Vol. 38 No. 7
April 9, 2021
THE CALM VOICE IN THE CHAOS BEUCK NAMED NASSIG MYOY DIRECT LINE: SAAPM KICKOFF
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Direct Line
Amy Jo Jenkins, NAS Sigonella Civilian Victim Advocate aluti Sigonella, S On April 1st, NASSIG leadership proclaimed April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month
(SAAPM) and called upon all Navy, Marine, Air Force, Army and NATO personnel and their families to step up in the joint effort to prevent all forms of sexual violence. For the 16th annual SAAPM, the Department of Defense theme is: “Protecting Our People Protects Our Mission,” and the Navy call to action is: “Respect. Protect. Empower.” We had a fantastic turnout of leadership, SAPR victim advocates, service members, civilians and even Juliet Beyler, Executive Director for U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa at the proclamation signing. Although the inperson ceremony was limited due to COVID-19 mitigation measures, the signing was also livestreamed on Facebook. In the past five years, the Sigonella Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) program has grown dramatically, allowing us to increase our efforts to protect our community and prevent sexual violence. “We truly love our Sigonella community and thoroughly enjoy getting out there, partnering with sister agencies, and interacting with everyone,” said Shannon Harden, Sigonella’s Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC). “We focus on prevention and spreading our message of taking care of yourselves and each other.” When Shannon arrived in 2016, Sigonella only had one SARC and eight unit victim advocates (UVAs). Today, there are 80-90 UVAs, one full-time Civilian Victim Advocate (CVA), and our new Victims’ Legal Counsel (VLC) who will arrive this summer. Our SAPR Team, with the SARC as the hub, has worked extremely hard over the past five years to build relationships in our community. Our UVAs are the heart and soul of this program, and we truly appreciate all they do. Many of you may be wondering who this Amy Jo lady is ,bopping around base leading SAPR trainings and teaming up with different commands and agencies for prevention and awareness events. I’m your CVA, and although it’s understandable to think that means I help civilian victims of sexual assault, I’m actually available for all victims of sexual assault in the SAPR program. Just like our Unit Victim Advocates (UVAs), I’m available 24/7, 365 days a year. I traversed a windy path leading me to the Navy SAPR world. I started out with Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) Aquatics in Yokosuka in 2009, and then spent a couple of years in Sasebo on an amphibious assault ship as their Fun Boss (I’m a Shellback, not a slimy pollywog!). My next stop was the desert at Isa Air Base in Bahrain, but apparently it wasn’t hot enough there, so I spent the next 15 months at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti as the MWR Site Director and six months as the Acting SARC. If you’ve spent time in Djibouti, you know 15 months is a long time, so I was ecstatic to accept a MWR position here in Sigonella in 2015. A theme in the past 12 years of my life was that people kept coming to me in confidence about issues they were facing,
many of which involved sexual assaults. Fortunately while in Bahrain, I became a credentialed SAPR victim advocate and was able to use those skills both in Djibouti and while here in Sigonella. When the first-ever CVA position opened in Sigonella in 2017, I knew I had to apply…and the rest is history! I absolutely love my job, our amazing SAPR team, and community partners. Everyone plays a critical role in preventing sexual assault… not just during SAAPM, but year-round. We would love to see you participate in a variety of in-person and virtual events scheduled throughout the month to help prevent sexual violence. If we all can agree to follow the Navy’s ten Signature Behaviors of the 21st Century Sailor, including “Treat every person with respect” and “Intervene when necessary,” we can greatly reduce sexual violence. If you have ever been sexually assaulted or ever are, know that it was not your fault (no matter what) and our SAPR Team is here for you. SAPR Victim Advocates are available 24/7, 365. Also, Fleet and Family Support Center offers counseling to address stressful situations and help develop healthy relationship skills. We encourage all individuals and organizations to play a role in making our community a better place for service members and families. SAPR Victim Advocate Hotlines: 335-642-8312 / 335-606-6146 SAPR Civilian Victim Advocate: 335-773-3553 Sexual Assault Response Coordinator: 338-670-0195 DoD Safe Helpline: 1-877-995-5247 or www.SafeHelpline.org Fleet and Family Support Center: DSN 624-4291
April 9, 2021
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THE SIGNATURE
U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA
Frequency Use, Restrictions, and Authorizations By Marque Davis, Spectrum Manager, Navy and Marine Corp Spectrum Office Europe
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he electromagnetic spectrum is a naturally occurring infinite resource used by the Navy to support weapons and communications systems, radars, telemetry stations, and day-today Base Operating Support (BOS) communications. Whether required for satellite connectivity, radiolocation (radar), navigation, air/ground operations, search and rescue (SAR), force protection, or in support of public works operations on your installation, frequencies must be approved before spectrum- dependent (SD) equipment can be energized. Frequency management and the standardization of equipment procurement are vital tools to ensure these goals are met. Each military base is assigned an installation spectrum manager (ISM) who is responsible to the installation commanding officer (ICO) for the health of the spectrum management program. The ISM’s responsibility is to coordinate all installation S-D systems and certify all necessary spectrum supportability requirements are completed prior to installation users energizing or purchasing any spectrum dependent equipment, whether commercial or government. In addition, the ISM is a liaison to deploying units arriving on base and will assist them to obtain required frequencies to accomplish their mission. All S-D users must obtain a
Radio Frequency Authorization before transmitting on a frequency and shall remember the three governing principals of spectrum management: 1) Do not transmit on any frequency unless authorized to do so. 2) Do not use your “home” frequencies when deployed to another area. 3) Never randomly select a frequency to use. U.S. military forces deployed to Europe are guests of the host nation, and we must comply with all NATO and Allied country specific spectrum regulations. Remember, each country considers the electromagnetic spectrum as a natural resource within the boundaries of their country. Radio frequencies know no geographical boundaries, and the signal your equipment is generating does not automatically dissipate at the base fence line, and as such must be deconflicted with other users. Keeping your base ISM informed of your spectrum requirements will help to ensure that you have access to the spectrum you need to accomplish your mission and reduce delays or minimize the possibility of interference from other users. If you have any questions or would like to learn more, contact the NAS Sigonella ISM, Mr. Matthew Arnold at DSN 314 624-2269 or the Navy and Marine Corps Spectrum Office Europe at DSN 314 626-2005.
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 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.
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Name: Aaron Patinos Command: NAS Sigonella Department: Air Traffic Control By MCSN Triniti Lersch, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
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ir Traffic Controller (AC) 2nd Class Aaron Patinos from Wheaton, Illinois, joined the Navy to serve his country and to make a difference, but those are not the only reasons. “I’ve always wanted to see the world, and I know the Navy was a great option to do that,” said Patinos. “I’ve endlessly had a love for the water. I’ve been swimming since I was young, and that’s what drew me to the Navy.” Although water drew Patinos to the Navy, as an AC, he spends most of his time with his head in the clouds. ACs play a key role in the effective use of Naval airpower throughout the world in operational and training environments. ACs control and direct air traffic, provide information essential to safe operations, operate and adjust computer-based systems, interpret data shown on radar screens, and maintain aeronautical charts and maps. Although being an AC can be stressful and mentally challenging, Patinos enjoys his job. “It’s a great rate; it’s small and competitive as well as an elite community,” said Patinos. “We strive for success and excellence in everything we do and there’s a lot of pride in doing that, and that’s what I love about being an AC.” Patinos’ work days range from flight planning, sending flight plans, and getting to train in the air traffic control tower. In addition to his work, Patinos balances several collateral duties including serving as building manager, fire warden, a member of the Second Class Petty Officer Association, Community Relations (COMREL)
coordinator, Enterprise Safety Applications Management System Safety Officer, Training Petty Officer, and cabinet member of the Master-at-Arms. Patinos especially enjoys being a part of COMRELs and other volunteer events. During his eight months onboard Naval Air Station Sigonella, he’s been on about 10 COMRELs totaling around 100 hours. “It’s been a little difficult because COVID-19 restrictions have limited our capabilities to get out and do stuff,” said Patinos. “Even though I haven’t been able to go out and travel as much, I try and make an effort to maximize the amount of time that I’m here. So that means getting involved with the command, spending time with friends, or volunteering: I try to do that as much as I can.” Patinos is currently working on his airfield management and aeronautics degree and plans on serving 20 years in the Navy. In his free time he enjoys working out, reading, gaming, and hiking. As a duty station, Sigonella has been a good fit for Patinos because he loves the outdoors and the Sicilian hospitality he’s experienced. “Getting to interact with Sicilian culture is one of my favorite things to do out here,” said Patinos Although most of his work is in the air, Patinos still finds ways to get back to the water. Ortigia is his favorite place in Sicily because of the island mood and its seaside location. “Anywhere by the water is peaceful for me just being able to go out and enjoy a good time by the beaches with friends,” said Patinos.
April 9, 2021
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Sigonella Student Achieves Dreams Story courtesy of NAS Sigonella Navy College Office, Photo by MCSN Triniti Lersch
t first, Michael Keran of Englewood, Colorado, had no interest in attending school or joining the military. A Then, in 2012, he changed his mind and joined the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Structural Mechanic (AM), and after six years in the service, he realized he wanted to continue his career in the Navy as an officer.
For eight consecutive years, Keran worked tirelessly in the service, earning several military awards such as Navy Achievement Medals, Flag Letters of Commendation, Sailor of the Quarter, Meritorious Unit Commendation Award, and more. Nevertheless, his superior sustained performance in the military was not enough to reach his goal; Keran needed a degree to make it happen. With his ultimate goal in mind, he decided to apply for admission to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in Nov. 2018 and started his first set of classes in Jan. 2019. As an AM1, his main objective was to complete his Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics before Nov. 2020 to be in the window to apply for Officer Candidate School. In a 22-month period, Keran completed 72 credit hours, including several courses he paid for out of pocket because they were not covered by government tuition assistance. In the end, his strong motivation, hard work and careful planning helped him to achieve his dream, and he graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics . On March 9, 2021, Keran sent Domenica Barry, the Sigonella Campus Assistant Director, a message stating: “I’ve been wanting to stop by your office lately but my schedule has been extremely busy. I want to let you know that I was selected for the officer program! I will be a Naval Flight Officer! I’ll operate all of the equipment aboard an aircraft (radar, weapons, etc…). Thank you for all of the help in completing my degree and making this goal a reality! I am beyond grateful! I am very grateful to have had you as my counselor, truly. I never had to worry about enrollment deadlines, what classes I would take next, nothing. You made the planning aspect of the degree a breeze for me. For this, I am ever so grateful!” When asked what it means to be an ERAU student, Keran answered, “Embry-Riddle has a great reputation in the aviation industry. My world revolves around aviation. Receiving the welcome letter from ERAU was surely one of the most grateful moments I have had since arriving in Sicily.” Keran will be leaving his current duty station with his diploma in hand and an amazing career ahead of him having lived up to his favorite quote: “If you want it, you must work for it. Chase your dreams.”
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The Calm Voice in the Chaos By Kyrene Resel, NAS Sigonella Dispatch
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mergency situations can happen in a second and can be just about anything from fires, gas leaks, break-ins, kidnappings, medical emergencies, natural disasters and terrorist attacks. Within minutes of being called, police, fire and emergency services arrive at the scene. However, rarely do those who need help get to meet the voice on the end of the line who provides the calm in the chaos. Being a public safety dispatcher is no easy task. It takes training and fortitude to listen to the desperation of someone trapped inside a vehicle, the relief of a parent when their child is found, the fear in the words of a victim of domestic violence, the voice of a child scared by their parents fighting, and the sound of someone’s last breath. For Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, April 11-17, we’d like to take you into the world of the dedicated staff of public safety professionals onboard Naval Air Station Sigonella (NASSIG) who are always available to answer the call. While the NASSIG Security Department might be one of the most visible public safety departments on base, there is a common misconception about who dispatch is and what they do. Many people believe that dispatch is staffed by the Master-at-Arms (MAs) and run by the Security Department, but this isn’t the case. NASSIG has a dedicated, independent team of public safety professionals ready to answer any emergency call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year. The NASSIG Emergency Dispatch Center is located on NAS II and has a staff of local nationals, active duty service members and civilians. Similar to the 911 call centers in the United States, NASSIG Dispatch is a group of highly-trained
dispatchers who can provide assistance no matter the situation. One of those dispatchers is Melissa Draper and she brings quite a bit of experience and knowledge to the field of 911. Draper first got her start in dispatching in 2004 when she was looking for a way to support herself as a single mom. During her nearly 20 years of dispatching, Draper has worked in both civilian and military dispatch centers, bringing a wealth of knowledge to Sigonella. Here at Sigonella, the types of calls for service tend to be a little different from those received stateside. “We rarely get calls for criminal activity here, but we frequently receive calls for intrusion alarms, gates that won’t close, brush fires, vehicle accidents, fire alarms and sometimes vehicle accidents,” Draper said. Once a call for service is received, the dispatch center works like a well-oiled machine: making notifications, dispatching, coordinating information, and completing other tasks in order to keep the people on the other end of the line safe. However, a dispatcher’s role does not end once responders show up on scene. Dispatchers also look out for their responders. Jamie Strotman, Emergency Operations Center Manager, said, “Once emergency personnel are on scene, dispatchers become their lifeline to monitor and protect their safety. The dispatcher may be the only one that hears a call for help, not only from the person across a phone line, but also from the responder via radio.” With so much responsibility placed on these telecommunicators, it takes a unique person to be able to handle such challenges. Draper noted that there are a few characteristics that make a good dispatcher, including “the ability to multitask while
"Chaos" cont’d on Page 11
April 9, 2021
Beuck Named NAS Sigonella Military Youth of the Year
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By Megan Mills, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
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ofia Beuck, a sophomore at Sigonella Middle/High School, was recently named the 2021 NAS Sigonella Military Youth of the Year. The Military Youth of the Year is a Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) program created to recognize outstanding teens on U.S. military installations across the globe. Created in 2013, this award is part of the Youth of the Year Program, which serves teens in BGCAaffiliated programs throughout the United States. Beuck will continue on to the European Regional Military Youth of the Year Competition. Six teens, including one national military youth winner, then advance to the National Youth of the Year Celebration. One teen will be named the BGCA national spokesperson for the year. As a member of the NAS Sigonella Teen Program, Beuck has assisted in the planning and execution of several activities, service projects and field trips. “The NAS Sigonella Teen Program has allowed me to make new friends, help my community, and gain experience in the workforce,” said Beuck. “My club helps myself and other youth bring our passions to life. I am now even more of a leader in my community because CYP (Children and Youth Program) staff have pushed me past my limits.” One of Beuck’s passions is helping the homeless stray animals in and around the community. She created a car wash to raise awareness and funds for the Sigonella Animal Welfare Society to assist in vaccination costs and necessities. Channette Ingram, CYP Teen Coordinator said, “Sofia Beuck is a kind, caring and joyful youth, who is a vital member of the NAS Sigonella Teen Program. Her commitment and enthusiasm is inspiring to her fellow teen program peers.” In addition to her service projects, Beuck is a member of the JROTC and has worked as a Junior Staff member and a Recreational Aide. Adam D’Amico, NAS Sigonella’s Children and Youth Program Director, said, “COVID has brought many challenges, including the closure of our youth complex. Even with that, Sofia has kept her spirits up and is always looking for the positive side in things. Her bubbly personality is one that her peers and the staff look for to brighten their day.” Beuck also eagerly awaits the reopening of the Youth Complex. “I always look forward to anything happen at the Youth Complex,” she said. “I really hope that we can get back into the swing of things soon. I want to keep contributing to my community.” Although being a child of military parents can be difficult, Beuck finds positives in the challenges. “One of the best parts of being a military child is being able to participate in my club. In addition, being a military child has allowed me to become very resilient, independent, and a problem-solver. I wouldn’t change the experience I’ve had so far for anything.” Beuck also is eager to help other youth in the Sigonella community. “As the Local Military Youth of the Year, I want to help push other youth towards their passions and exceed their limits by being a service planner for youth in my community. I want to be a source where youth can let their ideas flow and help them plan their ideas in order to make them come to life. I grateful for the opportunity to be NAS Sigonella’s 2021 Military Youth of the Year.”
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Healthy as a Horse With the Mediterranean Diet By Dr. Alberto Lunetta, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
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f you’re interested in nutrition and health, you’ve probably heard about the Mediterranean diet. It’s not a dietary regimen promising miraculous weight loss; it’s simply what the inhabitants of Southern Europe have been eating for centuries! Ancient Greek and Roman eating habits were based on the so-called “Mediterranean triad,” a frugal and rural food model consisting of wheat, olive oil and wine. The benefits of this diet (which is more accurately called a lifestyle) were popularized after the end of World War II by Dr. Ancel Keys, an American doctor and physiologist who died at the age of 100. In 1958, Keys started a large-scale epidemiological study called “The Seven Countries Study,” which lasted for years and examined the lifestyle of over 12,000 middle-aged men living in both Mediterranean and non-Mediterranean countries (Finland, Greece, US, Italy, Yugoslavia, Netherlands and Japan). The aim of the study was to investigate links between coronary heart disease, mortality, and lifestyle. As part of the study, Keys lived in Pioppi, a fishing village on the Cilento coast south of Salerno from 1963 until 1998. While living there, he conducted nutrition studies on the eating habits of the local people.
The Mediterranean Diet, a way of eating that can be mainly found in the Southern European countries, whose benefits were highlighted by an American doctor in the 1950s, promotes a balanced food regimen made up of olive oil, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, moderate amounts of fish, meat, dairy, wine and very little sugar. (Photo by https://www. viaterra.it )
In general, the Mediterranean diet involves eating olive oil, whole wheat, legumes, fruits, and vegetables at nearly every meal, as well as a moderate amount of fish and lower amounts of dairy, simple sugars, and meat. Of course, we cannot forget “un bicchiere di vino buono a tavola” (a glass of good of wine taken with meals)! In other words, the Mediterranean Diet is rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins, and is low in saturated fat. In addition, sharing meals with loved ones and frequent walking are also considered integral parts of the Mediterranean lifestyle. Dr. Henry Blackburn was the study’s project officer from 1957 until 1972 and later replaced Dr. Keys as Laboratory Director after his retirement. According to Blackburn, this study demonstrated that the Mediterranean populations who lived this way showed a lower risk of mortality from ischemic heart disease compared to the peoples of Northern Europe and North America. The Mediterranean diet has also been associated with lower incidence and death rates from cancer and other chronic degenerative diseases, as well as with a lower environmental impact. Thanks to this research, the Mediterranean diet was awarded the inscription in the UNESCO list of “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Mankind” in 2010. Unfortunately, Mediterranean countries have been gradually shifting away from the Mediterranean diet over the past decades, according to nutritionists and scientists. This shift may be due to frequent unhealthy snacking, high intake of sugary beverages, high fat foods, and sedentary lifestyles. Another hidden danger in Italians’ current eating habits comes in the form of falsely advertised “healthy food.” Pizza for instance, is known as the queen of the Mediterranean diet, but it has become one of the most imitated and faked food products. Internationally renowned oncologist Dr. Umberto Veronesi created the Umberto Veronesi Foundation in 2003 to promote scientific research and health. According to this foundation, pizza is a “superfood” "Italian News" cont’d on Page 11
April 9, 2021
NASSIG Fire & Emergency Department Win Region Awards
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By Bill Casey, NAS Sigonella F&ES Department Chief
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ongratulations to the NAS Sigonella Fire and Emergency Services Department! The following individuals were nominated and won their respective category at the Region level for the 2020 Navy Fire & Emergency Services Awards program, and the NAS Sigonella Fire Prevention Program won Fire Prevention Program of the Year. Fire Captain Giovanni Naselli CNREURAFCENT Civilian Firefighter of the Year 2020 Based on Mr. Naselli’s familiarity with the Sicilian fire service, he spearheaded discussions with the Sicilian Bureau of Land Management, the Sicilian Forestry Department, and the cities of Catania & Niscemi Fire Departments to raise the level of fire protection and fire response time for NAS Sigonella’s two main installations and the U.S. Transmitter Site in Niscemi, Italy. His efforts forged the organizational partnerships necessary to enable rapid fire response in support of the NAS Sigonella mission. ABH2 (AW/SW) Hannah Overby CNREURAFCENT Military Firefighter of the Year 2020 Aviation Botswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Overby service tested four aircraft fire rescue vehicles valued at $1.6 million and identified 30 pump and mechanical discrepancies. She also managed eight breathing air samples, ensuring the air compressor maintained within standards. Furthermore, she orchestrated plans to alleviate shipping shortfalls which reduced lag time by 45 days and she played a critical role in forging overseas COVID-19 mitigation practices. Assistant Fire Chief Lincoln E. Ratliff CNREURAFCENT Fire Officer of the Year 2020 Chief Ratliff wrote a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) allowing the department to utilize structural firefighting ensembles in lieu of Airfield Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) ensembles. The JHA required hours of research through scientific journals, consensus fire standards, and years of historical response data. The final product was a well-articulated facts-based JHA which could be utilized to protect the organization’s decision should it be required. Financially, the JHA saved $475,000 annually since it precluded NAS Sigonella from the requirement to purchase and maintain two different sets of protective ensembles. NAS Sigonella Fire Prevention Program CNREURAFCENT Fire Prevention Program of the Year 2020 Special congratulations to Assistant Chief Thomas Rowell, Fire Inspector Tatum, and Fire Inspector Musumeci for the culmination of their efforts resulting in their recognition as the CNREURAFCENT Fire Prevention Program of the Year 2020. The team conducted a holistic review of their fire prevention program and identified ten dormant Risk Assessment Code II violations. They wasted no time in resurrecting the effort to document and initiate action for correction to raise the level of fire protection on our installation!
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Sigonella Increases Energy Security and Reduces Greenhouse Gases
By Antonino Piluso, NAS Sigonella Installation Energy Manager
pril 22nd is Earth Day, and this year the focus A is on restoring our planet. President Joe Biden signed a draft of new executive
orders aimed at curbing climate change and Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella is already rising to the challenge. The new administration is making climate change central to U.S. foreign policy and national security with the goal of a zero-carbon power sector by 2035 and a zero-carbon economy by 2050. President Biden also recently announced a global Earth Day Climate Summit on April 22, the fifth anniversary of the U.S. signing the Paris Accords. The event will be aimed at persuading countries to strengthen their greenhouse gas reduction pledges. Here onboard NAS Sigonella, several agencies are already moving quickly to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Our installation went from one to six photovoltaic (PV) systems in three years. Two of which are on NAS I, over the Navy Exchange building and commissary parking lot, and four are building PV roof systems on NAS II. The total installed renewable energy went from one megawatts-peak power (MWp) to 3.1 MWp total on both sites. This ambitious achievement was accomplished with proactive collaboration between Department of Defense agencies. In 2018, for the first time on our
installation, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) funded a renewable energy project to provide energy savings. The outcome of this agreement between Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC), who executed the project, and DLA, who provided funding, was the three PV roof systems on DLA buildings that ultimately provide energy savings to the whole base. Another great example is the powerful partnership with the private sector working with Siemens. Using a dedicated United States government financing system, NAS Sigonella was able to award a contract to build 1.8 MWp PV system without paying any money up front. The new PV system will pay its construction cost by itself in the next 23 years. In the meantime, our installation will earn the energy savings benefit and Earth will reap the environmental benefit. These are the results of a long-planned energy program created in accord with DoD Executive Orders and U.S. Navy polices to enhance the energy security of the base by reducing the overall energy demand. These projects and energy savings have also made significant strides in the greenhouse gas emissions reduction plan which NAS Sigonella is proud to be part of. Together, we all have the potential to help the planet with forward thinking.
April 9, 2021 "Italian News" cont’d from Page 8
because it offers a balanced mix of healthy proteins, the antioxidant lycopene from cooked tomatoes, carbohydrates, and the good fat contained in the mozzarella, which is also rich in calcium, lower in sodium and calories than most other cheeses, and contains probiotics. However, all pizzas are not the same. Even in Italy, the land of pizza, there is “fast food pizza” which use low quality ingredients high in saturated and transfats leading to excess inflammation and weight gain. To avoid it, choose a pizzeria that serves organic pizza made of high-quality ingredients such as extra virgin olive oil, fresh mozzarella, and tomato. All the ingredients of an ideal organic Italian pizza should feature the so-called ‘geographical indication’ (GI), which means that the ingredients have a specific link to the area where they are grown and produced. Italy boasts 838 products that are registered for their uniqueness and are protected by European Union law. These products are marked with specific labels which could be useful to know while looking for high quality food. The Italian Agriculture Ministry indicates three main labeling schemes for GI: Protected Designation of Origin, or PDO, which includes 170 agri-food products and 408 wines and spirits; Protected Geographical Indication, or PGI, which includes
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139 agri-food products and 118 wines and spirits; and Traditional Specialties Guaranteed, or TSG, which guarantees that a product is made by following traditional practice and specific production processes regardless of its production in a specific geographical area. There are currently only three TSGs in Italy: mozzarella, Neapolitan pizza and l’amatriciana pasta. Although food is an important part of the Mediterranean lifestyle, it is incomplete without certain habits. The Italian Academy of Cuisine suggests that eating with friends and family, a strong Italian tradition, is a great way to strengthen relationships and increase both your physical and mental well-being. In addition to enjoying meals with loved ones, another aspect of the lifestyle that promotes health beyond food is walking frequently, whether alone or with others. Without these elements, you are not getting the full benefits of the Mediterranean diet! Another big selling point of the Mediterranean diet is the fact that it is very inexpensive here in Italy. All you need to do is to explore a colorful outdoor food market or a small grocery store where you can find fresh and organic food at a low price! So, what is the main take away? Bottom line: try to make the most of your Italian experience by eating the healthy, fresh and organic food suggested by the Mediterranean diet!
"Chaos" cont’d from Page 6
calmly, courteously and efficiently performing lifesaving instructions.” Draper added, “Not everyone has the ability to deal with the stress that comes from a high intensity work environment.” Dispatchers play an integral part in keeping the community safe and our base secure. According to Strotman “These dispatchers have filled a need and provide necessary assistance to the base in support of the mission and have supported each other since day one.” The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a whole new set of challenges for emergency response dispatchers, and those here in Sigonella are no different. “While other folks were able to telework or standup an alternative work schedule, dispatchers did not have that option. Shifts continued,” said Strotman. Since the pandemic started, NASSIG dispatchers have also had extra responsibilities assigned, including implementing new protocols during call-taking and additional duties as information coordinators. Strotman remains proud of her dispatchers. “I am still awed by the professionalism and dedication of emergency dispatchers,” she said. “They have a genuine desire to help their communities and protect their responders. Being a telecommunicator can feel like a thankless job with little closure after working intense emergency situations. These dedicated folks are truly deserving of respect and acknowledgment for the role they play every day.”
NASSIG Dispatchers: Melissa Draper Roberta Fisichella Cody Frett Vincenzo Fusto ABH3 Eron Hood LS2 Zahrina Hutchins
Dianna Komma Charles Martin Joel Meade Charles Mercer Davide Pellegrino Kyrene Resel
Lori Robertson ABH3 Neal Rogers Giuseppe Scandurra Warren Scribner
Dependent upon local Italian COVID-19 Regulations
