U.S. Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station (NCTS) Sicily: A 62 Year Legacy of Supporting NAS Sigonella

Story and Photos by MC1 Kegan Kay, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

On 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 Navy Fleet Cyber Command and U.S. 10th Fleet, NCTS Sicily’s mission is to continuously plan, synchronize and execute actions in the electromagnetic (EM) and cyberspace domains that shape conditions and generate capabilities advantageous to U.S. and partner forces,” said Cmdr. Brian Evans, commanding officer of NCTS Sicily. “Simply stated, NCTS Sicily is an operational warfighting command. Our task is to operate, secure and defend the Navy’s networks and access to the EM spectrum.”

Since 1972, NCTS Sicily has been responsible for the overall base communication systems to provide internet access and telecommunications such as fiber connectivity, Defense Switched Network (DSN) phone capability, and ONE-Net Local Network Support Center (LNSC), for NAS Sigonella and a few tenant commands.

On August 13, 2020, NCTS Sicily held an open house and cookout for their families to show not only what they do here in Sigonella, but also to say thank you for their continued support.

The event started off with an awards ceremony and the announcement of their 3rd quarter Sailor, Junior Sailor and Blue Jacket of the Quarter winners.

Families, wearing face masks, were then broken up into small groups and lead by a tour guide with hand sanitizer at the ready to explore NCTS.

“The open house allows our family and friends to see the true work that goes on to ensure the internet or email or the phone works at a moment’s notice,” said Utilitiesman 1st Class William Sturgeon. “It gives a true appreciation on how we communicate around the word and also an idea of what is in the near future.”

Each tour group was taken to various stations to learn about specific departments and what they were responsible for. Each station also had an activity, hands outs or even a treasure hunt for the children to participate in, including a small personnel qualification standard (PQS) booklet to be signed at each station.

At the end of the tour, the PQSs were finalized by Evans and NCTS Sicily Executive Officer Lt. Cmdr. Cayanne McFarlane, and according McFarlane, the children were now “qualified to work at NCTS Sicily.”

The day ended with a cookout of burgers, chicken and hot dogs, and the families and Sailors of NCTS Sicily relaxed under a canopy to enjoy the food, company and time to relax.

“It is always important to allow our support to see what we do and how important it is as U.S. and NATO maintain peace in this part of the world,” concluded Sturgeon.