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SIGONELLA, SICILY
September 5, 2014
Vol. 31 No. 33
cnic.navy.mil/sigonella
Enlisted to Commissioned; Making the cut By MC3 Rebecca Sunderland Defense Media Activity Operations NAS Sigonella
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - From the second a recruit steps off the bus at basic training to the day he hangs up the cover for good, every Sailor’s career path will be different. “I came in in the era of Top Gun,” said Cmdr. Dan Elsass, Officer in Charge of Commander U.S. Naval Forces Europe (COMUSNAVEUR), Detachment Maritime Ashore Support Team at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, he found his home in the Limited Duty Officer (LDO), Community. “Every single person wanted to come in and they wanted to fly aircraft. It inspired people to want to be a part of the Navy.” If they didn’t meet the requirements for Officer Candidate School (OCS) many of those inspired by Top Gun joined the enlisted ranks along with Elsass, who enlisted in September of 1986 as a seaman recruit. He advanced to petty officer second class quickly, but found his rating to be locked up at that rank. “I started looking at ways to either transition out of my rating or go into the officer community,” Elsass said. A mentor took Elsass to an LDO brief which piqued his interest in the program. “As soon as I made first class, I already had my LDO package prepared and I knew I had a pretty good sense of the direction I wanted to go,” said Elsass. Lieutenant Bob Morrison, Assistant Officer in Charge at COMUSNAVEUR, who is also an LDO, said the process can take anywhere from nine-12 months. “The package is submitted to the LDO board in Millington that reviews it,” explained Morrison. “You’re competing against the other thousands of people Capt. Bryan Durkee, commodore of Commander Task Force (CTF) 67, left, states the Oath of Office to Lt. Cmdr. Dan Elsass, center, and Lt. Bob Morrison during a that are putting this package together.” Morrison loves the program because it gives Sailors the ability to achieve the promotion ceremony at the chapel aboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, Aug. 28. Elsass and Morrison were promoted to Cmdr. and Lt. Cmdr. respectively. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Luke Askew/Released) see "LDO" page 3
September Navy-wide advancement exam season is here By YN3 Gabrielle Milly
NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - The Navy-Wide Advancement Exams are upon us once again as many are hopeful that hard work, evaluations, and studying pay off. The first-class petty officer exam took place yesterday but, there is still some time for last-second cramming available as second-classes will test on September 11 followed by the 18th for the third-class petty officer exams. For Sailors taking an advancement exam for the first time, “you have to check your bibliographies and develop good study habits that fit your learning style,” said Yeoman 2nd Class Gregory Nicolaisen of NASSIG Public Works. “Go through the instructions that are associated with your rate and make flashcards on the key points,” he said. “Study, study, study!” said Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Sylvano Pante of the NASSIG's Manpower office. Ponte also stated, “Make sure to review your worksheet prior to the exam so that your awards and evaluation points are correct.” Once Sailors know what they should study, they should then utilize websites like Navy Personal Command at www.npc.navy.mil to look up NAVADMIN’s regarding their rates, Navy Knowledge Online (NKO) at www.nko.navy.mil for in-rate courses and guidance, and the Navy Advancement Center on NKO gives Sailors more knowledge by helping them be better prepared. “Work in your rate and expand your knowledge. You can study the bibs all you want but having hands-on training is very important” said Career Counselor 1st Class Gary Coumbe, NAS Sigonella’s Command Career Counselor. Coumbe recommends not studying for more than an hour at a time. “Any more than that and you just won’t retain the information,” he said. “Relax and get a clear Sailors aboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella recite the Sailor's Creed before taking the head before cracking open the exam.” Navy-wide advancement exam for E-4, March 20. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Nicolaisen suggested “if you come to a question that you don’t know, go with Specialist 1st Class Tony D. Curtis/Released) the first thing that sticks out. Write down the questions that you were unsure about and look at them a second time after you have gone through all the questions and see if you still feel the same way about it. Do not spend a lot of time on any single question.” Remember to use your resources and chain of command to get the most out of your studying and good luck to everyone taking the Navy Advancement Exams this month! Around Sigonella
Cefalu:
See what's happening around NAS Sigonella!
A visit to the "Pearl of Sicily!
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SP-MAGTF Africa 14: Scan for direct links to NAS Sigonella
See what our local Marines have been up to!
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U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA Commanding Officer Capt. Chris Dennis Executive Officer Cmdr. Charles G. McKinney II Command Master Chief CMDCM Mike Kaszubowski
EDITORIAL Public Affairs Officer Lt. Paul Newell paul.newell@eu.navy.mil Editor M. Todd Butler michael.butler@eu.navy.mil Community Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil PAO Staff Writers \ Photographers MC1 Tony D. Curtis anthony.curtis@eu.navy.mil YN3 Gabrielle Milly gabrielle.milly@eu.navy.mil MA3 Kristen Pokrinchak kristen.pokrinchak@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 PUBLISHER Stampa Generale S.r.l., Sig. Bruno Brandi, Publisher, Naval Support Activity Capodichino (Naples), Italy stampagenerale@tin.it Tel. 081-568-7884 Fax 081-568-7887 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 factorof 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. 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 anyanonymous 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.
cnic.navy.mil/sigonella
Direct Line Executive Officer, Cmdr. Charles G. McKinney II Buongiorno Sigonella! We are just under four months from a new year, but September always has the air of a fresh start. Recently, many of our children started a new school year. We will have newly-minted chief petty officers in a matter of days, and after a few weeks a new fiscal year will kick off. If 2014 has been a hard year, I invite you to take advantage of this season of change and a great opportunity to dust off some of those goals you may have shelved, look ahead, and take steps on the path to realizing them. Easier said than done? Possibly. But, why not prove to yourself otherwise? A few weeks ago we dedicated a Signature edition discussing the importance of making preparations so you may best respond to emergencies. Recently, our chief petty officer selects have demonstrated how preparing can set oneself up for success. I doubt that any of them would say they made chief simply by showing up to work every day and letting fate decide their destiny. They set a goal, focused on how to best achieve it taking into account many variables, and then set out on their program in a dedicated manner. Early in my career I undertook some training with the Marine Corps. They instilled in me a pneumonic for success called “the Seven Ps”. They are: Proper Prior Planning Prevents [Pretty] Poor Performance (edited version). Simply put, you get the results that you plan for. The higher the quality of work completed up front planning, the higher the quality of the results – achieving your goals. At NAS Sigonella there are several ways to change, to get out of a rut, or to simply advance ourselves in general. When I speak to the new service, civilian and family members during Indoctrination, the four most popular goals (in no particular order) people hope to achieve during their tour are as follows: Advancement/Promotion, Education, Travel, and Saving Money All are achievable! The beautiful thing is that we have plenty of resources in the Sigonella community to turn these goals into a reality. For example, the Fleet and Family Service Center located on NAS 1 offers classes on fiscal responsibility, parenting, anger management, and improving communication within the household (to name but a few). For those wanting to take advantage of your education benefits and many degree opportunities, I encourage you to consider visiting the Navy College office. Whether or not your preferred area of study is represented, the bottom line is: There are educational opportunities available that
can help support your desired path to success. What about travel? While Information, Tickets and Tours (ITT) is a great resource for scheduled trips, they also offer the opportunity for groups to create their own trips. There are also other travel resources to assist with your personal touring planning. However, the best resource is you. Taking the time to research your preferred destination and planning your travel details will lead to a more enjoyable, less stressful trip. Although there are offices filled with sage professionals to assist as a resource to better yourself, also consider taking the time to speak to someone that you acknowledge to be reaching the heights they have set out for themselves. The new chief petty officer selects are examples of how planning, preparation, hard work, and taking advantage of opportunities can pay off. For those first-class petty officers that were board eligible, but not selected to chief petty officer, there is still opportunity to succeed. We are all aware that not every petty officer first class that is “chief material” is selected to don the fouled anchors. Needs of the Navy, the greater plan for our nation’s success is a driver that must always be taken into account. This naturally drives the selection process to be very competitive. The best way to finally achieve, in any facet of life, is to always in the position to do so. Planning and preparation is key. Continue to keep yourself in the position to be selected. The sea of Sailors that have been preparing for the current exam cycle either know, or will discover, the value of this practice. We should all take a moment to reflect on where we want to go in life and develop the path to take us there. I salute you, Sigonella, and support planning and preparation becoming part of your habit tool kit!
DRIVE SAFELY SIGONELLA
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September 5, 2014
NASSIG WORSHIP SERVICES
ROMAN CATHOLIC Sunday ■ 9 a.m. Catholic Mass (NAS I Chapel)
NAS II Chapel SUNDAY ■ 5 p.m. Protestant Evening Service
TUESDAY - FRIDAY ■ 11:30 a.m. Catholic Mass (NAS II Chapel) Sacraments of Reconciliation/Penance precede each Mass
LATTER-DAY SAINTS SUNDAY at 1:30 p.m. (NAS I Chapel) Contact: sigonellalds@gmail.com or 624-9049
FRIDAY ■ 11:30 a.m. Catholic Mass (NAS I Chapel)
JEWISH SHABBAT LAY SERVICE FRIDAY at 5:30 p.m. (NAS I Chapel)
PROTESTANT NAS I Chapel Saturday ■ 6:30 p.m. Contemporary Worship Services
NIGHT STUDY WEDNESDAY at 5 p.m. (NAS I Chapel)
SundaY ■ 10 a.m. Sunday School ■ 11 a.m. Traditional Worship
■ Italian Class Tuesday at 7 p.m (Classroom at NAS 1 Chapel)
■ AA Meetings: MONDAY at 5:30 p.m. (NAS I Chapel) second deck; THURSDAY at 7 p.m. (NAS II Chapel) NAS Sigonella Religious Ministries Department Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NavalAirStationSigonella Chapel
Chapel Offices: NAS I 095-56-3975, NAS II 095-86-9049, DSN: 624-3975, CHAPLAIN DUTY: 335-831-4493 RP DUTY: 335-786-1950
September 5, 2014
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Sailor receives award for heroism
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Hagel: Suicide prevention means watching out for each other From DoD News, Defense Media Activity WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Watching out for each other every day is a collective responsibility for the Defense Department's military and civilian workforce, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said Sept. 2 in a message marking DoD's observance of Suicide Prevention Month. Here is the text of the secretary's message:
SIGONELLA, Sicily (Aug. 28, 2014) Capt. Christopher Dennis, left, awards Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Marcus Toney with a Navy Commendation Medal during an all-hands call aboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, Aug. 28. Toney was awarded the medal for providing CPR to a local child until paramedics could arrive and thus saved his life. NAS Sigonella provides logistical support for Commander, U.S. 5th and 6th Fleets and NATO forces in the Mediterranean area. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tony D. Curtis/Released)
Navy Suicide Prevention Month: It’s about being there for “every Sailor, every day” By Rear Adm. Rick Snyder Director, 21st Century Sailor Office
Suicide affects everyone, and suicide prevention is an all hands effort – all of the time. We can make a difference through our everyday actions. In September, we join the global community to highlight suicide prevention. Last September, we focused on what we can do as communities to support and help our shipmates. This year, we’ll zero in on what we can do as individuals, on a daily basis, to continue that support. The 2014 Navy Suicide Prevention Month theme is “Every Sailor, Every Day.” We are encouraging every member of our Navy team, from shipmates, to leaders, to civilian employees, to family and friends, to set a positive example, reach out and engage with one another. Building resilience and preventing suicide require all of us to actively communicate with each other, and not just when we think someone is in immediate danger. Everyday actions, that foster trust and build meaningful connections, can start or continue conversations so we can more effectively intervene when we see signs of a shipmate in distress. By actively communicating and staying engaged, we may be more likely to notice small signs of distress in our shipmates and intervene early, before a crisis occurs. I challenge you to be there for Every Sailor, Every Day, through meaningful, intentional actions. Take time to ask others how they are doing—and actively listen. As Vice Adm. Nathan, Navy Surgeon General, reminds us, we must especially connect with those who are transitioning from one job to another, experiencing career setbacks or some sort of loss, or going through relationship troubles. Start a dialogue to support each other during stressful times. Share strategies to navigate challenges, including speaking up and seeking help. We are a Navy team, and none of us are ever alone. Another way you can support “Every Sailor, Every Day” is by Pledging to ACT (Ask, Care, Treat). It’s a voluntary commitment to yourself and others, and one of the many ways we can be there for every Sailor, every day, by every Sailor, every day. Visit https://survey.max.gov/index. php/437524/lang-en to “Pledge to ACT” today, and urge your shipmates to do the same. I encourage commands to highlight Suicide Prevention Month in their own way. Talk about bystander intervention, peer support and the many ways each of us can lead by example when it comes to physical and psychological health, showing that it’s okay to speak up when you’re down. Resources will be released on www.suicide.navy.mil throughout the month to support your efforts. Each day, we have an opportunity to make a difference—and those opportunities may end up saving lives. For more information and various resources for Navy Suicide Prevention Month, visit www. suicide.navy.mil.
To the men and women of the Department of Defense: Preventing military suicide is one of DoD's highest priorities, and something I'm personally committed to as Secretary of Defense. As we observe Suicide Prevention Month, we must rededicate ourselves to actively working not only every month, but every day to fulfill our collective responsibility to watch out for each other and take care of each other. Human beings are fragile, and suicide is a complex and devastating event that affects us all. The painful loss of life and its heartbreaking aftermath spread beyond the individual and immediate family, taking a toll on fellow service members, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and society itself. While preventing suicide takes all of us working together, it begins with a personal commitment. When someone is going through challenges and comes to you for help, it doesn't make them weak. It means they're strong, because asking for help when you need it takes courage and strength. What we need to remember what our entire country needs to remember is that these brave individuals shouldn't be avoided or stigmatized. They need to be embraced. Whether you're a service member, a veteran, a DoD civilian, or a friend or family member of someone who is, you have the power to make a difference. It only takes one person to ask one question or make one call and that single act can save a life. If you need help, if you know someone who is, or even if you just need someone to talk to, contact the Military Crisis Line via phone, online chat, or text message. Just call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1; visit http:// www.militarycrisisline.net; or text 838255. It's free, easy, confidential, and trained professionals are always there for you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The battle to prevent suicide cannot be waged on a single front. It will only be won if we stand together and take every opportunity in our homes, at our duty stations, and in conversations with friends and mentors to support each other and be there for those in our communities who need our help. By fighting as one team, we will help prevent suicide. Thank you, and your families, for all that you do for our country.
"LDO" continued from page 1 rank of an officer without a degree. He believes that a lot of people come into the Navy with the intention of getting a degree and getting out. “Time slips by because we all get busy working on our qualifications and before you know it two or three years have gone by. What this program does is it allows people the opportunity to not go the OCS route, but continue their service in the Navy and to the officer community, and go on to lead commands,” said Morrison. These are some of the same reasons why Ens. Glenn Wade, who was commissioned Aug. 22, chose the LDO community. “I went that route because I’m now able to affect more policies and manage programs, yet I’m still in touch with the deck plate on the ground level,” said Wade. “I can see from experience what I went through, what the people went through, and how we can affect that change.” Having first been chief petty officers, all three men agreed they can use the experience they gained from the mess to make better informed decisions when reviewing policies and procedures. “The LDO/warrant officer career path is an absolutely fantastic program,” Elsass said. “Individuals who are at the top of their performance marks should have a very clear eye of making it into the chiefs’ mess; I would never take anything away from that. Simultaneously they should be looking also at the LDO/warrant officer programs, and strongly considering putting in for them.” Wade, who began applying in 2007 and was selected this year, recommends getting a mentor and starting early. “The hardest part is always starting, but once you start it gets easier,” said Wade. If you’re interested in a commissioning program, contact your command career counselor and your chain of command.
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September 5, 2014
CALENDAR
September
Friday
5
Arrivederci Class 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. FFSC Local Car Buying Strategies 9 - 10:30 a.m. FFSCc
2014
Monday
8
ICR 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. FFSC
9
Command Financial Specialist Training 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. FFSC *Contact FFSC for requirements
15
Suicide Awareness Symposium 9 - 10 a.m (All Hands) 1 - 3 p.m. (E-7 & above) FFSC
Tuesday ICR 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. FFSC
10
Wednesday ICR 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. FFSC
11
17
Sponsor Training 9 - 11:30 a.m. FFSC
Saturday Milo Wine Festival 2 p.m. - 12 a.m. ITT
Marzamemi Boat Tour 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Outdoor Rec
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Sunday
Vizzini Tour: Recognition of Marines and Giovanni Verga 11 a.m. - 11 p.m ITT
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Commanding Officer's Suggestion Box There are two ways to submit feed back to Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Commanding Officer Capt. Chris Dennis. Visit The Interactive Customer Evaluation (ICE) home page on a One-Net computer at: http://ice. disa.mil, All Sigonella services are found under the Navy Europe Listing in the scroll-down menu. Also, visit NAS Sigonella's website www.cnic.navy.mil/Sigonella, go to the "About" drop down menu and click on " CO Suggestion Box". The Signature will anonymously publish comments and responses for the benefit of the Sigonella community. Please make sure your comments and suggestions are constructive. In other words, "BE NICE ON ICE."
Concern regarding stray dogs: Thursday Sig Safe 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. FFSC
12
Survive and Thrive 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. FFSC
18
13
Relocation Fair 1:30 - 3 p.m. FFSC
Plain White T's Concert 7:30 p.m. NAS 2 - Outside of Jox Pub
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September 5, 2014
19
Career Technical Tiramisu and Panna Training Track Cotta Cooking Class 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. FFSC ITT
20
14
Budget Bowling Sundays 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Sparetime Bowling *Every Sunday
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Career Technical Training Track Money & Marriage; an 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Important Financial FFSC Partership 9 - 10:30 a.m. Job Fair FFSC
IMPORTANT EXTENSIONS:
FFSC: x4291 ITT : x4777, x4396 Liberty/Connections/Take 5: x4246, x5602 Outdoor Rec: x4777, x4396 Fitness: x4483, x5243 Midtown 2 Theaters: x4248 American Red Cross: x4900
Does your command or organization have an event you’d like to see on the Community Calendar? Email us at thesig@eu.navy.mil and let us know!
Several people assigned to NAS 2 have been bitten by stray dogs in different areas of base, particularly on NAS 2 by the galley and on the Italian side of base. What is the command doing to stop aggressive animals from attacking? After being caught, what is being done with strays?
Response:
Public Safety, through security and health and welfare, is my primary responsibility. You are right, we have had people attacked by stray dogs and this must stop. You may recall, I recently published a general order that applies to all active duty and reserve service members, dependents, as well as all US and Italian civilians working for the US Government, prohibiting the feeding of stray animals. Please note, formal fostering and official adoptions are encouraged. The order explains that if we don’t feed the strays, they will eventually go elsewhere to find food. But, the prohibition on feeding is not the full solution. Another key aspect is the physical removal of threatening animals. For this we approached the Sigonella Italian Air Force Base commander, Colonel Sicuso. As he points out, "the problem of stray animals on base (is) a major concern for the safety of personnel, but also for the smooth (and safe) evolution of runway operations." Accordingly, Colonel Sicuso, discharging his authority for overall protection of the base, contacted relevant Italian authorities to find a viable solution. Italian law mandates specific procedures to be followed in these cases and does not permit strays to be euthanized. Proper procedures involve multiple organizations locally, which for us include: the Mayor of Lentini, Italian veterinarians, Italian kennels, the Italian Air Force, and NASSIG. With ITAF’s leadership, assistance, and careful assessment of the situation, personnel appointed by the Italian Municipal Police and local health offices have come to Sigonella and collected locally captured stray dogs. As a matter of compensating for personnel resource challenges, the Italian Air Force authorized NASSIG Security to capture stray dogs in full compliance with Italian laws. The dogs, in keeping with these laws, were taken into custody and retained by cognizant Italian authorities. All processes, including, capture, transportation, and kenneling have taken place under the strict supervision and scrutiny of our Italian Air Force hosts. In closing, we are making progress - our streets and runways are getting safer. Please continue to not feed strays on NASSIG. Please do consider fostering or permanently adopting stray animals. Thank you for your commitment to community security and health and welfare! For aggressive dogs and other stray animals, or folks feeding strays in violation of my general order, call the Emergency Dispatch Center at 624-5225.
Question regarding a USO program in Sigonella: Is it possible for NAS Sigonella to get a USO program?
Response:
What a terrific suggestion! We are working with CNE and USO in an attempt to establish a NASSIG USO and currently the base CMC has the lead. If we are successful, everyone must understand that USO staffing will be composed mostly of community volunteers. This may be especially challenging as USOs are typically open 24/7/365. A USO is a tremendous resource, but also a big responsibility. As our progress continues, I will keep you posted.
Need an appointment at the hospital? Call DSN 624-CARE (2273) or commercial 095-56-2273, M-F: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. For non-emergent medical questions that arise over the weekend, holidays, or after office hours, please call 335-578-8077 if you are normally seen at the hospital or 335-578-8150 if you are normally seen at the Flight Line Clinic.
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U.S. Navy HEADLINES Dining with Julius Caesar, a journey through Romans ‘eating habits By Alberto Lunetta NAS Sigonella Public Affairs NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - “You will dine well, Julius Cerialis, at my house. If you have no better invitation, come on over. You will be able to spend the eighth hour as usual. Indeed we will bathe together; you know how close to my house the baths of Stephanus are. The first course will be lettuce (a useful digestive aid) and tender shoots cut from leek plants, and then a pickled young tuna which is larger than a small lizard fish and will be garnished with eggs and rue leaves. And there will be more eggs, cooked over a low flame, and cheese from Velabrum Street, and olives which have felt the Picene cold. That’s enough for appetizers. You want to know what else we are having? I’ll lie so that you will be sure to come. Fish, oysters, sow’s udder, stuffed with wild fowl, and barnyard hens that are not usually served except at rare and special dinners.” (Martial, Epigrams, 11.52). “The next dish represented the twelve signs of the zodiac arranged in order, over each symbol, was set a food appropriate to it. Over Aries some chickpeas with tendrils that curled like ram’s horns ; over Taurus, a slice of beef, over Gemini, prairie oysters and kidneys and so on…then the top of the dish is removed and inside: fat fowls and pig’s bellies, and a hare decked out with wings like Pegasus. Four figures of Marsays sprinkle sauce over fishes in the corner of the dish. A little later a huge boar is brought in with buckets of dates hanging from the tusks, and surrounded by confections in the shape of piglets, which were for the guests to take home in their napkins. When the side of the boar was pierced, thrushes flew out, only to be caught at once by fowlers.” (Dinner of Trimalchio by Petronius) These vivid descriptions of Imperial Rome lavish banquets made by satirical poets Martial (40-104 AD) and Petronius (died in 66AD) give an example of how elaborate and sophisticated their cooking tradition was. Celsus Aulus Cornelius, one of the greatest Roman medical writers, writes in his masterpiece “De Medicina” (On Medicine) about the importance of food in the prevention of illness. In his treatise, there is mention of antiseptic techniques and face surgery to be performed by taking skin from other parts of the body. Celsus also described the four classic symptoms of inflammation: heat, pain, redness and swelling and gave healthy nutrition tips. “It is necessary to know the properties of food and drinks in order to establish what is good for a healthy person and what is appropriate for a sick one,” Celsus wrote. If we’d take a look at the list of foods available at the time of the Romans, we’d be surprised by discovering that many ingredients that we consider essential today for our diet were missing at that time. You may ask yourself: how did they survive without tomatoes or coffee? Well, after having studied the recipes from historic sources, scholars eventually realized how well Romans made up for the lack of those foods.
Archeologists found all kinds of fine recipes ranging from the preparation of nightingale or flamingo tongues to pickling peaches. The Romans did have neither tomatoes nor potatoes, which were and still are the primary source of survival for European populations. Eggplant, chili peppers, corn and turkey where also unknown since they arrived in Europe after the discovery of America. There was no pasta either. Although it wasn’t grown in Italy, rice was actually imported by Romans from India but it was used as starch to bond ingredients. Fruits which were commonly available were apples, pears, lemons (coming from Greece), apricots (coming from Armenia), cherries, plums, grapes, walnuts, almonds and chestnuts. Dates, which were imported from northern Africa, were the only “exotic” fruits commonly available. The most widespread vegetables were broad beans, lentils, cabbages, leeks, garlic, onions, water cress and chicory. Broad beans and cabbage were also grown extensively. Asparagus and artichokes were rare as they were mainly a privilege of the rich. Mushrooms and olives were also very popular. Olive oil was commonly used for a multitude of purposes including cooking, for fuel for lamps and cosmetics (perfumes, body oils etc.). Among cereals, wheat was the staple food of all Romans. It was mainly imported from Egypt, which was considered as the “bread basket” of the Empire. Wheat was baked into bread or boiled into a type of porridge similar to grits or cream of grains or legumes. The ring shaped bread’s mold used by the Romans is still very popular in the Mediterranean area. There were about 100 different kinds of breads. Bread was also the main food of the legionaries of the Roman Army. Soldiers were required to pay up to one third of their wages for their food. They accompanied bread with cheese or beans and water or even diluted vinegar when the weather was too hot. At the time of the Romans, the Mediterranean Sea was richer that it is now in fish. Anchovies, sardines, jackfish, mackerels, giltheads, red mullet, sprats, tuna, white breams, squids, lobsters, oysters, all varieties of shellfish found a place on the tables of the Romans. Today’s steak lovers would be disappointed to hear that Romans did not eat beef. Just like it happens in India, cows were used to work in the fields; therefore their meat wasn’t tender enough for the sophisticated Romans’ palate! On the other hand, pork (the most favorite), game, lamb, venison, hare, hake, chicken, ducks, geese, partridges, goats, porpoise cranes, flamingoes, thrushes, turtles, “onagers” (wild donkeys), snails and frogs were very popular. Even “Foie gras,” which is commonly believed to be just a French specialty, is actually a Roman invention. Historic sources tell that Apicius, the famous eccentric rich man known
for his sauces and extravagant dishes, was the first one to come up with the idea of force-feeding dried figs to geese to enlarge their livers. Apicius is also the author of “De Re Coquinaria” (On Cookery), one of the most important cookbooks in history. Sheep and goat cheeses were very popular as they were also used to make food gifts. The Romans did not have the variety of drinks that we have today. Water, milk, wine, beer and herb infusions were the main beverages. Camel milk was drunk in the Asian and African provinces while horse and donkey milk was mainly used as medicine or cosmetics. Beer (cervisia), which was invented by the Ancient Egyptians, was drunk as a tonic. It was made by the alcoholic fermentation of wheat and barley bit it was lacking hop, an essential ingredient of modern beer that gives it a unique aroma and contributes to its preservation. Romans did not typically offer beer to their guests, they would provide it as a beverage for the troops stationed outside Europe. Wine, the national and natural drink, was considered as a “divine drink.” Since it was very strong, vino was diluted with water or mixed with honey to prepare “mulsum”, a cooling aperitif that accompanied the first course at dinner. Grapes were extensively cultivated. The remains of dregs of the grapes left after wine was made were used a food preservative. Street food was also very popular. The Romans ate three times a day. The “jentaculum” was a small breakfast. Adults basically ate leftovers from the previous night such as bread, cheese, olives, eggs, capers, dried fruits or honey. The children had milk, flat cakes or bread. The “prandium” (lunch) was a snack consumed during the midday work break. It also consisted of leftovers just like at breakfast time. It was eaten at thermal baths, the equivalent of today’s fitness centers, where people used to workout, gossip and make business deals. The main meal of the day was the “coena” (dinner). It was eaten at sunset after work. Dinners were very elaborate and could go on for hours. Guests sat according to a prescribed order which reflected their social status. The dining room, which was called “triclinium,” had three couches where Romans laid in a recumbent position on their left elbows and ate with their fingers. The meal consisted of three parts. The first course was called “gustum” was the appetizers consisting of salads, eggs, cheeses with herbs, mushrooms, truffles, and various fruits. After appetizers, there was the “mensa prima” (main course) which was a variety of meat, game or fish. Most of those were served with sauce. One of the most popular sauces was “garum.” This popular factory-made fish condiment was made from pickled and fermented intestines of mackerel. Just like it happens in today’s Italy, food played a vital role in the life of the Italian ancestors. Evening meals were a time that families spend together and an opportunity to build social and business relations.
TRANSCOM: Know your POV shipping entitlements From U.S. Transportation Command
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill (NNS) -- Many service members may not know of their entitlements when shipping personal vehicles as they move overseas or return stateside, according to U.S. Transportation Command officials. "Our customers have reasonable expectations on the delivery of their vehicles," said Air Force Brig. Gen. Paul H. Guemmer. "I know I do." Guemmer is the deputy director (military) for the Strategy, Capabilities, Policy, and Logistics Directorate at TRANSCOM, which is headquartered here. He is responsible for DoD's transportation strategy across the entire Joint Deployment and Distribution Enterprise, to include infrastructure, long-range programs, future requirements, coalition integration, and mobility partnerships with industry. Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command is the Privately Owned Vehicle program manager and TRANSCOM is the global POV contract administrator. These two commands work closely together in managing and monitoring this critical quality of life contract. *Addressing issues* In August 2014, SDDC and TRANSCOM stood up a team of transportation experts to quickly address the most significant challenges and concerns military customers are facing when shipping their privately owned vehicles, known as POVs. International Auto Logistics, known as IAL, assumed responsibility for the Global Privately Owned Vehicle Contract, also known as GPCIII May 1. Under the terms of the contract, IAL is responsible for processing, transporting and storing vehicles owned by military personnel and Department of Defense civilian employees bound for, or returning from, overseas duty assignments. SDDC officials have acknowledged that the transfer to the new POV contractor did not go as smoothly as it could have. They want customers to know that SDDC is aware of and understands the issues some of them have experienced while shipping their privately owned vehicle, adding that solving those issues is the command's No. 1 priority. They also want their customers to know what SDDC and TRANSCOM are doing to help resolve these issues and facilitate a smoother and more effective transition to the new contractor. *Customer expectations* Guemmer listed reasonable customer expectations as on-time delivery, professional and timely customer service, a damage-free vehicle and compensation for damages if they occur, and rental cars. What happens when expectations aren't met? "There is a system of recourse in place," Guemmer said. "For vehicles overdue fewer than seven days, the first step is for military members to contact the local personal property, personnel support detachment or finance office." Guemmer, who also heads TRANSCOM's Privately Owned Vehicle Fusion Cell, explained that reimbursement for rental cars for military members for those first seven days is capped at $30 a day or $210 a week, based on DoD's Joint Travel Regulation. The government then deducts those charges from IAL's bill. He pointed out that if rental car rates exceed that amount for days one through seven, an inconvenience claim can be submitted to the contractor, International Auto Logistics. The JTR entitlement does not apply to DoD civilians, but they can get rental car reimbursement by filing an inconvenience claim with IAL. *Filing claims for reimbursement* "Military members inconvenienced beyond seven days because of a missed delivery date can file a claim with IAL," Guemmer said. "They, and DoD civilians, can also file an inconvenience claim for temporary lodging if vehicle delivery is delayed." IAL will consider reimbursement for amounts exceeding entitlements on a case-by-case basis and based on circumstances, provide reimbursement. "Although IAL pays for inconvenience claims for lodging and rental car expenses, customers can file for other expenses with proper documentation and rationale for IAL's consideration," Guemmer said. For vehicle damages, IAL provides customers an option for on-site settlement for claimed damage. Claims for additional damage can be reported within a reasonable period. The military claims office will not pay out for the same damages. *Customers deserve best treatment* "Our personnel deserve the best treatment from us and those we contract to serve with us," Guemmer said. "Customers who are not getting what they deserve when dealing directly with IAL can always get in touch with the contracting officer representative at the vehicle processing center or by emailing the USTRANSCOM POV Inspector General Customer Support Team." He added, "Our assessment teams and contracting officer representatives have surveyed container freight sites and every vehicle at those facilities. We are reconciling our data with IAL's to ensure information on the IAL website is accurate and timely."
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Story by Todd Butler Photos by CDR Sally Butler and LT Paul Newell
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - My wife and I have been in Sicily for over two years, and for that entire period we have been hearing the same thing. "You haven't been to Cefalù? You have to go!" Over the extended Labor Day holiday we took the advice and opportunity to see what all the talk was about. Before I delve into the details, a word of advice: You can find an apartment in Cefalù at a far more reasonable price than staying at one of the city’s hotels. A friend of mine spent roughly $1,000 for his three-night stay whereas my wife and I found an apartment for less than $400. Both accommodations were in the center of the city, but his didn’t include appliances and we also brought our dog. Bottom line here is that hotels – especially in August – can be very expensive. Do an online search and you should find plenty of good deals. If you plan to stay for a week, lots of the apartments for the summer rush are booked by Easter. Arriving Friday evening, we were immediately struck with this town’s beauty, first noticing the two Duomo towers dominating the skyline. We couldn't help but notice the large jagged rock the locals call La Rocca, which hovered high above the city. The sight is also quite lovely seen from the oceanfront. After parking, we walked out of the lot and were stuck by the beauty of the crystal blue waters natural rock formations dotting the coastline. We quickly realized why Cefalù is called "the Pearl of Sicily." Lugging our supplies and dog through the old part of the city, we admired the city’s old architecture before arriving at our apartment. It was nothing fancy, but was located in the heart of this old city. We woke early and made our way to the Duomo Square in central Cefalù. Just like La
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Rocca hovers over the city, the Basilica-Cathedral of Cefalù, begun in 1131 by the Normans, provides a large, picturesque backdrop for the piazza. The city itself provides a fascinating blend of ancient Roman, Arab, and Norman influence as all three cultures once occupied the city. Immediately noticed once inside the cathedral is the Christ Pantocrator painting hanging over the altar. The rendering was made of gold during the Byzantine era. Also on display is a marble baptismal font from the 12th century. There are a few more mosaics but the rest of the Cathedral walls were pretty bare. I then had the great idea to climb "La Rocca". After we paid the entrance fee we started our ascent. There were a couple problems with this. 1. It was noon. 2. It was August. 3. We are not as young as we used to be. 4. We are not in the shape we should be. The challenging climb did pay off with incredible views of the city next to the water. After thoroughly checking out the ruins we then headed back down. About a third of the way down there is another path that takes you to the remains of a megalithic sanctuary known as the Tempio di Diana” which dates to the 9th century B.C. Just a few recommendations if you decide to tackle La Rocca, wear comfortable walking shoes as the path is largely uphill on a dirt path with many loose rocks, and take plenty of water. I am not much of a beach person, but my friend took his family, including three small children, to the sandy wide. He said he was happy to pay for the lido. For $25 the lido provided two beach chairs and an umbrella. He said he was also relieved that employees were on hand to watch over his belongings while he and his wife took their little ones for a nice swim in perfect water temps. Other niceties of the beach were very small traces of litter, and a restaurant at the beach. The public beach was not overly-crowded and looked to be a good mix of young and old. Other things not to miss in Cefalù are stunning sunsets on the terrace and many great seafood restaurants in town. Just be careful when you order lobster. The same buddy who got soaked with the expensive hotel room also ordered $350 worth of lobster! And there were only two lobsters served. Ouch! Other things to see are more historical sites, cafes adorned with beautiful vistas, and of course amazing gelato and granite. Oh, and there is some real nice shopping there as well. Not just ticky-tack touristy shops, but some great artistry and nice antiques that seemed reasonably priced. For these reasons, and others we have not the space to mention, we not only understand what all the fuss is about, we can't wait to return to the "Pearl of Sicily!"
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Electricty and TELECOM bills on-line for community residents From NAS Sigonella Housing Office
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - Living off base at Sigonella? Did you know that you can check your Electricity and TELECOM bills on line? Both ENEL and Telecom have their own web-site that allows you, once you register, to download bills, or, if you like, to pay them on-line. Once the bill is downloaded you can print a copy, and then pay at the local Community Bank, NEX or Italian Post Office. This means no more delays in receiving your bills! Instead of waiting for bills that often arrive after the due date, you can check them out at your own convenience. The Utilities Counselors can also translate and provide training on how to read utilities bills, assist in decoding your bi-monthly bills and find out if the readings are actual or "estimated usage". This will help to avoid paying too much or paying too little. If you have signed up for online payment with your local Community Bank, we can provide account information to help you to properly fill out the wire transfer documents. The same assistance is also provided for Gas Natural, Eni Gas and other gas companies. A reminder for all to keep an eye out on water bills, they remain under the landlord's name. Make sure to read clause number 14 on your lease contract, as it outlines your responsibility with regards to water usage and payment. If you have any questions, please contact your Housing Counselor. USCS civilian personnel are reminded to keep a copy of their bills for annual reconciliation of utilities usage with your servicing HRO. Living off-base can be challenging and we are here to help you overcome those challenges. Contact our front desk at DSN: 624-3845/4311 or the utilities counselors direct at DSN: 624-3828 or 3829 in order to schedule an appointment. How do you register? ENEL: Go to www.enel.it. The site can be changed to English. You will be required to provide a user name, establish a password, an e-mail address and other information pertaining to your electricity contract. We encourage you however to see one of our Utilities Counselors for the first time registration. Housing Service Center Sigonella has two Utilities Counselors on the staff: Ms Graziella Pulvirenti and Ms Anna Massimino. They will gladly assist and guide everyone living in the local economy to register with ENEL (Italian National Electric Company) website. They will walk you through the entire process. TELECOM: Go to www.187.it. The procedure for first time registration is similar to the ENEL one. Interested? Please establish an appointment with our Utilities section at the Housing Service Center to make this happen.
Friday, September 5 *Breakfast: Hot Oatmeal, Grilled Sausage Patties, Creamed Sausage W/Biscuit, Bacon, Asstd. Omelets, Eggs to Order, Hash Brown Potatoes, Waffles. *Lunch: Cream of Potato Soup, Rice Pilaf, Creole Scallop, Roast Beef, Lasagna, Pepper Steak, Seasoned Mix Vegetables, Fresh Squash, Ice Cream. Speed Line: Pizza. *Dinner: French Onion Soup, Spaghetti w/ Fish Sauce, Chicken Parmesan, Beef Stew, Steamed Rice, Fresh Cauliflower, Peas & Carrots. Saturday, September 6 *Breakfast: Farina, Grilled Ham Slices, Bacon, Creamed sausage w/ Biscuit, Asstd. Omelets, Eggs to Order, Hash Browned Potatoes, French Toast. *Brunch: Breakfast Items, Beef Rice Soup, Swedish meat balls, Chili Macaroni, Steamed Rice, Brown Gravy, Carrots, Collard Greens, Hot Dog & Chili Dog on Linea Bar, Cookies. *Dinner: Pepper Pot Soup, Baked Scallop, Pasta w/Shrimp, Fishwich, B.B.Q. Spareribs, Hot Dog & Chili Dog on Linea Bar, Oriental Rice, Peas Squash, Cookies. Sunday, September 7 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Grilled Minute Steak, Bacon, Creamed Sausage w/ Biscuit, Asstd. Omelets, Eggs to Order, Italian Roasted Potatoes, French Toast. *Brunch: Breakfast items, Chicken Rice Soup, Chicken Drummets, Macaroni & Cheese, Pork chop W/ Mushroom Gravy, Chicken Gravy, Green Beans, Cauliflower, Hot Dog & Chili Dog on Linea Bar, White Cake. *Dinner: Minestrone Soup, Spaghetti W/Meat Sauce, Fried Shrimp, Veal Parmesan, Rice Pilaf, Peas & Carrots, Asparagus, Brown Gravy, Hot Dog & Chili Dog on Linea Bar, White Cake. Monday, September 8 *Breakfast: Hot Grits, Oven Fried Bacon, Minced Beef, Asstd. Omelets, Eggs to Order, Italian Roasted Potatoes, Waffles. *Lunch: Onion Soup, Penne Amatriciana, Herbed Salmon Fish, Chicken Florencia, Steamed Rice, Green Beans, Cauliflower, Cookies, Ice Cream. *Speed line: Asstd. Pizza *Dinner: Carrot Soup, Meat Loaf, Chicken Parmesan, Penne w/ Tuna & Tomato Cherry, Steamed Rice, Brown Gravy, Mix Vegetable, Club Spinach, Cookies.
Tuesday, September 9 *Breakfast: Farina, Asstd. Omelets, Eggs to Order, Bacon, Hash Brown Potatoes, Pancake, Biscuits and Gravy, Grilled Sausage Patties. *Lunch: Cream of Asparagus Soup, New York Steak, Chicken Florencia, Manicotti, Crab Legs, Rice Pilaf, Baked Potatoes, Corn on the Cob, Carrots, Cheese Cake, Ice Cream. *Dinner: Navy Bean Soup, Spaghetti Carbonara, Beef Stew, Baked Chicken, Steamed Rice, Chicken Gravy, Cauliflower, Summer Squash, Oatmeal Cookie. Wednesday, September 10 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Oven Fried Bacon, Grilled Minute Steak, Asstd. Omelets, Eggs to Order, Hash Brown Potatoes, French Toast. *Lunch: Cream of Broccoli Soup, Lasagna, Chicken Breast in Orange Sauce, Shrimp Scampi, Oriental Rice, Chicken Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Squash, Peas w/Carrots, Vanilla Cookies, Ice Cream. *Speed line: Grilled Hamburger/Cheeseburger, Turkey Burger, French Fries, Baked Beans. *Dinner: Beef Rice Soup, Penne w/Fish Sauce, Roast Turkey, Salisbury Steak, Steamed Rice, Steamed Broccoli, Vanilla Cookies. Thursday, September 11 *Breakfast: Hominy Grits, Corned Beef Hash, Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Hash Brown Potatoes, Waffles. *Lunch: Cream of Asparagus Soup, Rib eye Roll, Penne w/Scallop & Tomato Cherry, Cordon Bleu, French Fried Shrimp, Oven Brown Potatoes, Corn Whole Kernel, Broccoli, Easy Chocolate Cake, Ice Cream. *Dinner: Onion Soup, Chicken BBQ, Spaghetti w/ Meat Ball, Veal Parmesan, Fried Rice, Carrots, Cauliflowers, Cookies. Friday, September 12 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Sausage, Bacon, Asstd. Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, French Toast. *Lunch: New England Clam Chowder, Chipper Fish, Steamed Rice, Roast Turkey, Turkey Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Cauliflower, Carrots, Cake. Speed line: Asstd. Pizza. *Dinner: Vegetable Supreme Soup, Barbecued Spareribs, French Fried Shrimp, Penne Alfredo, Steamed Rice, Cabbage, Cake.
As a reminder, all dependents are always welcome at the galley! Please provide any negative or positive feedback. There is a suggestion box near the entrance to the galley, next to the serving line.
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Red Cross to host Volcano safety chili cook-off
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GAME ZONE Look Up!
Find and circle all of the items that you might see when you look upward. The remaining 24 letters spell an additional item you might see.
Disaster Action Team (DAT) member Electronics Technician 1st Class James Herring (left) gives Aviation Boatswainmate (Handling) 1st class Donnell Viree information on putting together a preparedness and first kit. (Photo by Amanda Herring)
By Amanda Herring
Field Office Assistant, American Red Cross NAS Sigonella
Disaster Action Team (DAT) members Aviation Boatswain Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Peter Obeng (right) and Shanna Chambers educate community members on how to prepare for potential disasters. The DAT utilized informational tables at the Commissary and NEX 7 Day as the kick-off event for National Preparedness Month. (Photo by Amanda Herring)
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - Since 2004 the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has declared September to be National Preparedness Month. In an effort to support this campaign, the American Red Cross SAF Sigonella Disaster Action Team (DAT) is hosting several events throughout September to help educate the community about preparedness and give them the tools to be ready for the different types of disasters that can affect Sigonella. On Thursday, September 18, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. the DAT members will be hosting a Volcano Safety Chili Cook-Off in the Chart Room on NAS 1. At the event attendees will learn how to prepare for a volcanic disaster along with learning general preparedness guidelines and standards. First aid kits, personal safety kits, and NEO kits will be on display and inventory checklists will be available for each kit. The event is free to attend and this includes tasting the different chilies along with refreshments. Donations will be accepted and will go towards the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Community members can enter the competition by completing the entry form (available at the Red Cross office) and returning it to the Red Cross Office in Bldg 318 on NAS 1 or emailing it to amanda.herring@redcross.org no later than Friday, September 12. All entries must include a copy of a current food handlers certificate. Each of the participants will rate the spiciness level of their chili based on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. The levels will be (from least to most) Gentle, Explosive, Catastrophic, Colossal, and Apocalyptic The special guest judges will taste and rate all of the entries. The three participants
with the highest cumulative scores will win prizes. Attendees will also be able to vote for their favorite chili and the person with the most votes will win the Fan Favorite award. The top three will be announced at completion of judging and the Fan Favorite will be announced at the end of event. Prizes: 1st Place: A Chili Cooking Gift Basket (crockpot and other chili cooking essentials) and a $50 NEX Gift Card 2nd Place: A Chili Cooking Gift Basket (assorted cooking essentials) and a $25 NEX Gift Card 3rd Place: A $25 NEX Gift Card Fan Favorite: A Chili Cooking Gift Basket (assorted cooking essentials) and a $25 NEX Gift Card A Food Handlers Course will be offered on September 10 at 1400 for anyone that would like to enter the competition but does not have a current certificate. Seating is limited. Contact the Red Cross at 624-4900 to sign-up. Please direct any questions to Amanda Herring at Amanda.herring@redcross.org or 624-4900.
AIRPLANE BIG DIPPER BIRDS BLIMP BLUE SKY CHIMNEY SMOKE CLOUDS COMET DRONE FIREWORKS GALAXY HAZE HELICOPTER
HOT AIR BALLOON JET EXHAUST JUPITER KITE LIGHTNING MARS MERCURY METEOR SHOWER MOON PLANETS POWER LINES RAINBOW SATELLITE
SATURN SKYDIVER SKYSCRAPER SKYWRITING SMOG SOLAR ECLIPSE STARS STREET LIGHT THE SUN TREETOP UNIVERSE VENUS
DIFFICULT
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THE AMERICAN RED CROSS IS A NON-FEDERAL ENTITY. IT IS NOT A PART OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE OR ANY OF ITS COMPONENTS AND IT HAS NO GOVERNMENT STATUS.
EASY
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SP-MAGTF Africa 14 service members Marines and Coastguardsmen working together train for upcoming TSC engagements
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Chief Selects go back to Boot Camp By Lt. Adam Demeter Recruit Training Command Public Affairs
U.S. Marines and British Royal Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa 14 work together to flip a zodiac combat reconnaissance rubber craft during a small-craft capsize exercise aboard Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy, Aug. 20, 2014. The exercise taught service members how to flip their boat back over safely in the event of a rollover. The drills were used to prepare the service members for upcoming Theater Security Cooperation engagements in Africa where they will be working alongside partner nations and sharing the same techniques. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Shawn Valosin) Story by Cpl. Shawn Valosin Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa 14 Public Affairs NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - When conducting boat exercises, the potential for capsizing is prevalent. If a situation arises on a deployment in a maritime domain, service members must know what actions to take to ensure the safety of all personnel. U.S. Marines and British Royal Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa 14 conducted small-craft capsize exercises with a zodiac combat reconnaissance rubber craft here, Aug. 20 to ensure all members know exactly what to do in the event of a rollover while on Theater Security Cooperation engagements to various countries in Africa. “We did capsize drills with the [British Royal Marines], so when we’re in [Africa] we all know how the procedure works in case one of the boats flip, that way we’re all capable and safe,” said Lance Cpl. John Bosell, a Mohrsville, Pa., native and rifleman with SP-MAGTF Africa 14. “The training went really well, it was taught as if we were actually executing it.” While in Africa the U.S. Marines and British Royal Marines will be working alongside partner nation military forces to share similar maritime techniques in order to expand their knowledge of a variety of skills including small boat operations, proper maintenance procedures and maritime interdiction. SP-MAGTF Africa continues to build relationships with the community while simultaneously strengthening U.S. Marine Corps Forces Africa and U.S. Africa Command’s ability to assist partner nations in addressing security challenges in the region.
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Marines, Sailors and U.S. Coastguardsmen with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa 14 stand together during a visit from Lt. Gen. Robert Neller, the Commander of U.S. Marine Forces Europe aboard Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy, Aug. 9, 2014. Marines with SP-MAGTF Afroca 14 have teamed with the U.S. Coast Guard for upcoming Theater Security Cooperation engagements in Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Shawn Valosin) By Cpl. Shawn Valosin
Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa 14 Public Affairs NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa 14 have teamed with the U.S. Coast Guard for upcoming Theater Security Cooperation engagements in Africa. SP-MAGTF Africa formed in October 2011, and is sourced by rotating forces. The current iteration is sourced from units across II Marine Expeditionary Force primarily Combat Logistics Battalion-2 out of Camp Lejeune, N.C. Supporting SP-MAGTF Africa 14 is a detachment from the U.S. Coast Guard and U.K. Royal Marines. Marines and Coastguardsmen have limited opportunities to train together. SP-MAGTF Africa’s unique mission set presents a special venue for joint operations between the USMC and USCG conducting TSC engagements with partner militaries across Africa. The USCG helps to strengthen our nation’s ties and partnerships along with the Marines and Sailors of SP-MAGTF Africa. The USCG brings an operationally sharpened maritime flavor to SPMAGTF Africa and by doing these exercises together, joint and combined forces are able to learn from each other and continue improving military interoperability. “While we’re in Africa we’ll be working jointly with the Marines, teaching small boat operations, advanced small boat operations, navigation and water survival skills,” said Chief Petty Officer Dustin Ruth, a Clearwater, Fla., native and Coastguardsman with U.S. Coast Guard Station Miami. “We came together with the Marine Corps’ boat drivers and engineers to share curriculum and knowledge so when we go on our missions we will be on the same page, not teaching two different things.” The U.S. Coast Guard is part of the Department of Homeland Security and is a unique force that carries out an array of civil and military responsibilities touching almost every facet of the U.S. maritime environment. “We’re just happy to be here,” said Ruth. “It’s very exciting for us to work with the Marines. A few of us have worked with them before and it’s always been an excellent relationship. These kinds of trips are very rewarding and we’re looking forward to future engagements of this type.” SP-MAGTF Africa strengthens U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command’s ability to assist partner nations in addressing their security challenges. Marines and Sailors with SP-MAGTF Africa conduct theater security cooperation, military-to-military engagements and are trained to provide contingency support to crisis response.
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GREAT LAKES, Ill. (NNS) -- More than 100 chief selects from around the fleet graduated from the Back to Boot Camp program held at Recruit Training Command (RTC), Aug. 28. Back to Boot Camp is an annual three-day reintroduction to basic Navy training that includes military bearing, attention to detail, uniform inspections, drill and leadership. Participants return from commands across the fleet for the unique training environment at RTC. During this training, the chief selects conduct many of the same evolutions they experienced the first time they went through boot camp such as folding and stowing, physical fitness assessments (PFA), swim qualifications, seamanship, firearms familiarization, damage control and marching. "What we're trying to do is hold these chief selects accountable for the new responsibilities they are about to be charged with," said Senior Chief Culinary Specialist Timothy Hardin, a recruit division commander (RDC) at RTC. "Sometimes as a petty officer you get tunnel vision while doing your specific job. We want these chief selects to get back to the basics and start seeing the overall picture when it comes to instructing, delegating and counseling Sailors." The chief selects also receive mentorship and Chief Petty Officer (CPO) 365 training from the RTC chiefs mess, the Navy's largest chiefs mess, and apply that training while interacting with seaman recruits currently going through boot camp. "Having the opportunity to interact with the recruits and one of the largest chiefs mess in the Navy has really been a valuable experience, said Chief (select) Fire Controlman Clint Cochran, leading chief petty officer of Navy Recruiting Station (NRS) Florence, Kentucky. "It's been a long time since I've been to boot camp and experiencing these things again will help me set my future Sailors up for success." During the Back to Boot Camp program chief selects are encouraged to focus on leadership to help them gain a better understanding of the 21st
century Sailor entering the fleet. "New Sailors are most vulnerable when they first enter the fleet," said Chief (select) Cryptologic Technician (Technical) Roderic Phillips. "Having a better understanding of the things they learned up to that point by experiencing it firsthand will help me relate with them and help them keep on the right track for those times they're on their own." Phillips added that another point the chiefs at RTC focused on was staying humble after accomplishing the milestone of making the rank of chief petty officer. "Going through this program helps us get back down to earth," said Phillips. "As a chief select, you need to start focusing on taking care of your Sailors; not just your division or department. The bigger picture of putting Sailors before yourself is more important." The culmination of Back to Boot Camp training is Battlestations-21 aboard the USS Trayer, a 210foot Arleigh Burke-class destroyer simulator, the largest in the Navy. Each chief select must complete 17 scenarios during a 12-hour overnight period. The scenarios encompass teamwork to complete events, which firefighting and damage control scenarios. Evolutions also include casualty evacuations, watch standing, loading and unloading supplies and line handling. Instead of receiving a Navy ball cap to signify their completion of training, the chief selects receive a Back to Boot Camp coin to help them remember the lessons they learned while at RTC. "I want these chief selects to set the standard and take what they've learned back to their command," said Hardin. "After they bring it back to their chief 's mess, before you know it, it starts spreading throughout the rest of the ship and the Navy." RTC Great Lakes is, today, the Navy's only basic training location, and is known as "The Quarterdeck of the Navy." Today, approximately 37,000 recruits graduate annually from RTC and begin their Navy careers.
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September 5, 2014