noted that returned materials are quarantined for 72 hours before returning to circulation, and surfaces such as tables and computers are sanitized throughout each day.

Although many beloved in-person programs were canceled this year, the library has adapted by offering both virtual and take-home activities. “Some recent favorites have been our Bookmark Design Contest, Grab and Go Holiday Craft Kits, and a New Year Community Quilt project,” said Miller.

“We have lots of fun programs planned for the spring too, including Carnevale Kits, a chance to create your own fairy tale for National Tell a Fairy Tale Day, and more take-home crafts.”

The Sigonella community can also take advantage of the Navy Digital Library, which includes test prep and study guides, tutoring assistance, encyclopedias, journal articles, educational games, music lessons, movie and music streaming,

W

language learning, computer courses, e-books, e-magazines, e-comics, audio books, and more.

To top it off, a shelf right at the entrance of the library contains an ever-changing selection of free books. “These books are perfect for PCSs and deployments, and we’ve contributed to a few “barracks’ libraries” as well,” said Miller.

“You can bring the book back, pass it on to a friend, leave it behind for the next person, or add it to your own bookshelf.”

As any bibliophile will tell you, you can never have too many books, and the more places to browse, the better. In addition to bookshelves in the barracks, which provide free donated books and board games to Sailors, a new book-sharing location just popped up in Marinai thanks to a literarily-inclined family.

After moving to Sigonella from San Diego late last year, Ally Perry and her husband, Yeoman 1st Class Tyler Perry, wasted no time in creating a custom free book-sharing box outside their home in Marinai. Tyler built it from scratch in three days, and plenty of books were already waiting to be shared.

“While I can admit I am a bit of a book hoarder,” said Ally, “I couldn’t have stocked the library without the help of some friends that I have made here in Sigonella, two of whom donated before we even had the library completed!”

Ally posted about the box on Facebook, and soon even more people were clamoring to contribute. “The community response has been overwhelmingly positive,” she said. “Books are being taken, borrowed, and replaced. I have even had some extra books placed on my table on my porch. Donations are always welcome!”

With lockdown restrictions limiting the travel that many people in the Sigonella community were hoping to enjoy, it’s not surprising that reading, with its endless possibilities to teach you new things and transport you to new worlds, has grown even further in popularity.

“After seeing such a positive response, we really want to expand to a total of three book-sharing boxes here in Sigonella,” Ally added.

Miller, the librarian, has also seen this phenomenon firsthand. “Participation in the Summer Reading Program increased from 2019, and we had the most minutes read of any other Navy library in the region,” she said. “We’re hoping to top that this summer, so stay tuned!”

February 5, 2021

11

U.S. Navy Conducts Interoperability With NATO in the Black Sea

By U.S. Sixth Fleet Public Affairs

he U.S. Navy and NATO Air Command conducted the first joint maritime and air training mission in the Black Sea for T 2021, Jan. 23, 2021.

The Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75), one U.S. Navy P-8 Maritime Patrol

Reconnaissance Aircraft from VP-46 out of Sigonella, Italy, and NATO Air Command aircraft E-3A Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft based out of Geilenkirchen Air Base, Germany, participated in the training.

“Integrated maritime operations demonstrate our ability to seamlessly combine capabilities to provide multi-layered defense across all warfare domains,” said Vice Adm. Gene Black, Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet. “We operate in an incredibly complex security environment, which demands high-level cooperation and commitment to ensure regional stability.”

Donald Cook began her northbound transit from the Mediterranean Sea to the Black Sea on Jan. 23 to work with NATO Allies and partners in training missions throughout the region.

The training mission is part of an ongoing integration of air and maritime units throughout U.S. European Command area of operations. The ultimate goal is to refine joint air defense procedures to better defend U.S. Navy ships.

Participants conducted training scenarios to establish air and maritime superiority, which enable freedom of navigation in all international waters and airspace.

“As I observed our combat watchstanders, I was impressed with the crew’s growing familiarity with NATO joint interoperability procedures, readiness to cooperate with friendly units, and excitement to perfect our tactical proficiency by real-world application,” said Cmdr. Matthew Curnen, commanding officer of USS Donald Cook. “This is exactly what we train for, and the opportunity to perform alongside allied surface and air assets is rewarding.”

The Black Sea is a critical waterway for maritime commerce and stability throughout Europe. The U.S. Navy routinely operates in the Black Sea to work with our NATO Allies and partners, including Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Turkey, and Ukraine. It is in the world’s best interest to maintain a stable, prosperous Black Sea region and deter aggressive actors who seek destabilization for their own gain.

The U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force routinely operate in the Black Sea consistent with international law, including the Montreux Convention. The U.S. participation in this joint maritime and air training mission demonstrates the U.S. commitment to working closely with NATO allies and partners to enhance maritime security and stability, readiness, and naval capability.

Donald Cook is one of four U.S. Navy destroyers based in Rota, Spain, and assigned to Commander, Task Force 65 in support of NATO’s Integrated Air Missile Defense architecture. These ForwardDeployed Naval Forces-Europe ships have the USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) operates in the Baltic Sea during BALTOPS 2020, June 8. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region, enflexibility to operate throughout the waters of hancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (Photo by Europe and Africa, from the Cape of Good Hope German Navy) to the Arctic Circle, demonstrating their mastery of the maritime domain.

VP-46 is currently forward deployed to the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations and is assigned to Commander, Task Force 67, responsible for tactical control of deployed maritime patrol and reconnaissance squadrons throughout Europe and Africa.

U.S. Sixth Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with joint, allied, and interagency partners in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.