The June 17 issue of The Signature

Vol. 28 No. 24

JuNe 17, 2011

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FISC holds Change of Command ceremony

By MCSA Brian Glunt NPASE East

Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella held a change of command ceremony for the Fleet and Industrial Supply Center (FISC) Sigonella June 10 in the NAS I Gymnasium.

FISC Sigonella was officially established on March 3, 2005, becoming the seventh and newest FISC to join the Commander, Fleet and Industrial Supply Centers (COMFISCS) worldwide network.

At the ceremony, Capt. Robert A. Gantt relieved Capt. Dana S. Weiner as the commanding officer of FISC at NAS Sigonella.

Gantt, a graduate of Virginia Tech, received his commission in 1986 through Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island. He is reporting to NAS Sigonella after being the Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics and Financial Management, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command in Little Creek, Va. “The goals of FISC are just to continue improving fleet support, support to the war fighter and all of our customers within the region, and just to continue

building that support and to build and foster those relationships,” said Gantt.

“I’ve been looking forward to this and the challenge and to working with the folks on base and the local nationals."

Rear Adm. Mark Heinrich, Commander of Fleet and Industrial Supply Center, San Diego, Calif., was the guest speaker at the ceremony and commended Weiner for his time, leadership and dedication as commanding officer of FISC Sigonella.

"I would stay here many more years if they let me," said Weiner. “It has been outstanding. The professionals at Sigonella and all of my sites throughout Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia have just been the best.”

Weiner’s personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards) and various unit and campaign ribbons.

Weiner will report as Commander, Center for Service Support (CSS) in Newport, Rhode Island.

For more information on NAS Sigonella, visit the base’s website www.cnic.navy.mil/sigonella.

FISC’s new commanding officer, Capt. Robert Gantt is piped ashore after the change of command on June 10 at the NAS I gym. Capt. Gantt relieved Capt. Dana Weiner as the commanding officer of FISC. From NAS Sigonella, Weiner will go on to serve as Commander, Center for Service Support in Newport, Rhode Island.

C ong r at s high school graduates!

Sigonella High School seniors marked the end of their high school careers on June 10 at a graduation held on NAS I. The class of 2011 will attend various universities and schools as they go forward in their education, enter the workforce, or join the military. The graduation ceremony ended with the traditional throwing of the cap.

Photos by GM2 Kris Carmody, The Signature

Weather

toP StorieS

June 17 H: 86 uPdate L: 63 Did you know that volunteering is not just for adults at the Sigonella Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society office? Volunteering can also be a great way for your teenagers to get involved in the Sigonella community.

iNSide

June 18 H: 84 L: 60

June 19 H: 80 L: 59

The Navy welcomed guided-missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) into the fleet during a commissioning ceremony in Mobile, Ala., June 4.

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Direct Line 2

Navy News 3

June 20 H: 83 L: 63

June 21 H: 84 L: 64

June 22 H: 90 L: 69

Make sure you attend the mouthwatering annual Acitrezza Sagra del Pescespada or Swordfish Festival taking place this weekend (June 17 through 19) at the little port of Alaggio (located under piazza Giovanni Verga, the town main square).

The NATO coalition forces operating out of hangar 407 challenged each other and the United States to a friendly soccer match last Saturday. See pictures from the day and find out who took bragging rights.

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Community Calendar 4

MWR Corner 11

June 23 H: 86 L: 61

There are a load of upcoming events going on at MWR. From beach trips to the ever-popular “Where’s the Geep, Sigonella” contest, check out all of the details!

PAGE 11 Il Mercato 14

Traffic Numbers Jan. 11 June 11

Jan. 10 June 10

Accidents

152

134

Injuries

22

25

DUIs

5

4

Traffic Deaths

0

0

Please, don’t become a statistic!

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JuNe 17, 2011

Direct Line We received so many questions for June’s Feedback Live that we couldn’t cover them all during the show, so we are devoting the next two Direct Lines to answer the remaining questions. Please keep sending your questions via email, and remember that Feedback Live is a LIVE call in show -- you can get your question answered on the spot. As always, the show is held on the first Thursday of each month, from 6:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. To call in live on the show, please dial 624-4265 or 095-56-4265.

Q1. I understand that in order for the director of FFSC to take action on after-hours child care, it must first be designated as a mass care issue by the Command. A list was generated about a month ago that provided information on the number of single parents and dual military parents. When will the Community hear of a viable solution for after hours child care?

A1. There are already a number of options for childcare, including the Child Development Center (CDC), School Age Care (SAC) and Child Development Homes (CDH). CDH providers offer full time, hourly and shift care for our military families.

Shift/after hours care is provide in a home style setting through the CDH program by military family members in caring, certified homes. Spaces are limited to the number of vacancies within the homes. Although, a recent survey indicates that childcare needs are being met for the Sigonella community, we

NAS SigoNellA CommANdiNg offiCer, CApt. SCott Butler

are always looking to add new homes. If you love children and are interested in starting your own business, becoming a CDH provider is a great way to stay home with your own children, learn interesting early childhood education principals, while earning an income. The free training provided can count towards college credit. For resource and referral for shift care options, or if you are interested in more information about becoming a CDH provider, contact the CDH Coordinator at 624-3185. By utilizing a CDH provider, you receive a 20% discount for full time care compared to the CDC. Q2. What can be done about increasing the frequency of emptying the brown yard waste receptacles on Marinai? We try to comply with recycling guidelines but they seem to be emptied only bi-weekly, if that. Because they're always overloaded, much of the compost goes into the regular trash (which I'm sure costs NASSIG more per pound for disposal.) Thank you.

A2. Increasing the frequency of emptying the brown yard waste receptacles on Marinai would require Housing to request and fund a modification to the lease. I’m told that although many of the dumpsters fill up, there are usually others open. With multiple sets typically within walking distance, I ask that you try to continue to stay diligent and recycle as well as maintain the clean appearance of the housing area for your family and others. This may occasionally require a little

Firework safety tips

By Sandra Basile NAS Sigonella FES Assistant Chief of Prevention

Fireworks are a wonderful way to celebrate holidays, especially the upcoming 4th of July but, they must be used carefully!

MWR will be hosting a huge public fire works display on July 2nd to coincide with the Independence Day Festival on July 1st and 2nd. The fire department would urge Sigonella personnel to forgo consumer fire works and join MWR, and the rest of the community, to celebrate the occasion. According to federal law the use of consumer fire works are illegal on all government instillations, including housing and barracks. This is meant to cut down on the amount of fires, on government facilities, and injuries related to fire works.

While there is no question that each year fireworks cause injuries, the good news is that from the year 1990 though 2003, fireworks related injuries dropped from 12,000 to 9,300. However, they are dangerous if not used properly. Consumer fireworks in the United States are becoming much safer, and the public is becoming more and more educated on the proper use of fireworks. That being said, we have no averages for firework’s injuries in Sicily. Many of the personnel on NAVSTA will choose to buy their own fire works, out in the community, this year and Commanding Officer Capt. Scott Butler Public Affairs Officer Lt. Tim Page Deputy Public Affairs Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta Editor Tracie Barnthouse Staff Writers/ Photographers MC1 Christopher Delano MC2 Gary Prill GM2 Kris Carmody MCSN Cameron Bramham MCSA Brian Glunt 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

we would like you to keep these safety tips in mind.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety urges consumers to be fireworks smart, before, during and after their consumer fireworks display.

• Before: Choose an open area away from spectators, homes and buildings and dry vegetation. Use a garden hose to wet down the area before firing.

• During: As each device burns out, soak it using a hose, or bucket of water.

• After: Place all used items in a covered, fireproof container and leave it outside and away from homes and buildings.

40% of fireworks injuries happened to children less than 15 years of age, 23% of which happen to children under the age of five. Sparkler burns cause about 50% of injuries that happen to children under five. It is important that parents know these sparklers burn at approx 1000 degrees. You would ask yourself: Why would anyone hand a 1000 degree rod of burning hot metal to their child? Yet it happened 550 times during June 20-July 20, 2003. Incredible!

Please remember the following special fireworks safety tips for sparklers: • Children under the age of 12 should not use sparklers.

• Always remain standing while using sparklers.

FIREWORKS, continued on page 13 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.

extra effort on each of our behalf but it will be worth it for a clean neighborhood.

Q3. My question is regarding the Ombudsman program here. This is a place where it could really thrive and be very useful; however, I have seen very little effort or activities performed by the Ombudsman. When we were stationed at our last command, we were contacted immediately by Ombudsman and they provided us with useful information, informed us of upcoming events, provided a packet with things to do in the area and even put us in touch with families with a similar family dynamic. Here, I don't even know who our Ombudsman is. I understand that it’s a bit different here since you have a sponsor, but our sponsor was a single sailor, no kids, so not very useful to us as far as family type of info goes. If the Ombudsman did things that helped the community and made more of an effort to put themselves out there, it would make this duty station a much more efficient and enjoyable place to be. So, my question is, is there anyway to push the Ombudsman to create more events, offer more services and step up to the plate a bit more? After all, being an Ombudsman is about more than just having a park spot at the commissary. Also, I know they are setting up stuff for the family of the fire, but this was AFTER everyone had already pretty much had things in place.

A3. I take exception to this question and wonder if the person who wrote it could con-

tact me directly so I can help understand the specific issue a little better.

NASSIG has an incredibly strong and vibrant Ombudsman Program.

It looks and feels different than a similar program attached to a ship or a carrier as we assess there is little chance that the island of Sicily is going to deploy any time soon; however, we have a wonderful assembly chair, Mrs. Rachel Barto, and approximately 15 Ombudsmen who actively represent their Commands (NASSIG and Tenant Commands).

All of whom, correctly, see themselves as the primary facilitator of communication between families and Command Leadership. I promise, none of these great Americans are volunteering to do the extra work just for a parking space…and if there is a shortcoming with the Program, it is mine, not theirs. An Ombudsman Representative meets with all newcomers during Indoc and Survive and Thrive. I encourage anyone who may be interested in participating or providing input to the Ombudsman Program to contact our Mrs. Barto at fiscsi.ombudsman@gmail.com or their Command Ombudsman, all of whom make themselves available to anyone who needs their assistance. Notably, NASSIG is working to establish a Family Readiness Group (FRG),

which is an umbrella, social organization that crosses all Command lines and is local to NAS Sigonella tenants and Command. The POC for the FRG is Laura Hodges. She can be reached through NMCRS at 624-4212.

The questions, comments and concerns stated in this column do not constitute the official position of the U.S. Navy and are submitted by members of the community.

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) Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 1130 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 1300 Bible Study (NAS I Chapel) 1330 Worship Service Call 624-5128 or 338-736-3061

OTHER SERVICES/ACTIVITIES POINTS OF CONTACT Muslim Prayer Room, open for daily prayers, NAS II Chapel, x9049.

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

Did you know NMCRS volunteer youth program can help your teenager?

Did you know that volunteering is not just for adults at the Sigonella Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society office? Volunteering can also be a great way for your teenagers to get involved in the Sigonella community. NMCRS is a volunteer-based organization with only two paid employees and over 60 volunteers. Volunteers help maintain the day to day operations of both the office and the Nearly New Shop, as well as the other services provided by NMCRS. Studies have found that volunteering has a significant, positive impact on the community. But did you know The Signature is published weekly by 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.

it can benefit your teenager too? Yes, volunteering can help your teenager get into college. According to school counselors, colleges want to see a complete picture of the person applying, not just a list of organizations and dates of service. Colleges want to know the individuals interests, commitments, and dedications. Your teenager’s extracurricular activities reveal a great deal about him or her. Another fact worth noticing, is that honor societies, community youth groups and schools require a certain amount of volunteer hours to be completed before graduating, while some other schools offer academic credit for volunteer work. This makes starting a volunteer career early a step in the right direction.

Another benefit of volunteering is that it can give your teenager valuable

life lessons and experiences. Whether your teenager works in the office, thrift store, or helps out with various events within the community, he/she will gain hands-on experience. This experience could aid in their major or career choice. Volunteering brings together a variety of people, which gives your teenager an opportunity to meet someone that already works in his/her desired field. This environment will also provide your child with a chance to learn to work with different personality types and to set and achieve goals.

NMCRS would like to encourage you to motive your youth to start volunteering. If interested in having your teenager become a youth volunteer in our Youth Program, please contact NMCRS at 264-4212 to sign up for orientation.

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: 081-568-2983 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.

June 17, 2011

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Midtown Movie theaterS Schedule & deScriptionS

THE HANGOVER 2- Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha, Ken Jeong

Friday, June 17 5:00pm Super 8 PG-13 PREMIERE 8:00pm The Hangover 2 R

Saturday, June 18 2:00pm Water for Elephants PG-13 PREMIERE 4:30pm Super 8 PG-13 7:30pm Scream 4 R

Sunday, June 19 2:00pm Madea’s Big Happy Family PG-13 PREMIERE 4:30pm X-Men: First Class PG-13 7:30pm The Hangover 2 R

Tuesday, June 21 5:00pm Soul Surfer PG 8:00pm The Hang Over 2 R

Wednesday, June 22 5:00pm X-Men: First Class PG-13 8:00pm Your Highness R

Thursday, June 23 5:00pm Super 8 PG-13 8:00pm Scream R

Friday, June 24 5:00pm Soul Surfer PG 8:00pm Super 8 PG-13

***THIS MOVIE IS VERY GRAPHIC IN NATURE! STRONG SEXUAL CONTENT, GRAPHIC NUDITY, FULL FRONTAL MALE & FEMALE! Phil, Stu, Alan and Doug travel to exotic Thailand for Stu's wedding. After the unforgettable bachelor party in Las Vegas, Stu is taking no chances and has opted for a safe, subdued pre-wedding brunch. However, things don't always go as planned.

What happens in Vegas may stay in Vegas, but what happens in Bangkok can't even be imagined. (102 min.)

KUNG FU PANDA 2- Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen

Po is now living his dream as The Dragon Warrior, protecting the Valley of Peace alongside his friends and fellow kung fu masters, The Furious Five. But Po's new life of awesomeness is threatened by the emergence of a formidable villain, who plans to use a secret, unstoppable weapon to conquer China and destroy kung fu.

He must look to his past and uncover the secrets of his mysterious origins; only then will Po be able to unlock the strength he needs to succeed. (91 min.)

ARTHUR- Russell Brand, Helen Mirren, Great Gerwig, Luis Guzman, Jennifer Garner

Irresponsible charmer Arthur Bach has always relied on two things to get by: his limitless fortune and the good sense of lifelong nanny Hobson to keep him out of trouble. Now he faces his biggest challenge -- choosing between an arranged marriage that will ensure his lavish lifestyle or an uncertain future with the one thing money can't buy, Naomi, the only woman he has ever loved. With Naomi's inspiration and some unconventional help from Hobson, Arthur will take the most expensive risk of his life and finally learn what it means to become a man. (110 min.)

YOUR HIGHNESS- Danny McBride, James Franco, Natalie Portman, Zooey Deschanle, Justin Theroux

Throughout history, tales of chivalry have burnished the legends of brave, handsome knights who rescue fair damsels, slay dragons and conquer evil. But behind many a hero is a good-for-nothing younger brother trying just to stay out of the way of those dragons, evil and trouble in general. Thadeous has spent his life watching his perfect older brother Fabious embark upon valiant journeys and win the hearts of his people. Tired of being passed over for adventure, adoration and the throne, he's settled for a life of wizard's weed, hard booze and easy maidens.

But when Fabious' bride-to-be, Belladonna, gets kidnapped by the evil wizard Leezar, the king gives his deadbeat son an ultimatum: Man up and help rescue her or get cut off. Half-assedly embarking upon his first quest, Thadeous joins Fabious to trek across the perilous outlands and free the princess. Joined by Isabel--an elusive warrior with a dangerous agenda of her own--the brothers must vanquish horrific creatures and traitorous knights before they can reach Belladonna. If Thadeous can find his inner hero, he can help his brother prevent the destruction of his land. (102 min.)

Movie schedule is subject to change.

Please call to confirm. Movie Hotline: 624-4248

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