American Red Cross: See what's Going On
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San Marino:
Blood Oranges:
World's Smallest Republic
More than Vitamin C
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N A S SIG O N E L L A
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MAY 5, 2017
Vol. 34 No. 17
Operational Readiness Assessment: Testing Response Capabilities By Nicole Ybarra NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – On the afternoons of April 25-26, Sailors and personnel from around Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella tested their response capabilities to major attacks against the base as part of a Region EURAFSWA Operational Readiness Assessment (ORA) to evaluate the current readiness of the installation. First responders from Security, Carabinieri, Fire & Emergency Services, U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella, ITAF medical teams and Emergency Management (EOC and ITAF base operations center) reacted to events on both NAS 1 and NAS 2. The ORA included an extended period of field training exercises and drills during which the installation demonstrated its ability to conduct routine operations as well as respond to simulated emergencies and consequence management scenarios. The exercise started with a protest in front of the NAS 2 main gate and a simulated water main failure on NAS 1. On the second day, response capabilities were tested during an active shooter incident resulting in mass casualties as well as a simulated fire in the barracks. The installation went into lockdown and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was activated for several hours and included a 100% Incident Management Team shift change with required reports. The Installation Training Team (ITT) and those who participated as active members during the exercise
met following the conclusion of the exercise to discuss what went well and what didn’t during the drill and what improvements needed to be made. “There was a lot learned today working with the other agencies on base,” said Christopher Steinnecker, NAS Sigonella Installation Train-
ing Officer. “These simulated training environments provide valuable opportunities for both the U.S. and our host nation partners to flex that muscle so that we are able to respond in a coordinated and efficient manner should a real world event occur.” The drill was the culmination of
nearly three months of planning by the ITT and Security Department. The ITT will incorporate feedback and lessons learned from the ORA into the Command Assessment for Readiness and Training (CART) exercise which will be evaluated by CNIC this July.
SIGONELLA, Sicily (April 26, 2017) - Medical personnel respond to a simulated casualty on Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella during an active shooter drill for an operational readiness assessment. NAS Sigonella is an operational ashore base that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where they are needed and when they are needed to ensure security and stability in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Gordon/Released)
USO Sigonella Celebrates the Month of the Military Child By Stacey Geddings USO Sigonella
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily –April is designated the "Month of the Military Child" by the Department of Defense to recognize the sons and daughters who provide unwavering support to their military parents. On Saturday, April 29 USO Sigonella closed out the month with a "Month of the Military Child" BBQ on Marinai. There was plenty of food, games, and prizes for the whole family to enjoy! When families arrived, they were greeted by enthusiastic volunteers and staff at the USO information table. Here, each child received a special gift courtesy of the USO. Volunteers disseminated information about fun upcoming USO events including the next Teddy Bear Club on May 11. Each child was given a raffle ticket and was entered into a drawing for exciting prizes. Stands were set up around the basketball court for the kids to challenge their physical skills. Two of the challenges were the jump rope challenge and the hula hoop challenge. Kids amazed the USO volunteers with their abilities as they completed each event. Sarah Adkins put on quite a show in the jump rope challenge completing 101 jumps. Over The USO Sigonella hosted a Month of the Military Child at the hula hoop challenge, Cailyn Coleman spent BBQ April 29 in recognition of the sons and daughters who 9 minutes 40 seconds spinning her hoop before it provide unwavering support to their military parents. The touched the ground. While the children participaevent featured food, fun and games for the entire family. ted in the games and families gathered and enjoyed (Photo courtesy of USO Sigonella) the company of each other and the delicious BBQ
which included savory hot dogs, crispy chips, and homemade cookies, DJ Jazzy Geoffrey Kuria spun music adding to the lively atmosphere. More than 200 members of our community came out to enjoy the event. Children also enjoyed the bounce house and playing other games like corn hole, tic tac toss, and egg toss. However, the more serious competitors met over at the Giant Jenga set. Kids of all ages competed against each other in this game of physical and mental skill tediously pulling and placing the blocks ensuring the tower did not fall. Two young competitors squared off in an intense battle of Jenga, stacking the blocks up to 31 levels before it came crashing down in an earth-shattering kaboom! USO Sigonella would like to thank all the families who came out making this event a fantastic success, along with Geoffrey Kuria for providing the music and Navy Federal for providing the bounce house. “Our organization is committed to providing this community with engaging and meaningful events that keep our service members and families connected to family, home and country. It is a pleasure for the USO staff and volunteers to be able to provide programs and events like this BBQ that do just that,” said USO Station Manager James Hodges. The USO would like to recognize and appreciate the sacrifice, courage, and ability to adapt to changing circumstances that define our Sigonella military children!
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MAY 5, 2017
Direct Line
LTJG Kaitlyn E. Franz, 2017 Active Duty Fund Drive Chairperson Buongiorno Sigonella! It was a pleasure and honor to work alongside you this year as your Active Duty Fund Drive Chairperson. Thank you all for your hard work and contributions to make this year’s Active Duty Fund Drive (ADFD) in support of the Navy-Marine Corps Society (NMCRS) a success! It was a base-wide community effort we started back in January and continued through end of March. Every command with Active Duty Sailors and Marines stepped up to kick-off the ADFD to raise awareness about the importance of supporting the Fund Drive and educating the community about NMCRS and the programs they offer. During this time, 21 commands came together to support their own and that is truly something amazing. NMCRS can quickly provide aid to Sailors and Marines, and all of us being stationed overseas here in Sigonella reinforces how much NMCRS is vital to our community. While serving overseas is a rewarding opportunity for Sailors and Marines, serving so far away from home can bring difficult and unforeseen challenges. Life-changing events may happen and they could be occurring in the lives of our fellow Sailors today. The names around you may change, but the struggles you and our families face and the financial challenges associated with overseas tours, relocations, deployments and high-stress jobs don’t change. Your donation and efforts toward the ADFD
really do make a difference. Family members become gravely ill and are hospitalized. Marines and Sailors need assistance with short-notice travel arrangements and paying for airline tickets to get home. NMCRS is here for them. And NMCRS will be here for you, too – offering budget counseling, making emergency travel arrangements, and providing need-based financial assistance. NAS Sigonella Sailors and Marines have earned a reputation for giving generously to help shipmates and fellow Marines through the Active Duty Fund Drive. The NMCRS relies 100% on donations to complete its mission and this year in 2017, your per capita donation was $58.51 – the best in the Navy – and an increase from $58.10 in 2016! The ADFD involved 176 volunteers, including 28 command representatives from all around the base, who put in over 1,300 volunteer hours at 37 events. A few notable fundraisers were the Base Pie in the Face, Jail and Bail, Radiothon, Car Wash and weekly raffles. These events and more allowed our volunteers and command representatives to get out and talk to people face-toface, which contributed greatly to our community’s success. All together NAS Sigonella ADFD raised $89,642.40 – more money per capita than any other base in the Navy for the third year in a row, an outstanding feat. For our own, by our own – the motto of the
NMCRS – is what the ADFD embraces. We help each other in times of need now and in the future so that we can stay focused on the mission. Thank you again for all your hard work and donations. Here’s to continued success next year!
Commanding Officer's Suggestion Box The ICE/CO Suggestion Box is for our community and Commanding Officer to discuss, with an eye toward constant improvement, how we are excelling* and how we can improve**. The community is strongly encouraged to leave contact information when submitting comments. This ensures that a response will come directly to you. The Signature and NASSIG Facebook Page typically publish comments and responses for the benefit of the Sigonella community. Comments/suggestions are useful when objective, constructive, and specific. ICE/CO Suggestion Box is NOT a forum for mean-spirited attacks. Anonymous comments will be published only if they benefit the greater community at large. * If you submit a "BZ" about a specific person or department, PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR NAME in order to ensure comment authenticity and therefore publicly recognize employees or organizations. ** The Commanding Officer will ensure a response to all signed comments/suggestions and the vast majority of anonymous ones but reserves the right to disregard those comments/suggestions disinterested in the spirit of the program! There are two ways to submit; go to: 1) 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. – or – 2) NAS Sigonella's website www.cnic.navy.mil/Sigonella, go to the "About" drop down menu and click on "CO Suggestion Box".
Interactive Customer Evaluation Comment regarding “NAS 2 Pool”:
Would it be feasible to open the NAS 2 pool on the weekends? What kind of support would you need to keep it open for a couple of hours on the weekend? Someone to man the front desk? Volunteer life guards? Thank you for your consideration.
Response:
Thank you for your feedback and patronage of the MWR swimming pools. I appreciate the opportunity to explain more about the MWR aquatics program. The FY17 Operations Plan and budget authorizes operation of only one swimming pool for the NAS Sigonella community. Currently, MWR is operating under a waiver to maintain limited hours of operation at two swimming pools. We understand many of the active duty population is berthed on NAS 2 which is one of the reasons MWR offers lap swim at the NAS 2 Flight Line Pool three days per week.
For your convenience, the current hours of operation for the NAS 2 swimming pool are listed below. NAS 2 Flight Line Pool Fitness/Lap Swim Mon/Wed/Fri 5:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Beginning Saturday, May 27, NAS 1 Midtown Splasher's Pool opens for summer recreational swim on the weekends and holidays. The NAS I pool is designed more for recreational swimming. For this reason, the decision was made to operate NAS 1 for the summer recreation swim program. Please consider using the NAS 1 pool during the upcoming summer months to meet your needs of weekend pool hours. The NAS 1 summer schedule is provided below
for your convenience. NAS 1 Splasher's Pool Recreation Swim (May 27 - June 18) Sat/Sun/Hol 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Recreation Swim (June 19 - Sept 4) Mon-Fri 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sat/Sun/Hol 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Questions or concerns regarding MWR Fitness, Sports or Aquatics program may be directed to the MWR Fitness Director, Bill Gatlin. He can be reached at 624-0504 (or +39-095-56-0504) or via email at william.gatlin@eu.navy.mil Thank you again for your feedback.
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Comment regarding “Restroom Stall in NEX Food Court”:
During my recent visit to the ladies restroom in the food court I noticed two of the four stalls were unusable. One stall has a door with no lock while the other is missing half its toilet seat. The only other options were a handicap stall and the first stall. Any chance this is being looked into? Sincerely, Alexandria Pepitone
Response:
Dear Ms. Pepitone, Thank you for your comment regarding the food court restrooms. The broken lock has been replaced by our maintenance associate. Additionally, a work order to repair the seat has been placed with Public Works. In many cases, the NEX is able to take corrective action and provide "self-help" to ensure our facilities are consistently at the standard our patrons deserve and expect. Thank you again for your input and for helping us maintain quality standards throughout the NEX. If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact the John Sisson, the NEX General Manager, at +39-095-56-4379 or at John.Sisson@nexweb.org.
Comment regarding “NEX Beauty Shop Massage Area”:
Alessandra at the NEX Beauty Shop gives an excellent massage – one of the best I've had here in Sicily. In addition to her great massage, Alessandra always does her best to create a relaxing atmosphere in the room. However, the accommodations are a bit "lacking." The room is so small and it just isn't set up to be a warm, calm area for a massage. Alessandra turns the lights down and plays relaxing music, but there is still light from the window in the door and noise from the shop. I hope that sometime soon, the massage room can be updated to a higher standard--to match the quality of the massage that Alessandra gives.
Response:
Thank you very much for your comment regarding the massage
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service at the Barber and Beauty shop on NAS 1. We are currently in the beginning process of updating the facilities on NAS 1. This process will take some time, however it is something we are currently addressing, both on NAS 1 as well as NAS 2. Thank you for your kind comments regarding Alessandra. Our Barber/ Beauty team takes a lot of pride in their profession. I will pass your appreciation to her and ensure she is recognized at our next award ceremony. Again thank you for your patronage and your service. If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact the John Sisson, the NEX General Manager, at +39-095-56-4379 or at John. Sisson@nexweb.org
Comment regarding “Visitors at the Barracks”:
I have been a resident of Bldg. 170 for the past two years. Recently I have noticed a significant increase in young female dependents coming into our barracks; mostly on weekends. I know this is not allowed I also know it poses a huge risk for a SAPR incident. These young women I know have been spoken to in the past by resident advisors and residents, but continue to come into the barracks. If there is some way in which we can keep them out and avoid a potential negative incident I'd greatly appreciate it.
Response:
Thank you for your comment and concern. I take this issue very seriously and I appreciate you bringing it to my attention. I have zero tolerance for this and will take swift and strong action if I catch visitors and/or residents in violation. According to NASSIG Instruction 11103.1B anyone under 18 years of age is not allowed in the barracks buildings 170 or 623. If you are a visitor in violation of this policy, I will take appropriate action to possibly include disbarment from NAS Sigonella and associated facilities. If you are a resident found in violation of this policy you will be crushed. Period. There is no freebie, mulligan, grace period, do-over, etc. If you feel there is a need for someone under 18 to visit you in the barracks (e.g. relatives or friends visiting) you may submit paperwork for an exception to policy for me to consider.
Name: Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Aircraft Handling 2nd Class Daniel Heard Department: Fire Department Hometown: Andalusia, Ala. The greatest enemy to a ship isn’t flooding like some might guess; it’s fire. While Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella isn’t a floating city like an aircraft carrier, the fire department on base, to include Sailors like Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Aircraft Handling 2nd Class Daniel Heard, plays a pivotal role in keeping the base operational. Heard is one of just a few firefighters on NAS Sigonella and is a qualified pumper engine (fire truck) driver. “There are about four of us that are qualified to drive the pumper,” said Heard. “And there are only about 12 military members total working at the fire house.” Being a fire fighter on NAS Sigonella is tough work. There are two 24-hour shifts that rotate every other day. Heard estimates they get at least one call each shift. “We respond to calls on NAS 2 and Marinai Housing, and if a fire breaks out on NAS 1 we would respond as backup,” said Heard. “If there’s an in-flight emergency or an emergency in the hangar we would respond to that as well. It’s rare that a day goes by without a single call.” Heard admits most of the calls are fire alarms going off in the barracks or on Marinai. But each call is treated as if it were the real thing to ensure no fire is present.
“My favorite part of my job is helping out the community,” said Heard. “To see the faces of the people in the community and to be appreciated is rewarding.” On top of being a pumper driver, Heard is the Assistant Leading Petty Officer (ALPO) and the leading petty officer for his shift. Outside of work, Heard enjoys travelling, and tries to get out of town as often as he can. “I like the fact that we get to travel. I was on a ship before this, and when you’re on a ship it’s not nearly as easy to travel.”
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THE SIGNATURE U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA Commanding Officer Capt. Brent Trickel Executive Officer Cmdr. Charles G. McKinney II Command Master Chief CMDCM Mike Kaszubowski EDITORIAL Public Affairs Officer Lt. Andriana Genualdi andriana.genualdi@eu.navy.mil Assistant Public Affairs Officer Nicole Ybarra nicole.ybarra@eu.navy.mil Community Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil Editor MCC Jessica Vargas Jessica.Vargas@eu.navy.mil PAO Staff Writer \ Photographer MC2 Christopher Gordon Christopher.Gordon@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 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.
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Ode to Military Children: Many Times By Allison Havard
Sitting in the airport terminal, Awaiting to board the plane, Which will take us to our new lives. Secretly scared, Outwardly brave, We’ve done this before, many times. Wondering the same things as last time: What our school will be like, Who our friends will be, Wondering if we’ll even make friends Before we move again. We are military children. Arriving at our new station, Finding our sponsor, Following them to our new house, Secretly excited, Outwardly nervous, We’ve done this before, many times. At our new school, Staring glances, Quiet whispers. We introduce ourselves, Saying where we lived last, In front of the whole class. Starting over again is hard,
We’ve all been there before. In the end we are brave, We do it all over again, Because we’ve done this before, Many times.
MAY 5, 2017
The Life of a Military Brat By Ariel Derby
I am a dandelion I go from here to there With many thoughts at that As a military brat I might walk by With my chin up high
But you don’t really know How I feel inside I hope, I laugh I worry, and I cry ‘Cause my friends are no longer By my side I am proud of my mother She works in the Navy But step in my shoes And you’ll understand the challenges maybe I traveled the world Eaten couscous, soba noodles And much, much more And made millions of friends As you can now see It’s fun, but hard to be me Sometimes it’s as exciting as an Indiana Jones adventure Other times it stings like a bee Yet I’m still a dandelion I move from place to place With many thoughts at that As a military brat
But at the end of the day Sigonella Middle/High School celebrated the Month of the Military Child with a student We all shout hooray appreciation assembly April 26. Sixth graders Allison Havard (left) and Ariel Derby (right) For us military brats were selected to share their poems during the event. (Photo courtesy of Sigonella Middle/ Who bear the colors of the High School) American flag
MAY 5, 2017
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Sigonella Students Celebrate Poem in Your Pocket Day
Sixth graders from Sigonella Middle/High School honored Poem in Your Pocket day by sharing poems written by poets such as Maya Angelou, Douglas Florian, Emily Dickinson, William Shakespeare, and many more with fellow students and staff members, April 27. (Photo courtesy of Sigonella Middle/ High School) By Allison Havard and Charlize Solon
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – Poem in Your Pocket Day is a day where people celebrate poetry by selecting a poem, memorizing it, and sharing it within their community. This is an annual tradition which people mark on their calendar every April throughout the United States and Canada. This year, Poem in Your Pocket Day was observed on April 27. Sixth graders at Sigonella Middle/High School honored the day by choosing poems written by brilliant poets such as Maya Angelou, Douglas Florian, Emily Dickinson,
William Shakespeare, and many more. The students also shared small poems with fellow students and staff. Poems were also shared with the community by the NAS 1 library. "I thought it was fun to share poetry throughout our community. I think that Poem in Your Pocket Day should be celebrated worldwide," said sixth grader Robert Scarboro. Poem in Your Pocket Day is coming again in 2018 and the following years to come, but you shouldn't wait to spread poetry throughout Sigonella. Find a poem and share it with your friends and family.
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MAY 5, 2017
Ancient Greek Drama Festival Debuts Tomorrow in Siracusa Imagine sitting down in a beautiful open-air Greek theater and enjoying the passion and drama of a Greek Tragedy. Just like it has been happening for 2,000 years, the Greek theater of Siracusa will host a new season of the world-renowned Ancient Greek Drama Festival. This year the festival, organized by the INDA Foundation, kicks off its 53rd anniversary edition. This is a top-quality cultural event boasting a tradition, which started in 1914, and thousands of spectators. The festival begins tomorrow, May 6 at 6:45 p.m. at the breathtaking Siracusa Greek Theater which dates back to the 5th century B.C. Last year, the festival drew 119,000 spectators over the course of 42 days of performances, an 4% increase from the previous year. This year’s festival will end on Sunday, June 25 and will feature the following works by ancient Greeks playwrights: “Seven Against Thebes,” a play by Aeschylus, “The Phoenician Women,” (a tragedy by Euripides) and “The Frogs” a comedy by Aristophanes. The big news for English-speaking spectators is that a simultaneous translation by actors will be provided for the first time in the history of the festival during the performances for a small fee upon arrival at the theater, however, since this will be a pilot project, there will be only a limited number of earphones available (100), so make sure to arrive early! Tragedy is one of the three dramatic genres of Ancient Greece dramas. The word “tragedy” comes from the term "tragedia" or "goat-song," named for the goatskins the chorus wore during the performance. It refers primarily to a tragic drama in which a central character, usually a king, queen or hero, suffers some serious ill-fated situation in which man seems to be deprived of all outward help and is forced to rely on himself. The man deals with external superior's forces, which appear to rule his life. Eventually, tragedies express the vulnerability of human beings whose suffering is caused by a combination of human and divine actions. For more information and performances' schedules, visit www.indafondazione.org Tickets can be purchased at http://www.vivaticket.it As reported by Zainoo.com, the Siracusa Greek Theatre, the largest theatre in the ancient world, was built by Hiero I around 470 B.C. With a capacity of 15,000 spectators and a diameter of almost 140 meters, it was the largest theatre in the ancient world. Famous plays such as "The Persians" and "The Women of Etna" by Aeschylus were premiered here. Besides tragedies of Sophocles and Euripides, the theatre also witnessed the birth of comedy. The Sicilian playwright Epicharmos, from the nearby Megara Hyblea, was the creator of comedy. Around 220 B.C., the theatre was expanded to its current size by Hiero II. The new theatre offered 61 rows of seats (space for 15,000 spectators), making it the largest theatre of the ancient world. The Romans reduced the rows of seats to 46 to have a larger stage area for bloody gladiator games. The seats and the auditorium remain largely untouched. We can only guess as to how the stage and scenes were constructed on the basis of their foundations. In the summer months Greek tragedies are performed here that attract many enthusiastic spectators to Siracusa. Above the theatre there is an artificial grotto, the Nymphaeum. It was dedicated to the Muses and fresh spring water still flows from its holes through the ancient canals. On the left side of the Nymphaeum there is a small street of tombs dating from the Byzantine period. “The Seven Against Thebes” by Aeschylus: This is the third and only surviving play of a connected trilogy, presented in 467 BC that dealt with the impious transgressions of Laius and the doom subsequently inflicted upon his descendants. The first play seems to have shown how Laius, king of Thebes, had a son despite the prohibition of the oracle of the god Apollo. In the second play it appears that that son, Oedipus, killed his father and laid a curse on his own two sons, Eteocles and Polyneices. In Seven Against Thebes, Eteocles is shown leading the defense of the city of Thebes against an invading army led by his brother Polyneices and six chieftains from the south of Greece who are bent on placing Polyneices on the Theban throne. Eteocles assigns defenders to each of six of the seven gates of Thebes;
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The 53rd edition of the Ancient Greek drama returns tomorrow evening to the breathtaking stage of the Siracusa Greek Theater with “Seven Against Thebes,” a play by ancient playwright Aeschylus. The festival runs through June 25, a limited English simultaneous translation service will be provided. (Photo by Canale 8 News)
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Navy Celebrates 2017 Asian American, Pacific Islander Heritage Month From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy joins the nation in celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month throughout May. ALNAV 006/17 encourages participation in all the heritage celebrations and special observances throughout the year. This year, Navy commands are encouraged to celebrate and reflect on the theme "Unite Our Voices by Speaking Together." "It is an honor and a privilege to serve with such a diverse group of officers and enlisted personnel who make up our Navy," said Rear Adm. Bette Bolivar, a Hawaiian-born Filipino and the 40th commander of Navy Region Southeast in Jacksonville, Florida. "I'm blessed at the opportunities the Navy has given me, and I'm thankful to celebrate this month with my fellow Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders." There are 24,743 Asian American and Pacific Islander Sailors currently serving as part of One Navy Team, including eight admirals, 659 master chief and senior chief petty officers and 318 officers. These Sailors represent more than 56 ethnic groups, speaking over 100 languages from Asia and the Pacific Islands, living in the United States. Asian American and Pacific Islanders represent 11.7 percent of the Navy civilian workforce and 3.2 percent of Senior Executive Service members. "Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
have a proud history," Bolivar said. "It's a history of service. We're dedicated not only to our heritage, but also to our Navy; to be a shining example of the core values that guide us: honor, courage and commitment." Asian American and Pacific Islanders of various nationalities and ancestry have been serving in the Navy since the
early 19th century. The rich history of these cultures, their struggles against adversity to achieve equality, significant contributions to the American experience and the opportunity to build the foundation for a bright future are made reality by some great leaders who share the same heritage. For more information about the his-
tory of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and their numerous contributions to the Navy, visit www.history. navy.mil/browse-by-topic/diversity/ asian-americans-pacific-islanders-inthe-navy.html For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visit www.navy.mil/local/ cnp/.
DON, Pacific Energy Solutions, LLC, Hawaiian Electric, State of Hawaii Celebrate Completion of Solar Facility in Hawaii From Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations and Environment
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Department of the Navy, Pacific Energy Solutions, LLC, Hawaiian Electric Company, and the Hawaii State Energy Office celebrated the completion of a 14.3 megawatt direct current solar facility at the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) Waipio Peninsula in Hawaii. The completion of the project was commemorated in a ribbon cutting ceremony today on JBPHH. Notable ceremony presenters and attendees included Rear Adm. John Fuller, commander of Navy Region Hawaii; Rear Adm. John Korka, commander of Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific and U.S. Pacific Fleet civil engineer; John Kliem, executive director, DON's Resilient Energy Program Office; Capt. Stanley Keeve Jr., commanding officer, JBPHH; Ron Cox, senior vice president of Operations at Hawaiian Electric; and Dr. Terrence Surles, interim administrator of the Hawaii State Energy Office. "Our Navy is tough during wartime and while
preserving peace. That same level of determination drives day-to-day problem-solving as well as our approach to energy security. We are bold in our thinking - embracing innovation and new technologies, just as we have done throughout our history. Our senior leaders empower us and expect us to be adaptive, resilient and forward-thinking. That applies to both our nation's defense and to our commitment to energy security," said Fuller. Pacific Energy Solutions built, and will own, operate and maintain the solar facility on JBPHH, and the installation will be the sole consumer of the power produced by the photovoltaic facility under a contract referred to as a Power Purchase Agreement. "We are pleased to be part of the Waipio solar project and to help the Navy achieve its clean energy goals," said Matt Handel, vice president of Development for NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, whose subsidiary purchased the membership interest in Pacific Energy Solutions. The project will contribute to the DON's diverse energy portfolio, ensuring more secure and resilient
operations at JBPHH. It also shows the continued partnership with the state of Hawaii, following last year's Memorandum of Understanding between the DON and the state, which coordinated goals and strengthened the partnership between both organizations in the pursuit of additional renewable energy in the state of Hawaii. "The State of Hawaii commends the Navy for its leadership in making the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Waipio Peninsula solar facility a reality. This project is a testament to our shared vision with the Navy and other branches of the military on energy security and self-sufficiency. It will take a genuine commitment on the part of all stakeholders to achieve our clean energy goals, and high-impact projects like this are an important part of that effort," said Luis P. Salaveria, director of the State of Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. The DON continues to improve readiness, combat effectiveness and flexibility through initiatives that focus on energy reliability, resiliency and efficiency.
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MAY 5, 2017
San Marino The World’s Smallest Republic
By Bleecker Marquez
If you’ve already been to France, Germany, and Spain, and want to start checking off some of the smaller European countries, or you’re just looking for somewhere a little different but kind of close to home (for us here in Italy of course), San Marino is the perfect choice. One of the smallest and oldest republics in the world, it is surrounded by Italy’s Emilia-Romagna and Le Marche regions near the Adriatic Sea (to the east of the better known Tuscany region). The official language is Italian and the currency is the Euro (they also mint their own Euro coins, so be sure to keep a few as souvenirs), but the feel of this sole survivor of Italy’s ancient city-state network is nevertheless distinct. Walk along the picturesque path between the three towers of the mountaintop capital city (City of San Marino), and meander along the steep, wind-
ing streets to the Piazza Liberta. We were incredibly lucky to be in town for the bi-annual Investiture Ceremony of the Captains Regents (similar to a presidential inaugural parade), and even more fortunate to be having lunch in the square where it was held. It was incredible to witness this elaborate ceremony, which has followed the same protocol for centuries. The next one is on Oct. 1, 2017. One day in San Marino is plenty of time, as the endless tacky souvenir shops do get tiring, so you can easily visit as a day trip. However, we stayed two nights and really enjoyed the less crowded mornings and evenings, and the sunset views are outstanding. There is also plenty to do in the surrounding areas. Ravenna, Italy is about an hour north, and is known for its well-preserved late Roman and Byzantine architecture with amazing mosaics. There are eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ravenna, but it is such a compact and walkable city that it can easily be seen in a day or less. We did not
visit the beaches there, but they are supposed to be beautiful. Also nearby, only about a half hour from San Marino, is Rimini. We did make it to the beach there (our baby boy’s first!), and it was very nice – huge and sandy, with lots of seashells and gentle waves. The old town of Rimini is also worth a visit, with the gorgeous Bridge of Tiberius, which is over 2,000 years old and still fully functional. The Arch of Augustus, Temple Malatestiano, and remains of an ancient amphitheatre are all definitely worth seeing as well. We flew to Bologna on RyanAir, which took under two hours, and then drove the hour and a half to San Marino. The Florence and Venice airports are a little farther away, but may have more flight options. San Marino and the surrounding area would also make a wonderful stop on a tour of Tuscany and Umbria, or a road trip up the eastern coast of Italy.
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NAS SIGONELLA COMMUNITY PAGE All Hands News Bulletin: MWR FULL TIME POSITIONS OPEN!! Command, Department or Organization: MWR Point of Contact Name: Vanessa Ogletree Point of Contact Phone Number: 624-0511 Point of Contact Email Address: Vanessa.ogletree@eu.navy.mil Additional Information: Sigonella MWR offers competitive salaries and benefit packages for our employees. There are also multiple ways to move upward in MWR through training opportunities and developmental assignments. We are currently looking for talented Sigonella professionals in these key areas: 1. Auto Skills Manager, GS-07: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/468570600
MWR FOOD VENDOR APPLICATION FOR RED, WHITE AND BOOM 2017 Command, Department or Organization: MWR Date of Event: 30 JUNE 2017 Location of Event: NAS 1 Point of Contact Name: KARLIE GALIAS Point of Contact Phone Number: 624-5602 Point of Contact Email Address: KARLIE.GALIAS@EU.NAVY.MIL Additional Information: MWR invites all eligible Command Authorized Private Organizations to apply for a food vendor's booth at Red, White and Boom. This year's celebration will be held on Friday, 30 June 2017 from 1700-2200 on NAS 1.
2. Recreation Specialist (Special Events Coordinator), NF-03: https://www.cnic.navy.mil/content/dam/cnic/cnreurafswa/pdfs/NASSIG/NUS-17-01 1.pdf
-- All groups must be an authorized private organization and in good standing with the Legal Office before 19 May 2017. No exceptions! If you are not sure if your organization is current please contact base legal at 624-5258.
3. Recreation Specialist (Adult Sports Coordinator): https://www.cnic.navy.mil/content/dam/cnic/cnreurafswa/pdfs/NASSIG/NUS-17-01 0.pdf
-- To apply, please copy and paste the link to view the application. Fill out the form, sign and email back to Karlie.Galias@eu.navy.mil by 19 May.
To apply, please click on the link for information.
Sigonella Religious Ministries Department Worship Services
For the application, please go to: www.sigmwr.com/uploads/6039/RWB_2017_PO_App.pdf
Weekly Traffic Report: April 24 - May 1, 2017
Phone Numbers: NAS I 095-56-3975, NAS II 095-86-9049, Chaplain Duty: 335-831-4493, RP Duty: 335-786-1950. Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Naval Air Station Sigonella Chapel
NAS 1
Mondays AA Meeting: . . . . . 1800-1900 Tuesdays Protestant Women of the Chapel: . . . . . . . . . . 0900-1100 Daily Mass: . . . . . . . 1130-1230 AWANA: . . . . . . . . . 1645-1900 Youth for Christ (YFC) Youth Meeting: . . . . . . . . . 1200-1430 Wednesdays Protestant Men of the Chapel: . 0600-0700 Daily Mass: . . . . . . . 1130-1230 Catholic Ladies' Guild (3rd Wednesday): . 1600-1800 Thursdays Daily Mass: . . . . . . . 1130-1230 Youth for Christ (YFC) Youth Meeting: . . . 1200-1530 Choir Practice: . . . . 1630-1800 The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA): . . . . . . . . . . 1800-2030 Fridays Daily Mass: . . . . . . . 1130-1230 First Friday Mass and Holy Hour: . . . . . . . . . . . . 1700-1830
Saturdays First Saturday Rosary and Mass: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1100-1200 Sundays Catholic Mass: . . . . 0900-1000 Catholic Religious Education (DoDDS): . . . . . . . . 1045-1200 Protestant Service: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1100-1200 Latter-Day Saints Service: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1330-1600
NAS 2
Wednesdays Knights of Columbus (1st Wednesdays): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1700-1800 Protestant Women of the Chapel (PWOC): . . 1800-2100 Thursdays AA Meeting: . . . . . . 1800-1900 Sundays Protestant Service and Fellowship: . . . 1800-2000
Ristorante Bella Etna
As a reminder to everyone: There are no PTUs allowed at the Galley. Appropriate athletic gear is authorized at the discretion of the Galley staff. Please remember that for sanitation purposes and for the consideration of other customers, if you have been out for PT, been working out at the gym, or have just been engaged in any physical activity where you and or your clothing has become soiled or sweaty you will be asked to turn around.
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Reverse Culture Shock
From Fleet and Family Support Center
Returning home can be as great an adjustment as going abroad. Just as most of you had a period of adjustment upon arrival overseas, many of you also may experience a period of transition and readjustment to the United States. During your time away, you no doubt gradually adopted or accepted many of the ways of your host country, maybe without even realizing it. This new cultural perspective often leaves people feeling somewhat ambivalent about being back in the States; while happy to see family and friends, it sometimes may seem that you were strangely more at home abroad. Such sentiments, often referred to as reverse culture shock or re-entry shock, are common. Like culture shock, which you experienced while abroad, re-entry shock, too, has distinct stages. Stage One: Disengagement may happen before you leave your host country and often occurs because of the pace of final goodbye dinners. As a result, you begin to distance yourself from friends and host-country nationals. Stage Two: Initial euphoria also may occur as a result of leaving your host country and returning to the United States. This is where you may have formed idealistic views of home and what will happen upon your return. You are happy to be home! This feeling of euphoria may last a few weeks but may inevitably give way to feelings of loneliness.
Stage Three: Irritability and hostility may occur when you realize that life at home went on without you, and as you were learning new things and making subtle changes, they were too. You may feel that friends and family don’t understand or want to hear what you experienced abroad. The Challenges Back on U.S. soil, you may experience a number of challenges, including: • Boredom • Restlessness • Realizing that people at home do not appear to think beyond the U.S. bubble • Realizing you cannot fully articulate your experience • Realizing relationships have changed • Homesickness for your host country • The belief that people misunderstand • Feelings of alienation These are all natural reactions to having spent a great deal of time and energy in adapting to a new country, culture, language and way of life, only to pack up and leave four months later. It takes time to process what you have experienced and the sense of loss once you leave. For many of you it may be months or even years before you truly can express how this experience has shaped your values, beliefs, politics and goals for the future. But you will come through it, and below are a number of tips on staying connected without alienating those around you.
Managing Stage Three: Irritability and Hostility • Stay connected with hostcountry nationals you befriended as well as the friends with whom you have shared this experience. • Share your experience with others who were abroad at the same time. • Like you may have done while you were abroad, continue to write in a journal about your new journey at home. • Try to be patient with friends and family who may appear uninterested or who want to talk about what happened to them while you were abroad • Read a book in your hostcountry language or rent a foreign movie. Stage Four: Readjustment and adaptation. Patience and continued reflection will lead to Stage Four. You may see the world through a different lens now but are quick to find that the cultural differences you once thought so great are, in reality, infinitesimal. You have learned to incorporate the changes you’ve made within yourself, into new goals and ideas that don’t negate your own culture’s norms and values. You have attained a balance between both cultures.
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GAMEZONE
Find and circle all of the Hockey words that are hidden in the grid. The words may be hidden in any direction.
AGILE
MILK
CROUCH
POUNCE
FURRY
SCRATCH
HISS
STEALTHY
LITTER BOX
WHISKERS
HAIRBALL KITTENS MEOW
PURR
SLEEP TAIL
MEDIUM
FOOD
PAWS
EASY
CLAWS
DIFFICULT
Cat
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"Greek Drama" continued from Page 6 but he insists on fighting at the seventh gate, where his opponent will be Polyneices. There the brothers kill each other, and the Theban royal family is thus exterminated, bringing to an end the horrors set in motion by Laius’ defiance of the gods. “The Phoenician Women” by Aeschylus: A minor drama by Euripides, performed about 409 BC. The play is set at Thebes and concerns the battle between the two sons of Oedipus over control of the city. When Eteocles refuses to yield power, Polyneices brings an army to attack the city. The two brothers eventually kill each other, and when their mother, Jocasta, discovers their bodies, she kills herself. Their uncle Creon takes control and sentences Oedipus,
who has been held in the city, to exile. “The Frogs” by Aristophanes: A literary comedy by Aristophanes, produced in 405 BC. The play tells the story of Dionysus, the god of drama, who is mourning the quality of present-day tragedy in Athens after the death of his recent favourite, Euripides. Disguising himself as the hero Heracles, Dionysus goes down to Hades to bring Euripides back to the land of the living. A competition between Euripides and his predecessor, Aeschylus, however, convinces Dionysus that Aeschylus is the writer more likely to help Athens in its troubles, and, leaving Euripides behind, Dionysus returns to earth with Aeschylus. (Plots by https://www.britannica.com)
Pictured left to right: LT Nathan Voelkel, LT Paul Sanchez, HN Mikala McGarity, HN Gregory Young assess a patient during a Mass Casualty Drill aboard U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella. (Photo courtesy of HM3 Charisma Forrest)
HN Lunaines Rodriguez-Arriage, HM2 James Bautista, members from U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella's EMT team load a victim into the ambulance during a base-wide Mass Casualty Drill. (Photo courtesy of HM3 Charisma Forrest)
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Roses are Red…but So Are Blood Oranges! By John Paul Trafeli, MD
While a rose is beautiful to look at; you can’t eat it, and it does have thorns. But there is something else red and beautiful in Sicily, the blood orange. Whenever I go to Sicily I always pick up a bag of blood oranges to eat. Why? Because I have been a fan of the blood orange for years. Blood oranges are a magical fruit, nothing like their more boring cousins…the “orange” orange. There is something special in that red color, a special antioxidant! Blood oranges are famous in Sicily, particularly in the Catania Province. It turns out that blood oranges thrive on the volcanic soils of Mount Etna. The perfect balance of dark soil, sun and temperature fluctuation make the fruit sweet and gives the flesh its brilliant deep red color. NAS Sigonella lies directly in the heart of this region. Interestingly, just like Bordeaux grapes, the best fruit comes from the gently Eastern facing slopes. There are three main blood orange varieties in the Catania area. All three belong to the Sanguinello group. By a statute, "Arancia Rossa di Sicilia" (Sicilian blood orange) is a Protected Geographical Indication and the oranges can only be grown in a strictly limited area on the eastern side of Sicily, south of Mount Etna. The most common varieties are Sanguinello, Tarocco, and the Moro. These same varieties are also available in the US at some of the better nurseries in the warm climate states. The Sanguinello orange – in Italian, Sangue = blood – is what most Sicilians that I’ve spoken with generically call any blood orange (or Sanguinella). It is less bitter than the Moro, and less sweet and has a deeper red than the
Tarocco. A specific variety, the Sanguinello moscato, is the most famous orange up on the eastern slopes of Etna, and is also referred to as the “Paterno” blood orange. The sanguinello orange is a good compromise between the orangeness of the Tarocco and the deeper red of the Moro. It is likely the origin of the name of the US Navy base, Sigonella. It is the last blood orange to ripen in the spring. The blood orange most abundant in the Catania region is the Tarocco blood orange. It is larger and has an orange skin with a mixed orange predominant flesh with highlights of red. It is sometimes referred to as the “half blood orange” due to its heavy orange color, more like the typical Florida orange. It is the most popular table orange of Italy. It is virtually seedless and very sweet. However, due to its lack of significant red color, it is my least favorite blood orange. After all, I’m in this for the health effects as well as the flavor! Lastly, there is Moro orange. This fruit is typically smaller, but its flesh has the deepest red color, with its juice looking like a fine burgundy wine. It is also my personal favorite. It originated from near Siracusa in eastern Sicily and accounts for a smaller proportion of the blood orange production in Italy. It is a tad more bitter and berrylike in its flavor, from the higher pigment content. It mixes great with regular orange juice if you want to sweeten it up. The Moro is the most magical of the blood oranges as far as I’m concerned, and with its deep color, the one highest in antioxidants. Thus, you could say, it’s the “healthiest” of the three. So why is a dermatologist talking about blood oranges? Because the bright red color of the fruit comes from Anthocyanin, which is a powerful anti-
oxidant. The main anthocyanin found in the blood orange is “cyaninidin3-glucoside”. The Moro blood orange has four times as much of this antioxidant as the Tarocco orange. Anthocyanin is also found in other dark red fruits such as pomegranates, dark cherries, and berries such as blackberries and blueberries. Everyone talks about how good those fruits are for you…but the blood orange is less famous, probably because it can’t be grown everywhere so easily. Unfortunately, anthocyanin is not found in appreciable amounts in the common orange. So if you want the healthiest orange, you’ll have to ask for blood oranges. Free radicals destroy healthy cells and damage cellular DNA. Of course, anthocyanin is non-toxic, water soluble, and doesn’t last long….so the fresh blood orange juice is what you want. Anthocyanin has been shown in multiple scientific studies to be helpful in a host of health issues, particularly in prevention of disease related to oxidation and free radicals: antiinflammation, anti-cholesterol effects, cardiovascular health, cancer prevention, control of diabetes, anti-bacterial properties, cognition (aging changes to the brain), protection against radiation effects (both from the sun and in those undergoing radiotherapy for cancer), age-related eye disease…and more. Anthocyanin is twice as effective as Vitamin C as an antioxidant. The bottom line is that anything that causes oxidation and free radical formation in tissue, whether it be from a day at the beach, or smoking a cigarette, is bad. We may be able to offset these effects by consuming adequate amounts of anti-oxidant foods. Anthocyanin containing foods are very high on the anti-oxidant list. Everyone could and
should have a good healthy dose of anthocyanin every day. Additionally, all three varieties of blood oranges have been shown to have more vitamin C (L-Ascorbic acid) than any of the typical “orange” oranges (Navel, Valencia). Another flavenoid, Hesperidin, is also found in much greater abundance in the blood orange than in any of the “orange” oranges. Hesperidin has been shown to have anti-cancer and anti-cholesterol properties. To a dermatologist this means skin health and diminution of the effects of the sun and unhealthy living on skin aging. I am amazed at how much money some people will spend on anti-wrinkle creams with a few antioxidants added of questionable bio-activity if any, that have never been proven to have any effect, while the best antioxidant is growing on the orange tree next to your house or near your hotel in Sicily. The bottom line: Life is great in Sicily. If you are fortunate to live here or get to travel to Sicily, take advantage of what you have and when possible, bypass the frozen and flash pasteurized fresh orange juice and drink the real stuff, the blood orange juice of Sicily. Sicilian blood oranges are the real Valentine’s Day fruit, that come ripe in February. It is one of the greatest foods on the earth, both in taste and in its health benefits. John Paul Trafeli M.D. is a diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, and has a green thumb. He grows many fruit trees in his yard in San Diego and raises the bees to keep their flowers pollinated and the thieves away. He is proudest of his three Moro blood orange trees, one Sanguinello tree, and one Valencia Blood tree (a new variety), of course.
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