American Red Cross: See what's Going On
PAGE 5
San Marino:
Blood Oranges:
World's Smallest Republic
More than Vitamin C
PAGES 8-9
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!