The Signature
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U.S. Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station (NCTS) Sicily: Story and Photos by MC1 Kegan Kay, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
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n the far side of NAS II, away from their American counterparts and surrounded by radars and satellite communication dishes, is the U.S. Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station (NCTS) Sicily. The command has undergone many name and technology changes since it was originally established as a communication center in August of 1958. In 1972, all of Naval Air Station Sigonella’s communication needs were transferred to the responsibility of NCTS, then known as Naval Communication Station Italy, and became Naval Communication Detachment Sigonella. In 1987, the name changed once again, this time to Naval Communication Station (NAVCOMMSTA) Sigonella. Two major changes happened in October 1991. First, Naval Radio Transmitter Facility (NRTF) Niscemi was established and became responsible for the bulk of operations supporting Navy, Joint and Allied forces in the Mediterranean, Southwest Asia, Indian Ocean, and Atlantic Ocean areas. Secondly, NAVCOMMSTA Sicily was redesignated as NCTS Sicily to reflect the continued and many technological advances that had taken place during recent years. The mission of the strategically-positioned NCTS Sicily is to provide mission-critical communication support to U.S., NATO, and coalition forces operating in the AFRICOM, CENTCOM, and EUCOM areas
of responsibilities. “As a forward tactical unit aligned under Nav Fleet Cyber Command and U.S. 10th Fleet, NCT Sicily’s mission is to continuously plan, synchroniz and execute actions in the electromagnetic (EM and cyberspace domains that shape conditions an generate capabilities advantageous to U.S. an partner forces,” said Cmdr. Brian Evans, commandin officer of NCTS Sicily. “Simply stated, NCTS Sici is an operational warfighting command. Our task to operate, secure and defend the Navy’s network and access to the EM spectrum.” Since 1972, NCTS Sicily has been responsible f the overall base communication systems to provid internet access and telecommunications such as fib connectivity, Defense Switched Network (DSN phone capability, and ONE-Net Local Netwo Support Center (LNSC), for NAS Sigonella and few tenant commands. On August 13, 2020, NCTS Sicily held an ope house and cookout for their families to show n only what they do here in Sigonella, but also to sa thank you for their continued support. The event started off with an awards ceremony an the announcement of their 3rd quarter Sailor, Juni Sailor and Blue Jacket of the Quarter winners. Families, wearing face masks, were then broke up into small groups and lead by a tour guide wi hand sanitizer at the ready to explore NCTS. “The open house allows our family and friend
