THE
SIGNATURE SIGONELLA, SICILY
VOL. 29 NO. 17
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cnic.navy.mil/sigonella
Sigonella Sailors support local Cub Scouts
Sigonella, Sicily (April 28, 2012) Sailors and Airmen stand with Cub Scouts from Pack 53 while watching the annual Pinewood Derby at the Midtown complex on Naval Air Station Sigonella. The Pinewood Derby is an annual event every Cub Scout Troop around the world hosts, and is a great volunteer opportunity for service members to give back to the local community. (U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Gary Prill/Released)
BY MC2 GARY PRILL NPASE - East Detachment Europe
S
IGONELLA, Italy – Cubs from Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella’s Cub Scout Pack 53 hosted an annual Pinewood Derby in the Midtown Complex on NAS I to race their homemade cars down a 15-foot aluminum track April 28. The Pinewood Derby is held worldwide for Cub Scouts, each boy receiving a seven-inch pine block, four nails and four wheels. Cubs then design, craft and perfect their cars to fit in weight and height restrictions in order to participate in the event. “The cars are from scratch. It’s up to the imagination and creativity to turn the car into whatever shape or form they can imagine,” said Boy Scout Troop leader Blaine Peet. “It’s about following the Boy Scout motto, ‘do your best’. It’s not about winning but about enjoyment in the event.” Volunteers for the event included parents of local Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts
along with civilians and junior Sailors who were also Boy Scouts while growing up. “It’s awesome that we can get the volunteers out here today for this event. The volunteers are good role models for the boys,” said Peet. “The boys will relate better to someone who looks like their older brother vice someone who looks more like dad. They also look at the Sailors who have been successful in life, and this gives them a goal to shoot for.” One volunteer, Hospital Corpsman James Ewen, a phlebotomist from NAS Sigonella Hospital, says he donates his time to give back to an association that provided positive influences on him as a child. “I was a Scout growing up,” said Ewen. “Scouting was a huge influence in my life and I wanted to pay it forward to help influence the Scouts of today.” Ewen recalled the memory of his derby races. “It’s different being an adult wat-
ching these races. I know how much work goes into the cars, so being able to watch someone else carry on the tradition is really cool.” Troop Leader Peet explained what vital roles the volunteer Eagle Scouts offer to the group. “The Sailors who were Scouts themselves, and remember all the fun they had, really help out when the Scouts’ father is deployed. They can help as that craftsperson or that male role model,” said Peet. The Boy Scouts of America is one of the largest and most prominent value based youth development organizations, providing necessary character building, and team work opportunities for today’s youths. “These kinds of events are great for the kids,” said Peet. “They help build the necessary characteristics of leadership and team work skills that are a necessity for later in life.”
Boy Scouts from Naval Air Station Sigonella volunteer to officiate Cub Scout Pack 53's annual Pinewood Derby at the Midtown complex on Naval Air Station Sigonella Support Base. (U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Gary Prill/Released)
QUOTE
“It requires less character to discover the faults of others than to tolerate them.” - J. Petit-Senn
Ancient Greek Drama Festival
FAST training conducted at NASSIG
Are you ready for some rugby?
Starts May 11 at the Siracusa Greek Theater
NAS Sigonella Sailors 41st Stormo personnel and local Italian law enforcement conduct training
Introducing the Hoplites
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Page 8
OF THE WEEK
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Scan for direct links to NAS Sigonella
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THE SIGNATURE U.S. Naval Air Station Sigonella Capt. Scott Butler, Commanding Officer Cmdr. Eric Vosler, Executive Officer CMDCM David Graham, Command Master Chief
EDITORIAL Lt. Tim Page, Public Affairs Officer timothy.page@eu.navy.mil
Dott. Alberto Lunetta, Community Relations Officer alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil
Jackie Trembath, Editor jackie.trembath@eu.navy.mil
STAFF Writers/Photographers MC1 Christopher Delano christopher.delano@eu.navy.mil MM2 Johnnathan Archbold johnnathan.archbold@eu.navy.mil MC2 Gary Prill gary.prill@eu.navy.mil MR2 Gary Spence gwspence2003@hotmail.com MCSN Cameron Bramham cameron.bramham@eu.navy.mil MCSN Brian Glunt brian.glunt@eu.navy.mil
CONTACT US Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily thesig@eu.navy.mil DSN 624-5440; 095-86-5440 PSC 812 Box 3020, FPO, AE 09627
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NAS Sigonella Command Master Chief David Graham Buon Giorno, Sigonella! I would like to remind everyone that the OHA and MIHA survey has been EXTENDED until 11 May. The voluntary survey found at https://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/ site/aprutilmiha.cfm is for military personnel who reside in privately leased quarters and receive an overseas housing allowance and sets the levels of OHA and MIHA in Italy for our service members for the next Fiscal Year. The survey only takes about 20 minutes and has a huge effect on your allowances so please participate. As we begin the month of May I just want to thank everyone who worked so hard to promote a culture of awareness about sexual assault. Our Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) volunteers worked diligently providing the community with informational booths, the SAPR walk and self defense classes. Although Sexual Assault Awareness month is now behind us, we should never stop looking out for our shipmates and family members. Improve your safety and reduce your risk of becoming a victim by following these basic steps: Trust your instincts and be yourself. If you feel unsafe, or even uncomfortable, in any situation, go with your gut. Do not worry about what others think; your safety comes first. Use your cell phone as a tool. Make sure it’s fully charged before you leave home, and make a plan before you go out just in case your phone dies or loses signal, so you can meet up with your friends at a specific location at a certain time. Be careful when leaving status or away
messages online and when using the “checkin” feature on Facebook or Foursquare. Leaving information about your whereabouts reveals details that are accessible to everyone. Use common sense so that someone can’t track your every move. If you wouldn’t give the information to a stranger, then don’t put it on your online profile. Don’t be afraid to hurt someone’s feelings. If you find yourself in an unsafe situation, it’s okay to come up with an excuse as to why you have to go. It’s better to make up a reason to leave than to stay in a possibly dangerous situation. Your safety comes before someone else’s feelings. If you see something, say something! Intervene if a situation seems questionable or if someone’s safety is at risk. By taking action you can prevent a crime from being committed. Remember you can also contact military or civilian law enforcement. Stick with your friends and watch out for each other. Arrive together, check in with one another throughout the night, and leave together. Think twice about going off alone and if, for whatever reason, you have to separate from your friends, let them know where you are going and who you are with. Drink responsibly and know your limits. Don’t accept drinks from people whom you don’t know or trust and never leave your drink unattended. If you have left your drink alone, get a new one. Always watch your drink being prepared. Watch out for your friends. If a friend seems out of it, is way too intoxicated for the amount of alcohol they’ve had, or is acting out of character, get him or her to a safe place. Be aware of your surroundings. Whether
you’re walking home from the commissary/mess hall or off-base at a party, be mindful of potential risks. Get to know your military base and surrounding area and learn a well-lit route back to your place of residence. If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, it’s not your fault. Talk to someone who understands what you’re going through. DoD Safe Helpline: 001-877-995-5247 (From cell phones and off-base telephones) Or 19020 (toll-free access code) 877-995-5247 (From DSN lines). The Local Sigonella SAPR VA Hotline number is 335-624-8312. Last but not least, Memorial Day weekend is just around the corner. As everyone starts planning their upcoming vacations and parties, I implore you to remember to take the necessary safety precautions to ensure each of you return safe after the holiday.
PUBLISHER
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 factor of the purchaser, user or patron. A confirmed violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. 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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DRIVE SAFELY
Stampa Generale S.r.l., Sig. Bruno Brandi, Publisher, Naval Support Activity Capodichino (Naples), Italy
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Around NAS Sigonella ... Sigonella Elementary School students become authors
NMCRS makes raising money FUN MAC Manoj Ram delivers a pie to Ens. Shawn Reece, Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella security operations officer, during a fundraiser for the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) on April 24. Security personnel made donations to have someone nominated to be the recipient of whip cream and chocolate pies. The event raised more than $500. The mission of the NMCRS is to provide, in partnership with the Navy and Marine Corps, financial, educational, and other assistance to members of the Naval Services of the United States, eligible family members, and survivors when in need; and to receive and manage funds to administer these programs.(Photo by Lt. Tim Page, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs/Released).
Sigonella Elementary School conducted a Writers Week, providing students with the opportunity to exercise their writing skills. Each student created a story in a hardbound blank book. They could select any topic to write about, fiction or non-fiction and illustrate it. Student's books even included a photo and biography. As the final part of the project, the students broke into groups to read the books out loud to parents and other students. (U.S. Navy photo by MR2 Gary Spence/Released)
Sigonellans show support for Sexual Assault awareness
Self-defense classes raise awareness Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Coordinator Angela Dooney (left) and Livia Van Wynsberghe (second from left) receive self-defense instruction from SSGT Robert Crow (far right) and SGT Ryan Wallace(second from right) as part of the week-long activities in support of Sexual Assault Prevention month during April. The classes were offered to give individuals another option to help escape a dangerous situation. If someone finds him or herself out alone and help is not readily available, learning self-defense skills gives him or her a means to help them escape. The main focus of the course was not how to overpower your attacker, rather on how to incapacitate the attacker long enough to escape and get out of a situation. The main message stressed by the instructors was to avoid a dangerous situation in the first place. When going out, try to go in a group. Do not overindulge in alcohol, which can impair judgment and slow down reaction time. Lastly, always be aware of your surroundings. For more information on sexual assault prevention, visit www.sapr.mil. (U.S. Navy photo by MR2 Gary Spence/Released)
On April 24, servicemembers and their families joined with Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella's Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) to round out April with a community walk raising awareness for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This year's theme for April was "Hurts One, Affects All. Preventing Sexual Assault is Everyone's Duty.” (U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Gary Prill/Released)
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR FRIDAY
May
4
7
TUESDAY 8
Horror Movie Marathon Take 5 Rugby season begins
14
Special Events Meeting for Bike Rodeo 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
THURSDAY 10 ITT Tour Trecastagni Garlic Festival
Hump Day Breakfast Take 5
Deployment Class FFSC 2:30 p.m.
16
Bingo Connections Bowling 2-for-1 Karaoke Jox Pub
17 ITT Tour Aeolian Islands
Liberty Outreach Take 5
America’s Kids Run High School Track 3:30 p.m.
Liberty/Connections/Take 5: x4246, x5602 Outdoor Rec: x4777, x4396
11
6 ITT Tour Palermo
Cinco de Mayo Celebration Connections 7 p.m.
12 No School for Elementary
Command Challenge Registration Deadline 4 p.m.
Kayak Aci Trezza 9:00 a.m. Golf Liberty
Dinner Out Liberty
Command Challenge Elementary School PE Field Day Bike to Work Day
Free Movie Midtown 2
Fitness: x4483, x5243 Midtown 2 Theaters: x4248
13
Bike Rodeo Marinai Sports Field Parking Lot 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Matinee Midtown 2
18
ITT Tour Caleca Pottery Factory
Texas Hold’em Jox Pub
ITT Tour Modica
SUNDAY
Cinco de Mayo Youth Complex 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Texas Hold’em Jox Pub
15 Bowling $1 Day
WEDNESDAY 9
5 Rugby registration deadline Mandatory meeting Midtown classroom 5 p.m.
2012
MONDAY
SATURDAY
Mother’s Day Moms bowl free at SPAREtime bowling Call x4302 ITT Tour Taormina and Gambino Winery
Cosmic Bowling
20
19 ITT Tour Sperlinga Castle Wellness Fair 2012 High School Track 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Celebration Knights Hall 4:30 p.m.
Night Out in Catania Youth Complex
FFSC: x4291 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!
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Fleet and Family Support Center Administration Building Bldg. 319 (NAS I)
Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. DSN 624-4291 Commercial 095-56-4291
Celebrate our military spouses It is often said that the hardest job in the military is that of the military spouse. When his or her service member deploys, a spouse is left to carry on the roles of two people, taking care of the home, the family and the numerous daily responsibilities of the entire household. While a spouse’s significant other defends and protects our country, the spouse defends and protects the home until his or her partner returns. It is a challenging job, and this month we honor all of our military spouses for carrying such great responsibility and fulfilling these important roles which help to support our military during its many missions. We invite all of our military spouses to take some well-deserved time to recognize all that you do and join us to celebrate Military Spouse Appreciation Month at the Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC)! During the month of May, the FFSC will have a Military Spouse Appreciation Banner set up in our lobby where spouses can post notes of appreciation to one another. Since many of our spouses support each other and serve as another “family” when active duty family members are absent, we wanted to provide a space where spouses can recognize those who have given an extra hand when it was needed most
over the years. There will also be a section where spouses can post comments about what their favorite thing about being a military spouse is to emphasize the positives about being “married to the military” and the unique opportunities that lifestyle provides. Quotes from this board will be selected for display on our Facebook page and in our newsletter, so get creative and show your support! On Wednesday, May 23, we will host a Military Spouse Appreciation Day at the FFSC with an Open House from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Snacks will be served and we will present all spouses with certificates of appreciation in recognition of their strength, sacrifice and immense contribution to the quality of military life. Keep your eyes on our calendar for special classes this month, including a program on how to best pamper yourself on May 16 from 1:302:30 p.m. and a spousal care discussion group with our deployment class scheduled for May 15 at 2:30 p.m. We thank all of our spouses for all that they do each and every day to support each other, their service members and their families. Although spouses may not have been issued by the Navy, military life as we know it would not be possible without them!
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The 48th annual Ancient Greek Drama Festival will begin Friday May 11 at the breathtaking stage of the Siracusa Greek Theater with the performance of Sophocles’ Ajax. The festival runs through June 30. (Photo courtesy of INDA Press Office)
A journey back in time: the Ancient Greek Drama Festival in Siracusa
T
ravel back in time to ancient Greece and discover the timeless wisdom of the Greek tragedies, a blend of ancient myths, complicated tragic stories, religious rituals and lyric poetry, which are still relevant to modern times. Your tour in Sigonella will give you the unique opportunity to sit down in an original open-air Greek theater and enjoy the passion of those dramas. Next week, the Greek theater of Siracusa will host a new spring season of Greek Dramas which will run in both May and June. 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 play 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 forces, which appear to rule his life. Eventually the tragedy stresses the vulnerability of human beings whose suffering are caused by a combination of human and divine actions. Siracusa’s Ancient Drama Festival boasts a world-renowned tradition dating back to 1914 and draws over 100,000 attendees whenever it is held. Dramas will begin at 6:30 p.m. (May) and 6:45 p.m. ( June). They will be staged at Siracusa’s Greek Theater, which is one of the largest in the world. The structure dates from the 3rd century BC, but ancient sources already mention its existence in the 5th century. The Romans altered the theater during their rule to accommodate their circuses. This year, the Festival, which is organized by the Istituto Nazionale del Dramma Antico (National Institute of Ancient Drama), will feature two dramas (“Prometheus” by Aeschylus and “The Bacchae” by Euripides) and one comedy (“The Birds” by Aristophanes). Performances will be held from Friday, May 11 to Saturday, June 30. (Plots by Indafondazione.org) Prometheus by Aeschylus The play is set in Scythia amongst the crags of a desolate wasteland. Kratos (Might) and Bia (Violence), accompanied by Hephaestus, have captured the Titan Prometheus and have chained him to a rock by the order of Zeus. The God is punishing Prometheus for going against his will by lavishing favors on the mortals, giving the gift of fire to man. Thus chained in this land, the rebellious prisoner is to meet the other characters of the play. Cosmic creatures, from the magnificent to the monstrous, attempt to comfort and advise him: the Chorus of Oceanide Nymphs; the Titan Oceanos with
his winged horse; the maiden Io, who was loved by Zeus but due to the jealousy of Era, was transformed into a cow and forced to wander in eternity. It is to the latter that Prometheus, in his role as a seer, foresees the future peregrination, conquered liberation and the fate of her progeny. And it is by the very virtue of this prophetic gift that Prometheus knows a secret which could bring about the ruin of Zeus: the birth of a son capable of ousting the father. For this reason, Zeus orders Hermes to go to Prometheus and get him to confess the truth. However, faced with the indomitable spirit of the Titan, the arguments and threats of the God are to have no effect. Rather, the wrath of Zeus in all its might is to turn upon Prometheus and the Titan is to be thrown into the abyss, together with the rock to which he is bound. The Bacchae by Euripides The God Dionysus, son of Zeus and Semele, has arrived in human form in Thebes, his mother’s city, to punish those who have doubted his divine nature by possessing their minds. Not recognizing him, the Theban women and the daughters of Cadmus have been rendered mad by the God and have run off to the mountains to celebrate the Dioynistic rites and rituals. In the meantime, the God has willingly allowed himself to be captured by the King Pentheus and has been imprisoned within the walls of his kingdom. It is the very God Dionysus himself who recounts these events to us in the prologue of the play. By now, the Dionysiac frenzy has swept throughout the city. Even Semele’s father, Cadmus, and the prophet Tiresias have been caught up in the celebration of the God’s power. Only Pentheus, the son of Agave, is decidedly set against the madness induced by the God. However, as the Theban women make for Mount Cithaeron to celebrate the divine wonders, Pentheus allows himself to be convinced by the God to disguise himself as a woman and follow him to the mountain in order to spy on them. At this point Agave, Pentheus’ mother and the sister of Semele, together with the Bacchae, falls prey to the Dionysiac delirium. Mistaking Pentheus for a lion, they tear him to pieces. Coming to the knowledge of what has happened, Cadmus proceeds in reassembling Pentheus’ corpse, to find last of all, the head in his own mother’s hands. Only now does Agave recognize with horror that which she had mistaken for a lion’s and had held trophy, to be her own son’s head. Now Dionysus appears before Cadmus, who weeps for the death of Pentheus, to proclaim that the misadventure had come to pass due to not having honored the power of the God. We know however, that Cadmus’ suffering is due to last much longer. Until the
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moment in which he is transformed into a dragon and marries Harmonia, he will be unable to find peace The Birds by Aristophanes Pithetaerus and Euelpides, two Athenians tired of living in their home city which has been rendered oppressive due to costly rattings and trials, have decided to take up residence in the only truly free world: that of the birds. Despite initial resistance, the two are successful in making themselves accepted thanks to the help of Epops, the bird who was once a man, and the king of Trace, Tereus. Nevertheless, due to the new arrivals, this alternative world starts to resemble the place from which they had escaped. Pithetaerus convinces Epops and the other birds about the potential advantages that they could have by building a city between heaven and earth. For, as underlined by Pithetaerus, who easily seduces his listeners, are not the birds after all, but rather the Gods, who were the most ancient inhabitants of the world. Thus the new city, baptized Nephelokokkygia (Cloud-cuckoo-land), is to be incredibly powerful. By intercepting the fumes of the victims sacrificed to the Gods by man, the birds will force the Gods to make pacts with them in order not to die of starvation. Furthermore, Nephelokokkygia is to be enclosed by a wall so that the Gods will no longer be able to freely satisfy their desires amongst the humans without the consent of the birds. However, yielding to the logics of power, Nephelokokkygia is quickly corrupted. All types of people from Athens arrive and try to capitalize on the nature of the city; a Priest, a Poet, a Prophet, a Geometrician, an Inspector and a Dealer in Decrees. Pithetaerus chases them off and in the same way chases away those who arrive and request asylum. Even the goddess Iris, messenger of Zeus, is turned away, having entered the city without being granted free passage. At this point, infuriated, the Gods send a delegation party to force the birds to stop in their tracks. But incited by Pithetaerus, who in turn follows all the instructions imparted to him by Prometheus, the birds do not concede. On the contrary, they offer up to the new arrivals a full plate of their “fellow-citizens” roasted. An exemplary punishment for opposers to the regime. To be able to enjoy the delicious perfumes of sacrifice once again, the divine delegation formed by Poseidon, Heracles and Triballus, are left with nothing other than to acquiesce to the will of the birds. Zeus has to return their scepter and consent to the marriage of Pithetaerus with his daughter Basileia, the repository of lightening, and the symbol of absolute power.
TICKETS Visit http://www.helloticket.it or http://www.vivaticket.it For more information and detailed festival schedule, call ITT at 624-4777 or INDA at 0931 487248.
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Counterfeit euros, artists of Giugliano swindle bankers and policemen
(Photo by http://it.123rf.com)
(Story by La Repubblica) There is a small and invisible state in Europe that has no government, no definite borders and no banks. Yet it prints euro. Counterfeit, of course but so perfectly reproduced that it has the European Central Bank as well as all the international police forces concerned. The highest concentration of forgers and illegal presses on the continent are within a radius of twenty kilometers around the city of Giugliano, north of Naples, in a quadrilateral area between Afragola, Marano, Castel Volturno and Aversa. More than half of the counterfeit money circulating in the 17 euro area countries is produced there; in that dilapidated land attacked by unauthorized building and suffocated by the mob. Since 2002, five and a half million counterfeit banknotes have been found in Europe, worth about 300 million euro. It would seem like a marginal amount, if compared with the authentic pieces actually circulating. "But the confiscated amount is only the tip of the iceberg”, a qualified source from Europol in The Hague explains. There is a lot more that escapes our control". At least 4-5 times more, according to the estimates. And not all of it remains in the euro area. "The big orders, tons of counterfeit euros divided into bundles of 50 and 100 banknotes, end up in North Africa, in Colombia and in the Middle East". Bundles of banknotes that almost always carry the mark of "Made in Giugliano", the European counterfeit community. It is as small and protected as it is dangerous and professional. The quality achieved by the forgers from the Campania area threatens the integrity of the single currency more than the quantity produced. The Naples group. "Look at this twenty euro ban-
knote”, says the Carabinieri commanding officer of anticounterfeiting, Alessandro Gentili, picking up a bill to study the finishing touches against the light - the designs of the filigree and the embossed effects of the chalcography have been perfectly imitated. They even put the holographic strip in. This is "their" stuff; it belongs to the “Naples Group". This is exactly how the forgers moving in that area are called, with a term created by the Europol police. They are considered handicraft masters in money counterfeiting, specialists in 20 euro bills. Nobody, not even the forgers of Plovdiv and Haskovo, in the south of Bulgaria, experts in imitating the 200 euro bill, had ever achieved their level. On the other hand they have a ten year long "curriculum". In 2004 the first illegal euro press in Italy was discovered in Parete, a few kilometers away from Giugliano. During the following three years, another three were discovered, in Castel Volturno, Marano and in Lusciano. 2009 is the year in which it becomes clear to everyone that the front line of the community war against the forgers is found here, where at least a couple of "skills" are mixed, the skills of printing and getting by. The maxi Giotto operation of the Carabinieri results in the arrest of 109 people, fifty of which come from Naples, Afragola, Casalnuovo, Qualiano, Giugliano. During that same time, a serigraphic laboratory is found in Grumo Nevano, a press at Gricignano d'Aversa and another one at Varcaturo, where Algerian bills produced with the original filigree of the Bank of Algeria are confiscated. In 2010 the latest case was in Ponticelli. And all of the illegal production, millions and millions of euro, revolve
around a few people. There are, in fact, very few printers who know how to imitate the security features of the money. For the underworld, they are precious and once they find one, they do not let him go. They even keep tabs on him from jail. Giuseppe S., 52 years old, from Calvizzano and Mario T., 34 years old from Carinaro, knows all about it. They are among the few in the entire world able to manufacture the holograms at home. They have already been arrested twice. "Those who do this always slip back to doing it again - explains Colonel Gentili - the printers are not violent, they are experts in graphic arts who are hired by the criminal groups, sometimes they are threatened to do what they know how to do, reproduce on paper". The Mallardo clan who controls the area comes to mind. The Camorra tolerates this type of business and uses it only to exchange great quantities with the Colombian drug dealers. The documents of the Giotto Operation tell us how the Naples Group operates. Three people and the corporate logic of a strict division of duties are needed to create a band of forgers. There is the person that finances the press who is also the buyer. And the figure, usually a minor member of the Camorra clan who sets about finding a second hand offset printing machine (the new four color ones cost up to five hundred thousand euro), the paper, the ink, the other instruments needed and a place. Then there is the printer, responsible for the production. And there is the distributor. The latter is the buyer's trustworthy man. His job is to organize a warehouse, strictly far from the press and to keep contact with the clients. When the news that somebody is "manufacturing money" is spread, a criminal group approaches the distributor using its own language, a code, for which 50 euro and 20 euro bills are called "Roma and Napoli t-shirts" on the phone. Dollars are called "jeans" and "green bottles" and in order to define the amount to be purchased, they use phrases such as "the appointment is at number 150, bring the Roma t-shirts", thereby communicating the urgent need for 150 banknotes of 50 euro bills. The sales chain follows the same pattern of drug dealing. The first passage, from the distributor to the wholesaler (it could be another criminal who purchases tons of euro or a collusive merchant) takes place at the cost of 10 percent of the nominal value. The band earns 100 thousand real euros for one million counterfeit euro. A series of minor figures, from the small local criminal to the foreign courier (usually from Lithuania or Estonia) supply themselves from the wholesaler (paying a price equal to 20 percent of the nominal value).
Dog visits owner's tomb daily; Fed by locals, chooses to live near graveyard (Story by ANSA)
Cagliari - A dog in a small town near Cagliari in Sardinia has made visiting the graveyard part of his daily ritual after his owner suddenly died of a heart attack in February, says the newspaper L'Unione Sarda. As in the film Hachi starring Richard Gere in which a dog returned daily for 10 years to the train station where his owner habitually arrived, the honey-colored mixed breed slips in behind the security guard's mother each day when she opens the gate and sits by his dead owner's tomb. The dog, called Nameless since no one knows what he was called by his former owner, is fed and taken care of by locals, but has chosen to make his home in a field close to the cemetery.
! T I Y Ar Italian S T JUraSctice you P
August through December in Italian
English : August Italian: agosto English : September Italian: settembre English : October Italian: ottobre English : November Italian: novembre English : December Italian: dicembre
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NAS Sigonella 41st Stormo personnel and local Italian law enforcement conduct training
Joint members participate in close-quarter tactics drills at Marinai Military Housing Complex. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Cameron Bramham/Released)
BY MCSN CAMERON BRAMHAM NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
T
hird Platoon, Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team (FAST) Company Marines visited Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella April 20 as part of a presence and deterrence mission that included week-long training exercises for Naval personnel, 41st Stormo personnel and local Italian law enforcement. “[Fast Training’s] purpose is to detect and deter terrorist attempts against the installation while providing training,” Platoon Commander, Capt. Issac Olvera said. “It is important because it strengthens the installation’s security, enhances Navy Security Force’s skills and allows us to give back to our Italian allies.” The extensive training for all personnel was conducted from April 23 – 28 and encompassed Navy and Marine antiterrorism measures including joint security patrols, surveillance, vehicle inspections and threat assessment. This is the first time FAST training has been conducted at NAS Sigonella in three years and incorporated joint bilateral training, which
included physical conditioning, martial arts, marksmanship and close-quarter tactics. “Anytime we can work with the local forces is a great thing,” said Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Chris Pearre. “During this evolution we were able to train together with local Italian Air Force, Polizia and Carabinieri personnel. It helps us to understand the capabilities of each other’s forces and also builds camaraderie.” The end goal of this mission was to train all personnel as Special Response Teams (SRT), which is the military version of a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team. According to Olvera, combat conditioning and martial arts training is designed to maintain a level of fitness that allows an operator to withstand the rigors of duty. Proficiency in weapons and marksmanship training is necessary to engage targets in moments of crisis. The close-quarter tactics training develops the skills an SRT needs to accomplish the mission.
The last day of the mission consisted of a field training exercise (FTX), which involved scenarios that incorporated FAST training for all participants, followed by a training graduation and awards ceremony for everyone involved. “I would call [FAST training] a definite success,” Pearre added. “It allowed us to capture lessons learned and best practices for future operations and coordination with the FAST team, provided some good training for all of the students, and assisted in building on our positive relationships with all forces involved.” NAS Sigonella Security Liaison Officer Eva Henderson said the Italian law enforcement agencies present at the training were enthusiastic to participate, and look forward to more opportunities to train with Marines and Sailors. “This week has fostered an excellent opportunity for positive international relations and built camaraderie with the host nation,” said Henderson.
Combat conditioning and martial arts training is designed to maintain a level of fitness that allows an operator to withstand the rigors of duty. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Cameron Bramham/Released)
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All personnel who participated in the training evolutions did marksmanship drills. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Cameron Bramham/Released)
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Close-quarter tactics drills were conducted at the Marinai Military Housing Complex. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Cameron Bramham/Released)
Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team (FAST) Marines, Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Security servicemembers and training participants gather after the graduation ceremony. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Cameron Bramham/Released)
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Motta Hill Extreme Run 2012 The 5th Annual Motta Extreme Trail Run took place on Saturday, April 28. More than 125 people participated. The trail run is 1.8 miles and includes a 900 foot climb - straight up! (Pictured at right. Photo courtesy of MWR Sigonella) "It's the only Sigonella Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) run that's off road and out in town," said MWR Marketing Assistant Jamie Andrews. "People always say it's harder than they thought it would be.” Congratulations to all who participated. A special congratulations to 11-year-old Justin Hinton who was the first child to complete the run and also fourth overall with a time of 21:20.
First Place Male Neil Cataline 17:46 First Place Female Monika McCullough 21:54 First Place Youth Justin Hinton 21:20
Sexual Assault Prevention Hotlines DoD SAFE Helpline: 001-877-995-5247 (From cell phones and off-base telephones)
Sigonella SAPR VA Hotline:335-624-8312 Or: 19020 (toll-free access code) 877-995-5247 (From DSN lines)
Friday, 04 MAY 12 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Grilled Sausage Links, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Waffles, Asstd Doughnuts, Cinnamon Rolls. *Lunch: Cream of Mushroom Soup, Lasagna, Tempura Fish, Baked Fish, Steamed Rice, Calico Cabbage, Herbed Broccoli, Strawberry Cake, Lemon Meringue Pie, Fruit Gelatin. Speed line: Grilled Cheese/Hamburger, Baked Beans, French Fried Potatoes. *Dinner: Egg Drop Soup, Chicken Cacciatore, Rice Pilaf, Southern Green Beans, Savory Squash, Strawberry Cake, Lemon Meringue Pie, Fruit Gelatin.
Tuesday, 08 MAY 12 *Breakfast: Farina, Oven Fried Bacon, Sausage Patties, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, French Toast, Biscuits and Gravy, Asstd Doughnuts, Blueberry Muffins. *Lunch: Egg Drop Soup, Sweet & Sour Pork, Chicken Chop suey , Egg Foo Young, Chinese Fried Rice, Chow Mein Noodles, Oriental Fried Cabbage, Corn Kernel, Fruit Cocktail Upside Down Cake, Blueberry Pie. *Speed line: Corn Dog, Onion Rings. Dinner: Cream of Broccoli Soup, Beef Stew, Lasagna, Boiled Pasta, Spanish Style Beans, Carrots Slices, Fruit Cocktail Upside Down Cake, Blueberry Pie.
Saturday, 05 MAY 12 *Breakfast: Farina, Grilled Ham Slices, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Buttermilk Pancakes, Asstd Doughnuts, Crumb Cake. *Brunch: Breakfast Items, Chicken Gumbo Soup, Roast Pork, Cottage Fried Potatoes, Tossed Green Rice, Peas w/ Carrots, Cauliflower Au Gratin, Brown Gravy, Velvet Pound Cake, Vanilla Cream Pie. *Dinner: Zesty Bean Soup, Veal Steak W/Mushroom Gravy, Steamed Rice, Home Fried Potatoes, Glazed Carrots, Savory Style Beans, Chicken Gravy, Velvet Pound Cake, Vanilla Cream Pie.
Wednesday, 09 MAY 12 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Creamed Ground Beef, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Blueberry Pancakes, Biscuits, Asstd Doughnuts, Bear Claw. *Lunch: Beef Noodle Soup, Lasagna, Fish w/ Cherry Tomato Sauce, Steamed Rice, Franconia Potatoes, Cream Style Corn, Mix Vegetable, Almond Cookies, Carrot Cake, Chocolate Pudding. *Speed line: Grilled Cheese/Hamburger, Baked Beans, French Fried Potatoes. *Dinner: French Onion Soup, Baked Chicken, Steamed Rice, Spaghetti W/ Meatballs, Potatoes Au Gratin, Club Spinach, Steamed Peas & Carrots, Almond Cookies, Carrot Cake, Chocolate Pudding.
Sunday, 06 MAY 12 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Grilled Minute Steak, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, French Toast, Asstd Doughnuts, Italian Croissant. *Brunch: Breakfast Items, Cream of Broccoli Soup, Steamed Rice, Grilled Chicken Breast, Corn O’Brien, Green Beans, Marble Cake, Sugar Cookies. *Dinner: Chicken Rice Soup, Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Rice, Mixed Vegetables, Steamed Asparagus, Natural Pan Gravy, Marble Cake, Sugar Cookies. Monday, 07 MAY 12 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Minced Beef, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Waffles, Asstd Doughnuts, Cinnamon Rolls. *Lunch: Chicken Gumbo Soup, Hamburgers, Chicken Parmesan, Steamed Rice, Oven Browned Potatoes, Green Peas, Seasoned Summer Squash, Spice Cake w/ Frosting, Vanilla Cookies, Fruit Gelatin. *Speed line: Pizza Ass. *Dinner: Minestrone Soup, Savory Baked Chicken, Fettuccine Carbonara, Pork Fried Rice, Lima Beans, Broccoli Parmesan, Spice Sake w/ Frosting, Vanilla Cookies, Fruit Gelatin.
Thursday, 10 MAY 12 *Breakfast: Hominy Grits, Ham Sliced, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, French Toast, Asstd Doughnuts, Raisin Muffin. *Lunch: Vegetable Supreme Soup, Roast Pork loin, Baked Chicken, Steamed Rice, Roasted Garlic Potatoes, Seasoned Mix Vegetables, Club Spinach, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, Cherry Cobbler. Speedline: Italian Sausage W/Onion & Pepper. *Dinner: Tomato Bouillon Soup, Spaghetti and Meat sauce, Grilled Cheeseburger, Rice Pilaf, Natural Pan Gravy, Green Beans, Corn Kernel, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, Cherry Cobbler. Friday, 11 MAY 12 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Grilled Sausage Patties, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Waffles, Asstd Doughnuts, Cinnamon Rolls. *Lunch: Chicken Corn Chowder, Baked Fish, Meat Loaf, Paprika Buttered Potatoes, Glazed Carrots, Fried Okra, Spiced Cake w/ Frosting, Crisp Drop Cookies. Speed line: Grilled Cheese/Hamburger, Baked Beans, French Fried Potatoes. *Dinner: Chicken Noodle Soup, Baked Fish W. Cherry Tomato Sauce, Farfalle W/ Seafood, Tossed Green Rice, Corn O’Brien, Lima Beans, Spiced Cake w/ Frosting, Crisp Drop Cookies.
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Are you ready for some rugby?
Sigonella Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) has created a new rugby team, the Hoplites! Since the sport is new to Sigonella, the team has just finished an intense two-week boot camp where they learned and practiced the basics of rugby. MWR Sports Coordinator Brandon Donalson says 90% of the team’s players are learning the sport for the first time and are quickly becoming addicted. “Once you practice one time you’re hooked,” Donalson said. “Rugby is all these guys can talk about.” So what is rugby? There are obvious similarities to American football. They both use a similar field and oval shaped
ball. They both kick and run with the ball. Both games attempt to cross the opposing team’s goal line or kick the ball through a goal post for points, and they both tackle. For a newbie, the games look the same, but they’re not. The biggest difference is the intensity. In rugby, the game doesn’t stop when the player with the ball is down. It keeps going until someone scores or goes out of bounds. The ball may never be passed forward, just side-to-side and behind, and a player in any position can tackle. One of the rugby newbies, Antonyo McCall says he lost five pounds in the first two days of practice. He says it’s tough,
“but you don’t feel anything while you’re out there, you’re just going." He laughs, “it hits you afterward and everyone’s pointing out bumps and bruises to each other.” Sigonella’s Hoplites are having a great time learning the new sport and getting psyched for rugby season, which starts on May 7. The group hosts Italian teams who have been playing the game much longer. According to Donalson, since Sigonella’s team is still learning, they’ll start the season by playing together with the Italian players instead of playing against them. There will be opportunities to see the Hoplites in action starting with their first game on May 8.
MIdTowN MovIe THeATeRS SCHEDULE & DESCRIPTIONS Wednesday, May 9 5:00 PM 5:30 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM
The Lucky One The Vow Silent House Wanderlust
PG-13 PG-13 R R
Thursday, May 10 5:00 PM 5:30 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM
Friday, May 4 5:00 PM 5:30 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM
The Vow TP Good Deeds Silent House Act of Valor
PG-13 PG-13 R R
Saturday, May 5 2:00 PM 2:30 PM 4:30 PM 5:00 PM 7:30 PM
Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax The Lucky One A Thousand Words The Vow Silent House
PG PG-13 PG-13 PG-13 R
Sunday, May 6 2:00 PM 2:30 PM 4:30 PM 5:00 PM 7:30 PM
Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax The Vow A Thousand Words The Lucky One Gone
PG PG-13 PG-13 PG-13 PG-13
Tuesday, May 8 5:00 PM 5:30 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM
A Thousand Words TP Good Deeds Gone Silent House
PG-13 PG-13 PG-13 R
The Lucky One A Thousand Words The Vow Act of Valor
PG-13 PG-13 PG-13 R
Friday, May 11 No School For Elementary! 2:00 PM Megamind 5:00 PM The Vow 5:30 PM Gone 7:30 PM The Avengers 8:00 PM Silent House
PG FREE PG-13 PG-13 PG-13 R
Saturday, May 12 2:00 PM 2:30 PM 4:30 PM 5:00 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM
John Carter Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax A Thousand Words The Avengers Silent House 21 Jump Street
PG-13 PG PG-13 PG-13 R R
Sunday, May 13 Meet the Avengers!! 2:00 PM The Avengers 2:30 PM Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax 4:30 PM The Lucky One 5:00 PM John Carter 8:00 PM 21 Jump Street
PG-13 PG PG-13 PG-13 R
STAR SIGHTING: Come meet “The Avengers” on Sunday, May 13 at noon and then follow up to watch them on the big screen at 2:30 pm. Don’t forget your camera!
THE AVENGERS….........PG-13 STARRING: Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Evans, and Scarlett Johansson
Nick Fury of S.H.I.E.L.D. brings together a team of super humans to form The Avengers to help save the Earth from Loki and his army. (2 hrs. 22 mins.) JOHN CARTER…………PG-13 STARRING: Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, and William Dafoe
Transplanted to Mars, a Civil War vet discovers a lush planet inhabited by 12-foot tall barbarians. Finding himself a prisoner of these creatures, he escapes, only to encounter a princess who is in desperate need of a savior (2 hrs. 12 mins.) THE LUCKY ONE………...PG-13 STARRING: Elizabeth Olsen, Adam Trese and Eric Sheffer Stevens
Trapped inside her family's lakeside retreat, a young woman finds she is unable to contact the outside world as events become increasingly ominous in and around the house. (1 hr. 41 mins.) THE VOW……….…PG-13 STARRING: Rachel McAdams, Channing Tatum and Sam Neill
A car accident puts Paige (McAdams) in a coma, and when she wakes up with severe memory loss, her husband Leo (Tatum) works to win her heart again. (1 hr. 44 mins.)
Movie schedule is subject to change. Please call to confirm. Movie Hotline: 624-4248
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GAME Find the words! United States Presidents ADAMS ARTHUR BUCHANAN BUSH CARTER CLEVELAND CLINTON COOLIDGE EISENHOWER FILLMORE FORD GARFIELD GRANT HARDING HARRISON HAYES HOOVER JACKSON
Find the way!
Start here
JEFFERSON JOHNSON KCKINLEY KENNEDY MADISON MONROE NIXON PIERCE POLK REAGAN ROOSEVELT TAFT TAYLOR TRUMAN TYLER VANBUREN WASHINGTON WILSON
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Sudoku!
Did you know? 101 Dalmatians and Peter Pan (Wendy) are the only two Disney cartoon features with both parents that are present and don't die throughout the movie. A sneeze travels out your mouth at over 100 m.p.h. All porcupines float in water. Ben and Jerry's send the waste from making ice cream to local pig farmers to use as feed. Pigs love the stuff, except for one flavor: Mint Oreo.
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AUTOMOBILES
1992 Chevy Camaro RS+, 25th Anniversary Edition, 95,000 Miles, Runs great. Fully loaded. Teal Green. Craiger mufflers. T-Top. New battery, shocks and brakes. Asking $6,500 OBO. Contact: Joe at 339 21 81 204 1998 BMW 323, V-6, 5 speed manual, 2 door, hatchback, very well maintained. 255K kilometers, runs great coast to coast. $5K. Contact Oliver at 3494005667 or email: aligee15122@gmail.com 1993 Burgundy Alpha Romeo 164, 5 speed manual, 4dr, detachable cd player, A/C. $1,200. Contact HM1 Crystal Bell at Wk# 624-4670; Hm# 624-1326; Cell# 347-165-3838. 1994 Black Alfa Romeo 155, 5 speed manual, 4dr, detachable cd player, A/C. $1,200. Available 21MAy12. Contact HM1 Crystal Bell at Wk# 624-4670; Hm# 6241326; Cell# 347-165-3838 FOR SALE Baby crib, baby chest of drawers, US subwoofer, baby clothes, lamps, carousel horse, kitchen and dining room furniture, toys and much more!! Please contact Rita at 3495298809 or Italianangel71@ gmail.com
Burley encore bike trailer. This trailer can be used for one or two kids. Excellent shape with two bike attachments. $435 new the first $200 takes it away. Call Chris at 624-1236 or email at gusnboogs@msn.com. 4 voltage converters for sale: 1) 2500 VA - $50 2) 1000 VA - $35 3) 500 VA - $35 4) 500 VA - $45 Interested please call Tom: 320382-5164 (cell) Brown leather-like sofa, still has manufacturer’s tags on it, need $500. Wooden dining table and four chairs (counter hight), need $400. Call Jody between 3 -9 pm @345-273-4045 VO LU N T E E R S
Volunteers needed for Command Olympics, Friday, May 18, Contact Brandon Donalson 335-349-115 or brandon.donalson@ eu.navy.mil Youth Golf Clininc Coaches needed - June 18 - 20, Call Sean Holland 624-3785. Volunteers needed to help plan the Red Cross's Bike Rodeo and Bike to Work Day events in May. Attend the next Special Events Meetings on May 8 at 1630 at the
Red Cross office. Volunteers will organize stations for refreshments, children's bicycle safety, helmet fitting, and registration. Please contact the Red Cross at 624 4900 for information.". PTO board members needed for all positions. Contact current PTO President ElisaThompson (thompsonelisa@ymail.com) or PTO teacher representatives, Sallie Davis (sallie.davis@eu.dodea.edu) or Cathy Indresano (catherine.indresano@eu.dodea.edu). NOTICE
The triennial Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) Utility and Move-In Housing Allowance (MIHA) survey is open during all of April for personnel stationed in Italy. The voluntary survey is for military personnel who reside in privately leased quarters and receive an overseas housing allowance. Survey results will be used to update OHA utility and MIHA allowance rates for Italy. The Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) encourages participation from every eligible service member. Individual responses will be held in strict confidence by DTMO and will not be shared with any other office or agency. The survey can be found at h t t p s : / / w w w. d e fe n s e t r a ve l. dod.mil/site/aprutilmiha.cfm. The
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survey may take as much as 45 minutes to complete. The regional commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia will be coordinating survey participation for installations in Italy. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact the regional coordinators at DSN 314-626-2551. SAWS ANIMALS
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especially with older, large male dogs and people, current on shots, microchipped. Gracie, medium to large, 5 months, female, black, dog, shy at first but warms up quickly. Loves other animals and people. current on shots, microchipped.
Max, 2 years, male, tuxedo, cat, real mellow and calm house cat, current on shots, microchipped.
Jax, 6 months, female, tortie, cat, friendly with people and gets along with other animals, current on shots, microchipped.
Mini, 2 years, medium, female, sandy-colored, dog, some food aggression with some other animals but does fine otherwise
To volunteer, adopt or foster, visit facebook.com/Sigonella.Animals or http://sigonellaanimalwelfaresociety.webs.com/
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DoD assignment policy changes open new billets for Navy women NAVY.MIL Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Department of Defense, assignment policy changes affecting the assignment of Navy women to formerly closed positions will be implemented May 14. The changes will open an additional 14,325 positions to women across the Department of Defense. Of those positions, the Navy will open 60 medical officer, chaplain, chief hospital corpsman and hospital corpsman first class positions for the assignment of women in Marine Corps ground combat element battalions. The 60 new Navy positions open to the assignment of women include 18 medical officer positions, 19 chaplain officer positions, and 23 chief and petty officer first class hospital corpsman positions. The changes to the 1994 Direct Ground Combat Definition and Assignment Rule, announced Feb. 9 in a report to Congress, could not be implemented without a Congressionally-mandated notification period, which has now expired. A second change adopted in the exception addresses former co-location restrictions. When implemented, occupations will no longer be closed to women solely because the positions are required to be co-located with direct ground combat units. However, elimination of the co-location exclusion has no impact to the Navy, as current policy does not restrict the assignment of women based on co-location. Currently, 95 percent of Navy billets are open to women. The five percent of closed billets include submarines for enlisted women, and SEALs, Riverine squadrons and Marine Corps support in compliance with direct ground combat rule.
"The secretary of defense has said this is the beginning, not the end, of a process," said Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Jo Ann Rooney. "The department intends to continue to remove barriers that prevent service members from serving in any capacity in which they qualify." "The Navy has always been committed to pursuing the elimination of gender-restricted policies where feasible while maintaining force readiness," said Lt. Maura Betts, director of the Office of Women's Policy.
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