The Signature, October 30, 2015

I Will Bring You Home: Journey to Vietnam

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AutumnFest 2015:

Domestic violence:

Let the games begin!

Training for first responders

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October 30, 2015

Vol. 32 No. 41

AutumnFest 2015: A treat for all

NAS Sigonella community participates in a 5k Zombie Run as the first event to start the AutumnFest 2015 at NAS 1 Midtown Complex, Oct. 23. AutumnFest 2015 events included command lip sync challenge, Fan Halen Band, Strongman competition, marching band and Sig's Got Talent. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ramon Go/Released)

By Nicole Ybarra NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella hosted its annual fall festival, AutumnFest, this past weekend, Oct. 23-24. The festivities kicked off Friday, with the Zombie Run 5K. Along the course, runners dodged and evaded zombies

who attempted to steal their flags as they completed the course. The event also featured Trick r’ Treat lane where costume-clad children collected candy from more than 16 local organizations. Sig’ Citizens and local nationals enjoyed the beer tent and wine tastings as well as food from a variety of vendors, while children played in the bouncy houses and carnival rides. The

annual event, which drew an attendance of 9,311 visitors over the two days, provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen intercultural relations with the local community. “AutumnFest is one of the yearly occasions for the Italian public to meet Sigonellans and enjoy American food and culture,” said Dr. Alberto Lunetta, Community Relations Officer.

During the Sig’s Got Talent competition, nine contestants performed on stage with first place going to Avery Chandler; second place to Vanessa Narvaez; and third place to Avery Young and Ellie Brassert. The night ended on a high note with live musical performances by Amarok and Fan Halen, the #1 tribute band to Van Halen.

Planning for the event involved cooperation across the entire base and the help of approximately 100 volunteers.

“AutumnFest is a phenomenal event and the community really pulls together to make it a success. There are a lot of moving pieces but it is extremely rewarding to see the end result,” explained Maria Dumanlang, MWR Marketing Director.

Some of Sigonella’s strongest competed for the title in the Strongman Competition on the second day of AutumnFest, early Saturday morning.

Men and women competed in a variety of strength challenges including a Jeep and High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) pull, giant tire flip, and rope carry. “It is always great to see our community so active and engaged. Like all of you, as a Sig' Citizen, I feel this event is a way for us to say thank you to our host country," said Marijo Gaudette, MWR Community Recreation Director. The two-day festival was a collaborative effort between NASSIG Security, Public Affairs, Public Works, and MWR and left a positive imprint on both the Sigonella and Sicilian communities.

For more on AutumnFest 2015, see pages 8-9.

Return to Sender: Italian-born Pilot Flies Home

By MCSA Ryre Arciaga USS Kearsarge Public Affairs

ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- The jet rolls into position on the flight deck with its engine screaming.

The pilot gets a signal from the flight deck handlers who are lined up along the foul line.

The scream turns into a roar as a plume of black smoke appears, then, with a burst of speed, the jet bolts down the runway and into the sky.

Lt. Cosimo Manica, a Marina Militare pilot and Monteiasi, Italy native, currently assigned to the “Ace of Spades” Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 231, stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, took off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) Oct. 21, on a return flight to Italy.

This was not his first time flying home from Kearsarge. In the spring of 2013, Manica was the landing signal officer for a small crew of Italian pilots on board.

“It was the first time we were bringing an Italian jet back from a problem maintenance inspection from Fleet Readiness Center Cherry Point,” said Manica.

“I was actually happy to come back here because I already knew the ship, and the people here have always been friendly.”

For the past three years, Manica has been part of the Pilot Exchange Program. The program is part of a Department of Defense strategy to maximize warfighting capabilities with other countries on a global scale.

This time, the aircraft is going home to Italy after an extensive overhaul to extend its life span.

“They did a lot of deep maintenance, similar to restoring a muscle car, and then the most cost effective way to get [Manica] back to Italy is to ride across with us while we're on deployment,” said U.S. Marine Maj. Geoff Palmer, an AV-8B maintenance officer, currently assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced) based out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

While at Cherry Point, Manica taught American and allied Lt. Cosimo Manica, a Marina Militare Pilot and Monteiasi, Italy native, pilots as an instructor to im- currently assigned to the Ace of Spades Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 231, prove their joint warfighting ca- takes off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge pabilities.

(LHD 3) in an Italian AV-8B Harrier Oct. 21, 2015. Kearsarge, deployed as part “Americans and Italians both of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group, is conducting naval operations learn from each other,” said in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security Manica. “It's cooperation be- interests in Europe. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist tween the two nations, and it's a Seaman Apprentice Ryre Arciaga/Released) learning curve where lessons are learned from both nations. I'm actually working with its journey home, it's not the end for Manica and his the Marines, so right now we're exchanging tactics stay in America. Later, he will return to Cherry Point and improvements and lessons learned on how to do for another year to continue training and improving things.” the combat capabilities of U.S. Marine harrier pilots.

Manica said the Kearsarge crew has been just as Kearsarge, deployed as part of the Kearsarge Amwelcoming and friendly as he remembers them to be. phibious Ready Group, is conducting naval operations “The crew has always been really friendly and they in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of accommodate you in anything that you need help U.S. national security interests in Europe. with,” said Manica “They don't hold back.”

For more news from Expeditionary Strike Group 2, As the harrier flies off into the sky and completes visit www.navy.mil/local/esg2/.

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October 30, 2015

Direct Line

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October 30, 2015

All Hands News Bulletin: Community Flu Vaccination Events for Beneficiaries: At the NEX and Commissary on NAS I on 05 NOV from 0900-1500 In front of Midtown on NAS I on 06 NOV from 0900-1500 Inside Marinai by the youth complex on 07 NOV from 1000-1400 USNH Sigonella Immunzations Clinic on a walk-in basis, M-F 0800-1530.

Executive Officer Cmdr. Charles G. McKinney II Buongiorno, Sigonella!

When it comes to planning and preparedness, there is honestly no base – overseas or stateside – that holds a candle to NAS Sigonella. The approach and spirit of cooperation from each and every Sig’ Citizen is remarkably distinct. On most days our corporate character, while mostly unspoken, speaks volumes about your ability to effectively execute a strategically-vital mission every day with great pride and professionalism in a demanding environment. This month deserves special recognition. As we bid adieu to October 2015, I’m compelled to pause and acknowledge your extraordinary efforts in producing several tremendously high-profile events while upholding operations, not skipping a beat. Some of these events have been previously lauded, but returning to them is simply irresistible.

Only last weekend, NAS Sigonella hosted its annual AutumnFest, drawing more than 9,300 to the installation’s two-day event – an incredible offering of food, rides, and live entertainment for our own community and the thousands of local nationals who attended. To make it all happen, approximately 100 Sig’ Citizens volunteered to help pass out candy, assist in the Strongman Competition, cook up delicious concessions, and even dressed as the walking dead during the Zombie Run 5K. The level of coordination forged between MWR, Security, Safety, Public Works and other departments was impressive.

These events are valuable opportunities for the base to foster and strengthen relations with our host community, and you left a positive, lasting impression amongst all those in attendance.

On Oct. 15, Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Adm. Bill Moran visited NAS Sigonella during which time he reenlisted 10 Sailors and held two All Hands Calls. The assemblies were marked by CNP and Fleet Master Chief Beldo fielding thoughtful, engaging questions from our Sailors on topics ranging from maternity leave changes to training improvements and beyond. Again, the base came together to ensure a seamless and impactful visit.

The CNP visit was preceded by a very important event necessitating an all-of-community effort that took weeks to plan: the visit by Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, and his wife. In addition to the planning and coordination among NASSIG commands, cooperation extended to external agencies of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, U.S. Embassy – Rome, and our Government of Italy and Italian Air Force 41st STORMO hosts. I will echo the sentiments of Capt. Dennis. It should first be mentioned that of all the bases Secretary Carter could have visited, he chose NAS Sigonella.

Bingo is Back: Play Bingo today, every Tuesday, starting at 6:00 p.m. in the Chart Room for a chance to win the $4,500 Jackpot prize! A minimum of $1,200 in cash prizes are given out each night.

-- Ten-Game Bingo packets go on sale at 5:00 p.m. in Connections for $25 --A ten-game package must be purchased to be eligible for the Jackpot game --Additional Jackpot cards can be purchased for $10 -- Bingo is open to all US ID Card holders and their authorized guests.

-- You need to be at least 18 years old to be in The Chart Room during Bingo For more information, visit www.sigmwr.com or call 624-0506.

Remembrance Walk: Sigonella Faces of Loss, Faces of Hope are planning a 'Walk to Remember' in recognition of National Pregnancy & Infant loss Awareness Day on Sunday, Nov. 1 beginning at 6:00 p.m. outside the Marinai Youth Center near the front gate. We welcome anyone who would like to attend.

Keep keys hidden in public: Please make sure to keep your keys out of public view when out in town. Recently local media report instances in which local law enforcement have collected key-making tools and video from apprehended burglars. The video shows pedestrians walking about with their keys in plain view. Law officials believe the video footage has been used by the thieves to replicate keys, thus making it easier for them to access homes and steal property.

As always, if you are witness to any sort of suspected criminal behavior please call NCIS at 624-9210 (095-86-9210) or Security Dispatch at 624-5225 (095-86-5225).

Resident Satisfaction Survey Reminder: Please take a few minutes to complete the Resident Satisfaction Survey.

Your opinion counts!!

More importantly, however, was the manner in which we pulled together as a community to execute an ever-evolving schedule of events. You adapted and produced the best.

Finally, on Oct. 2, NAS Sigonella hosted what is being hailed as the best Navy Ball in years. Over 400 members of the NASSIG community and their guests celebrated 240 years of Navy history at the Sheraton Catania. The event was flawlessly orchestrated by the Navy Ball Committee and celebrated by those that make this community such a special place. I am extremely proud to just be a part of it all. Thank you, Sigonella!

The FH survey can be completed via printed copy or online option using a unique identifier as access. The survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. A completed printed survey needs to be placed and sealed in the preaddressed, pre-paid return envelope and mailed immediately. In order to be counted, completed surveys (both hard copy and online) must be received at CEL & Associates, Inc. by Nov. 6 (Marinai residents) and Nov. 13 (Unaccompanied housing residents).

2015 HOLIDAY SEASON MAILING DEADLINES

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 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. * If you submit a "BZ" about a specific person or department, PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR NAME in order to ensure comment authenticity and therefore publically 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".

FOR MAIL ADDRESSED TO / FROM: Europe FPO AE 096 Priority Express Mail Military Service: Dec. 17 First Class & Priority Mail (Letters, Cards, Packages): Dec. 10 Space Available Mail: Nov. 26 Standard Post Mail: Nov. 8 International First-Class Packages and Priority Mail Addressed to Africa and Central / South America: Dec. 2 International First-Class Packages & Priority Mail Addressed to Asia / Pacific Rim, Australia / New Zealand, Canada, Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, & the Middle East: Dec. 9

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THE SIGNATURE U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA Commanding Officer Capt. Chris Dennis Executive Officer Cmdr. Charles G. McKinney II Command Master Chief CMDCM Mike Kaszubowski EDITORIAL Public Affairs Officer Lt. Paul Newell paul.newell@eu.navy.mil Editor Nicole Ybarra nicole.ybarra@eu.navy.mil Community Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil PAO Staff Writers \ Photographers MC1 Tony D. Curtis anthony.curtis@eu.navy.mil MC2 Ramon Go ramon.go@eu.navy.mil CONTACT US Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily thesig@eu.navy.mil DSN 624-5440; 095-86-5440 PSC 812 Box 7, FPO, AE 09627-0001 PUBLISHER Stampa Generale S.r.l., Sig. Bruno Brandi, Publisher, Naval Support Activity Capodichino (Naples), Italy stampagenerale@tin.it Tel. 081-568-7884 Fax 081-568-7887 This civilian enterprise (CE) newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services overseas. Contents of The Signature are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense (DoD), or the U.S. Navy. The appearance of advertising in this newspaper, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DoD or Stampa Generale S.r.l., of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factorof the purchaser, user or patron. A confirmed violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected.

The Signature is published weekly by Stampa Generale S.r.l., Sig. Bruno Brandi, Publisher, Naval Support Activity, Capodichino (Naples), Italy.

Tel. 081-568-7884. Fax 081-568-7887.

E-mail: stampagenerale@tin.it.

Editorial submissions are welcomed from all Naval Air Station Sigonella departments, divisions and tenant commands. Editorial submissions should be sent to the Public Affairs Office via thesig@eu.navy.mil, guard mail stop #68 or hand-delivered to our office no later than the close of business on the Friday proceeding the expected publication date.

All articles submitted by non-staff members will be considered contributing writers.

The Signature will not publish anyanonymous articles. All advertisements in this publication are the property of Stampa Generale S.r.l. Any reproduction of advertisements in The Signature is unauthorized without the written consent of the publisher. cnic.navy.mil/sigonella

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October 30, 2015

October 30, 2015

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I will bring you home

By MC2(SW) Billy Ho AFN Broadcast Center

RIVERSIDE, Calif. - The forest was awakened by the rustling sounds of more than 80 American and Vietnamese outsiders. The heat and humidity was no match for their determination as their shovels, pickaxes and sledgehammers scoured the earth. Dirt fell through sifting screens like tropical rain as they looked for human bone fragments and artifacts. Their faces were sweaty, dirty and encircled by bugs, but, nevertheless, they continued on with their all-important work, paying little regard to their present, less-than-ideal, conditions.

It’s hard to describe my feelings

A Vietnamese helicopter just after dropping off AFN's MC2 (SW) Billy Ho on his mission to account for U.S. Service members currently listed as POW or MIA since the Vietnam War. (Photo courtesy of DPAA)

when I was contacted to go to Vietnam as a translator for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), formerly known as the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC). I have been part of many different missions since joining the Navy but this one was special. While serving as a TV production operator at the American Forces Network (AFN) Broadcast Center in Riverside, California, I was chosen to join a 40-yearplus effort to account for U.S. service members currently listed as Prisoners of War (POW) or Missing in Action (MIA) since the Vietnam War. “I will bring you home,” was the voice I kept hearing in my head.

I was born in Southern Vietnam to a military family. My dad was in the South Vietnamese army and served as an interpreter for the U.S. Army.

After the war, my dad came to the United States as a refugee then returned to Vietnam for my mother and me. My Vietnamese background and language skills made me an ideal selection as a linguist for the recovery team.

The DPAA has four distinct mission areas: analysis and investigation, recovery, identification, and accounting. I was assigned to a recovery team.

This type of team usually consists of a team leader, a forensic anthropologist, a team sergeant, two linguists, a medic, a life support technician, a forensic photographer, a communications technician, an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technician, and a mountaineering specialist.

Together, we excavated the site and screened the soil to locate all possible remains and artifacts.

Our job could not have been done

MC2(SW) Billy Ho is assigned to the American Forces Network Broadcast Center in Riverside, California, where he serves as a TV production operator. He was chosen to go on a 2015 mission to Vietnam to account for U.S. Service members currently listed as POW or MIA since the Vietnam War. (Photo courtesy of DPAA)

without the help of our Vietnamese counterparts. Their team consisted of 18 officials from central to local government. They were responsible for providing transportation, lodging and security for the U.S. team.

I’ve returned to Vietnam many times to visit, but this time was completely different. I was there to help find the remains of service members shot down during a rescue mission over North Vietnam. The Vietnamese officials gave us a warm welcome at Da Nang International Airport then took us to the hotel. The next day we picked up our tools and headed out to a remote location near the Laos border. I had never been to this part of the country. Many new things were

waiting for me.

The 4x4 SUV took us by many famous landmarks from the war, such as the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) also known as the “17th parallel,” the Annamese Mountains or Truong Son Mountain Range, and Ho Chi Minh Trail. History was literary unfolding in front of my eyes.

After eight hours and traveling over 350 kilometers, we arrived at a small remote town to the northeast. The Vietnamese informed us that our site was on the side of a mountain along the Truong Son Mountain Range. A three-hour hike through thick jungle and rigid hills would be required to

“HOME” continued on Page 14

Need an appointment at the hospital?

Call DSN 624-CARE (2273) or commercial: 095-56-2273, M - F: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

For non-emergent medical questions that arise over the Weekend, Holidays, or after office hours, please call the Nurse Advice Line at 800-877-660 (local/Italy only) Need a medication refill or results from your Provider?

Create an account with Relay Health using your PCM... www.relayhealth.com (click: register, patient, then add PCM)

Trevor Hager performs live for the Department of Defense Dependents School (DODDS) students at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella. Hager also talked about the importance of being kind and treating one another with respect as part of an anti-bullying campaign organized by Club Beyond. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Gregory White/Released)

Trevor Hager visits Sigonella teens

By MC2(SW/AW) Gregory White AFN Sigonella

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - Naval Air Station Sigonella’s Middle School and High School students welcomed a special guest to their gymnasium Oct. 22.

Recording artist and motivational speaker Trevor Hager, a former American Idol contestant, addressed Sigonella’s youth about the pros and cons of social media as well as the importance of living a life of generosity and integrity. The visit was a part of Hager’s anti-bullying campaign sponsored by the faith-based organization, Club Beyond.

“Club Beyond organized a series of tours making it possible for me to speak to kids across Europe, encouraging students to be good to one another and respect one another,” said Hager. “When I was younger, I was bullied really badly and picked on a lot, so for me to be able to be a part of encouraging kids and letting them know they have support and that they can do great things with their lives is very special to me.”

After concluding his remarks, Hager's time inside the Jaguar's gym came to a close. Yet, he wasn’t finished performing for the day. In Midtown's Chart Room later that evening, Hager performed a special concert as students danced and sang along to a series of popular songs like Silento's “Watch me (WHIP/NAE NAE)” before performing music from his own three albums.

“It was a lot of fun,” said Chloe Pollard a student of the DODD School and member of Club Beyond. “I appreciate that he came down here because not a lot of people do.”

Pollard is no stranger to Hager’s music. She said the two of them met earlier this year during a Club Beyond service trip in the Czech Republic.

“I love his music, but not just because I know him,” said Pollard.

After a night of song, dance, group selfies and autographs, Hager is sure to have gained more than a few other fans in sunny Sicily. The singer/songwriter left a lasting impression and a positive message on the hearts and minds of Sigonella’s youth.

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U.S. NAVY HEADLINES October 30, 2015

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CNO visits Naples

A Stroll along the Roman Forum

By Italy Magazine

The Roman Forum was for centuries the center of Rome’s public life. All important social and political events took place here, from elections to public speeches, from triumphal processions to criminal trials, from gladiatorial matches to commercial affairs. Known by the citizens of the time as the Forum Magnum, or simply the Forum (meaning piazza, square), it remained the heart of Rome from the 8th century BC to the 7th century AD. A walk along the Roman Forum is a must for anybody visiting Rome. However, because information panels are practically non-existent, looking at the ruins of the buildings without knowing why they were built and what went on inside may take away from the experience.

That’s why I’d recommend touring the Forum in the company of a local guide. The Forum is framed by the Capitoline Hill on one side and the Palatine Hill on the other. Here are some of the highlights from my visit, beginning at the Capitoline Hill at the north-west end of the Forum. You will be walking along the Via Sacra, ancient Rome’s main street, leading from the Capitoline Hill to the Colosseum passing some of the Forum’s most important buildings. The road was part of the traditional route of the Roman Triumphs, which celebrated the success of military commanders.

On the front slope of the Capitoline Hill is the Tabularium, the repository for official state archives. The large building, which also housed the offices of many city officials, dates to 78 BC. From the 67-meterlong corridor, which is still partly preserved, the arched windows look out over the Forum. The tower was added in the 1300s, while the upper and western parts were demolished

by Michelangelo to work on the design of the Palazzo Senatorio, built atop the Tabularium in the 12th century. Close to the foot of the Capitoline Hill is the Triumphal Arch of Septimius Severus, built in 203 AD to commemorate the victories

of Emperor Septimius Severus and his two sons, Caracalla and Geta, in the wars against the Parthians. Built in brick and travertine, clad with marble slabs, it is a three-way triumphal arch, measuring almost 21 meters in height and 23 meters in width. Triumphal arches were introduced by the Romans to celebrate the military victories of emperors, who would pass below the main arch. To the left of the arch is the Curia Julia, the official meeting place of the Roman Senate. After voting, senators would come out of the building and share their decisions with citizens gathered in the Forum. Construction began in 44 BC under Julius Caesar, but was interrupted following Caesar’s assassination.

It was finished by his successor, Augustus, in 29 BC. The Curia Julia has been well preserved thanks to its conversion into the basilica of Sant’Adriano al Foro in the 7th century.

Many of the temples built in the Roman Forum during the Imperial era (27 B.C. – A.D. 476) were erected to commemorate emperors of Rome who had been particularly influential and popular, and who were deified after death. The temple that began this tradition is the Temple of Caesar, built in honor of Julius Caesar by his adopted son Augustus on the site where the assassinated Caesar had been cremated. Two more temples in the Forum which are well preserved are the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina and the Temple of Romulus.

The first was built by emperor Antoninus Pius in 141 A.D. to honor his deceased wife, Faustina. It was rededicated when he was deified after his death in A.D. 161. It was later converted into the Church of San Lorenzo in Miranda, which incorporated the remains of the original temple. The circular Temple of Romulus was dedicated to Romulus by his father Maxentius, who deified him, in A.D. 307. Today, part of the temple lies within the basilica of Santi Cosma e Damiano. The 4thcentury AD green door is still functioning with the original

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From U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), Adm. John Richardson provides remarks during an all hands call at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples, Oct. 20, 2015. Richardson followed the all hands call with a question and answer session and a meet-and-greet with NSA Naples Sailors. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Robert S. Price/Released) The Roman Forum is one of the must-see monuments in Rome. It is a rectangular forum (plaza) surrounded by the ruins of several important ancient government buildings at the center of the city of Rome. Citizens of the ancient city referred to this space, originally a marketplace, as the Forum Magnum, or simply the Forum. (Photo by https://commons.wikimedia.org) mechanism. The Forum’s most famous and beautiful building, a three-story 50-room palace built around an elegant elongated atrium with a double pool, was the House of the Vestal Virgins. It was the residence of the “Vestali”, a group of six high priestesses, responsible for keeping the sacred fire of Vesta, goddess of fire, alive. As long as her flame was kept burning, it was believed, the Roman civilization would continue. The Vestal Virgins were chosen by the Pontifex Maximus, the chief priest of Rome (who coincided with the emperor starting with Augustus). They had to be of noble Roman birth, between the ages of six and ten, beautiful, and agree to remain virgins for the duration of their time as Vestals – at least 30 years. If

they broke the rule, they would be burned alive. Nobody was allowed to enter the House, but you can today.

Reaching the other end of the Forum, toward the Colosseum, is the largest structure still standing, the Basilica of Maxentius. A triumph of Roman engineering, the Basilica covered an area of 6,500 square meters.

It was divided into a central nave, two lateral aisles, and an atrium. The central vaults were up to 35 meters high, while the Corinthian columns reached a height of 14.5 meters. The floors were covered in marble and geometric patterns, similar to the Pantheon. Construction started in 308 AD by the emperor Maxentius and was later finished by Constantine after he defeated Maxentius in the

Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312 AD. When Constantine legalized the Christian religion, he decided to use the Roman basilica as the model for Christian churches. End your visit 40 meters above the Forum on the Palatine Hill, ancient Rome’s most exclusive neighborhood, the site of the emperors’ opulent palaces. Most of the Palatino is covered today by the ruins of Emperor Domitian's complex, which served as the main imperial palace for 300 years. It is the best way to end your tour because of the memorable views over the Forum (especially from the viewing balcony of the Orti Farnesiani).

For more information and guided tours, visit Rome’s Official Tourist Office at http:// www.turismoroma.it/?lang=en.

NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John Richardson visited Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples, Italy, Oct. 20, to meet with Sailors and answer questions at an all hands call during a scheduled visit to Europe.

This marked Richardson's first time visiting Naples since taking over as Chief of Naval Operations on Sept. 18. Since that time, he has conducted fleet engagements with service members and government officials throughout various regions where the U.S. Navy operates. “[Former CNO Adm. Jonathan] Greenert's tenets were warfighting first, operate forward, and be ready. Who can argue with that? Of course we are going to continue to operate forward.

We will continue to develop our warfighting capability. We have to because that's why we exist.”

“Warfighting is a human endeavor. It is about us trying to out think any potential enemy. So we have to continue to keep our people front and center in what we do. I look around this audience as I have looked at others as I've traveled, and the thing that strikes me is how talented and creative you are.”

“I feel very deeply that our people are front and center.

They are the heart and soul of what we do. All our good ideas originate with people. The execution of those ideas is done by people, so we need to take care of our people as well,” said Adm. John Richardson, Chief of Naval Operations.

Quick Facts: * During the all hands call, Richardson addressed various topics, including: • U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet's (CNECNA/C6F) expanding mission requirements in response to regional concerns throughout Europe and Africa • The importance of keeping an open dialogue with maritime forces from both Russia and China, despite recent world events • The impact that the European migrant crisis is having on naval operations throughout the region • The great work that is being done every day by an intelligent, creative and professional fighting force * Richardson answered questions from Naples-area Sailors about: • Fleet readiness and manning concerns as the operation tempo increases in the CNE-CNA/C6F area of operations • Deployment lengths • The impact of budget constraints on the military • Integrating personal technology such as smart devices into everyday operations * As Chief of Naval Operations, Richardson is the senior military officer in the Department of the Navy. He is responsible to the Secretary of the Navy for the command, utilization of resources, and operating efficiency of the Navy's operating forces and shore activities. * A member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Richardson is the principal naval adviser to the President and is the principal adviser and naval executive to the Secretary of the Navy on the conduct of activities within the Department of the Navy. * U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, overseas and conducts, respectfully, the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/naveur/.

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October 30, 2015

AUTUMN FEST 2015

Let the games begin!

October 30, 2015

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Sigonella Religious Ministries Department Worship Services 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 ROMAN CATHOLIC • Sunday - 9 a.m. Catholic Mass at NAS 1 Chapel • Tuesday - Friday - 11:30 a.m. at NAS 1 or NAS 2 Chapel NIGHT STUDY • AA Meetings - Monday - 5:30 p.m., 2nd Floor at NAS 1 Chapel; Thursday - 7 p.m. at NAS 2 Chapel • AA Family Group - Tuesday - 7 p.m. at NAS 2 Chapel • Tuesday - Italian Class - 7 p.m. at NAS 1 Chapel Classroom • Tuesday - Awana Club - 4:45 p.m at NAS 1 Chapel

LATTER-DAY SAINTS • Sunday - 1:30 p.m. at NAS 1 Chapel Contact: sigonellalds@gmail.com or 624-9049 PROTESTANT WORSHIP SERVICE • Saturday - 6:30 p.m. Contemporary Worship Services • Sunday - 11 a.m. Traditional Worship at NAS 1 Chapel; 6 p.m. Non-Denominational Sunday at NAS 2 Chapel • Wednesday - 7 p.m. Bible Study at NAS 2 PROTESTANT WOMEN OF THE CHAPEL • Tuesdays - 9 a.m. at NAS 1 Fellowship Hall; Thursdays 5 p.m. @ NAS 1 Fellowship Hall

PROTESTANT MEN OF THE CHAPEL • Wednesdays 6 a.m. @ NAS 1 Fellowship Hall CLUB BEYOND • Middle School Club & Small Group Tuesday - 2:45 - 4:45 p.m. at NAS 1 Chapel • High School Club and Small Group Wednesdays - 6 - 8 p.m. at Marinai Home Catholic Religious Education Classes • September - June - 10:30 a.m. at DoDDS Knights of Columbus • First Wednesday of the month - 5 p.m. at NAS 2 Chapel

Weekly Traffic Reports: October 19 - 26, 2015

Ristorante Bella Etna

Breakfast: $3.45 Mon - Fri: 6:30 - 8:30 a.m.

Weekend / Holiday: 7-9 a.m.

Friday Oct. 30 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Grilled Sausage Patties, Chicken Tocino with Garlic Rice Lunch: Turkey Pot Pie, Blackened Cat Fish Speed Line: Freshly Made Pizza Dinner: Salisbury Steak, Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Marinara Sauce

Sunday, Nov. 1 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Grilled Turkey Sausage Links, Oven Fried Bacon Brunch: Eggs to Order, Grilled Turkey Sausage, Oven Fried Bacon, Roast Beef Dinner: Veal Parmesan, Chicken Alfredo with Penne Pasta

Saturday Oct. 31 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Oven Fried Bacon, Corned Beef Hash Brunch: Eggs to Order, Oven Fried Bacon, Corned Beef Hash, Oven Baked Fried Chicken Dinner: Lemon Baked Fish, Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

Monday, Nov. 2 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Oven Fried Bacon, Biscuits & Gravy Lunch: Grilled Pork Chops, Beef Pot Pie, Speed Line: Hand Made Pizzas Dinner: Baked Beef Ravioli, Oven Baked Chicken

Lunch: $5.55 Mon - Fri: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Weekend / Holiday: 11 a.m. -1 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 3 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Chicken Tocino with Garlic Rice, Sausage Patties Lunch: Cantonese Spareribs, Grilled Chicken in Orange Sauce, Speed Line: Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich Dinner: Fishwich with French Fries, Homemade Lasagna Wednesday, Nov. 4 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Oven Fried Bacon, Creamed Ground Beef on Toast Lunch: Roast Turkey, Oven Baked Catfish Speed Line: All American Grilled Burgers Dinner: Grilled Turkey and Swiss Cheese Sandwich, Home Made Meatloaf

Dinner: $4.85 Mon - Fri: 4:30 - 6 p.m.

Weekend / Holiday: 4:30 -6 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 5 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Oven Fried Bacon, Corned Beef Hash Lunch: New England Pot Roast, Oven Roasted Pork Chops Speed Line: Pasta Bar with choice of Freshly Made Pasta Sauce Dinner: Spaghetti Alfredo, Hand Breaded Baked Fish Friday, Nov. 6 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Oven fried Bacon, Chicken Tocino with Garlic Rice Lunch: Simmered Corned Beef, Shepherd's Pie Speed Line: Freshly Made Pizza Dinner: Pasta Al Forno, Oven Fried Chicken Fillet Sandwich

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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October 30, 2015

GAME ZONE Hockey

By Nicole Ybarra NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and accordingly, NAS Sigonella security forces conducted a scenario-based domestic violence for first responders training, Oct. 20, at Marinai Housing. While domestic violence response training is required general military training (GMT), Chief Delilah Clymer, head of training for security, feels that the scenario-based training is more engaging and effective for Sailors.

During the eight-hour training, 56 security force members responded to domestic disturbance calls at two houses at Marinai. The training involved actual role players, including children, which provided Sailors with valuable hands-on experience on how to respond to an actual domestic disturbance call.

According to Clymer, the training goals are two-fold: “This training is valuable because it forces Sailors to become aware of their own anxieties as the responding patrolman. It cause them to feel that stress and then provides them the necessary tools to deescalate the situation so that both the responder and people involved can walk away safely,” explained Clymer.

Another vital piece to the training was participation by Elizabeth Walther, Representative from the Family Advocacy Program (FAP), which provides services to the family following an incident of domestic violence. “It was a wonderful opportunity for us to learn from each other. I was able to educate Security about the FAP, offer suggestions and ideas to increase awareness and sensitivity when responding to families while at the same time I learned a lot about the challenges Security faces when responding to these types of calls. I am excited to continue our collaboration to provide a coordinated response to domestic violence in the NASSIG community,” said Walther.

After observing the scenario, Walther assessed the MA’s response and identified actions with the potential to escalate the situation. “As first responders, we have a badge and a gun. This can cause people to be anxious and aggressive; it’s human nature. Particularly when small children are involved, we have the potential to react emotionally. It is important to stay objective despite personal feelings or biases,” advised Clymer.

A base of comparable size to NAS SIG with base housing can expect to respond to two or three domestic disturbance calls per week. The training department holds weekly meetings with the installation team

to involve the fire department and medical. Tenant commands and CDO/ACDOs are also encouraged and invited to participate as they are often first to respond to a domestic disturbance situation. The training

concluded successfully and empowered Sailors with the tools necessary to respond to a domestic violence situation. “We need to train together so we can respond well together,” said Clymer.

LINESMAN MISCONDUCT NHL OFFENSE OFFICIALS OFFSIDE OVERTIME PASS PENALTIES PENALTY BOX PERIOD PLAYER POINT POKE CHECK POWER PLAY PUCK RED LINE

REFEREE ROUGHING SAVE SCORE SKATES SLAPSHOT SLASHING SLOT SPEARING STANLEY CUP SUSPENSION TIME-OUT TRIPPING WHISTLE WINGS WRIST SHOT ZAMBONI ZONES

MEDIUM

Security holds domestic violence for first responders training

FACE-OFF FOREWARD FOUL GAME GLOVES GOALPOST GOALTENDER HAT TRICK HELMET HOLDING HOOKING ICE RINK ICING JERSEY KNEEING LEAGUE LINE CHANGE

EASY

NAS Sigonella Security Department conducted a domestic violence for first responders, scenario-based training, Oct. 20. Security patrolmen assessed and resolved different scenarios during the training exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ramon Go/Released)

ARENA ASSIST BLUE LINE BOARDING BOARDS BODY CHECK BREAKAWAY CENTER CHARGING CONTACT CREASE DEFENSEMEN DEKE EJECTION ELBOWING ENFORCER FACE MASK

DIFFICULT

Find and circle all of the Hockey words that are hidden in the grid.

The remaining letters spell a secret message - a Rodney Dangerfield quotation.

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October 30, 2015

Apartment in villa, 3 bedrooms, kitchen, living/dining room, garden, 2 car spaces, super panoramic, view of Via Grande.

Cell. 339-330-2706, krugher1962@gmail.com

A Vietnamese helicopter in a jungle clearing, just after dropping off AFN's MC2 (SW) Billy Ho on his mission to account for U.S. Service members currently listed as POW or MIA since the Vietnam War (Photo courtesy of DPAA)

“HOME” continued from Page 4 reach our destination, which made it nearly impossible to get our equipment to the site by foot.

Thankfully, our Vietnamese counterparts provided us with an alternate solution: helicopter. The 10-minute helo ride got us through the first obstacle of our mission, though the real danger was yet to come.

We landed on a mountainside, a temporary landing zone, which was recently cleared by local workers. The actual site was still about a 20-minute hike away. During our journey, the jungle quickly engulfed us in thick brush and hundred-foot trees. The rocky trail, slippery from moisture and morning fog, was only about two feet wide. It was 9 a.m., but the trail was still dark with the sun barely peeking through the canopy’s thick brush. The temperature was already more than 90 degrees with 100 percent humidity. Our clothes were soaking wet. Suddenly, and without warning, we were under attack by a swarm of bugs. They came from nowhere and were soon in our eyes, ears and clothes.

Still, I had been bracing for my biggest fear: snakes. To make matters worse, the most poisonous snake in the region is a master at camouflage. Before we arrived, a four-foot long, green and white-lipped viper silently wrapped itself around a tree branch about seven feet up. A bite of this kind can result in intense pain, swelling, necrosis of the flesh, and in some cases, severe systemic bleeding. At first glance, I froze, overcome by fear. I wanted to scream but nothing came out. On the contrary, the locals were overjoyed. They drew their machetes and cheered each other on and in less than a minute the dangerous snake became the next meal for local workers. My fear vanished. By mission’s end I dispatched a grand total of six centipedes and one pit viper with a bamboo stick.

We finally arrived at the crash site where we saw scattered pieces of wreckage everywhere.

This is where Americans may have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their nation. Now it was up to me to try and find them and bring them home.

“This is it. This is what I’m here for,” I thought.

The excavation began the following day. We took turns performing digging duties in pairs.

Those of us not assigned to digging were on one of two stations sifting dirt through screens for personal belongings and remains. One American and one local worker were assigned to each screen. My team would ask me to translate at times but most of the time sign language worked just fine. We put everything we found in buckets so our anthropologist, Dr. Nicholas Passalacqua, whom we all called “Nick,” could analyze them.

It did not take long for me to find a tooth-like object. My heart skipped a beat. And without delay, I dashed to Nick for confirmation. Everyone stopped what they were doing to see the result. “It’s a rock,” said Nick. “Keep looking, better luck next time!” With a bit of disappointment, I went back to my screen and resumed searching.

For 21 days, our team, including 40 local workers, cleared more than 5,000 square feet of jungle, screened thousands of buckets of dirt and rock, and recovered hundreds of pounds of aircraft wreckage. In the end, we were unsuccessful in finding any remains; however, we narrowed down the search and provided evidence and useful information for the next recovery team.

It has been almost half a century since the end of the Vietnam War but the memories of those who sacrificed their lives for the country they loved will never be forgotten. It was a great honor to be a part of the DPAA’s recovery efforts and together my team and I lived up to the agency’s motto, “Fulfilling Our Nation’s Promise.” As of today, there are more than 1,600 Vietnam War POW/MIAs still unaccounted for.

Editor’s Note: MC2 Ho deployed to Vietnam in May 2015. He currently works at the American Forces Network (AFN) Broadcast Center in Riverside, Calif., where he works as a TV production operator. Ho gives a touch of home to U.S. forces, DoD civilians and their families stationed or deployed overseas and aboard U.S. Navy ships. AFN provides viewers with stateside news, sports and entertainment as well as timely and immediate force protection advisories and in-depth Department of Defense information.

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October is Energy Action Month From NAS Sigonella Public Works Department

When one thinks of October, they probably think of falling leaves, cooling temperatures, and even Halloween.

What you might not know is that October is also Energy Action Month. Energy Action Month, as designated by our Commander-in-Chief, is a federal program that promotes efficient energy practices with the view that optimizing our energy use is critical to each federal agency's mission success.

To that end, the Department of the Navy (DoN) is championing Energy Action Month. To effectively support the 80,000 facilities and nearly two million acres of land, the DoN works to minimize energy consumption, reduce energy expenditures and utilize alternative energy resources and environmentally sustainable technologies where it is reasonable, affordable, and practical to do so.

While energy efficiency is good for the bottom line, it also provides the DoN with three tactical advantages: Combat Advantage-optimizing energy use is a force multiplier that can increase range, endurance, and payload.

Strategic Advantage-diversifying our energy sources arms us with operational flexibility and strengthens our ability to provide presence, turning the table on those who would use energy as a weapon against us.

Force Protection Advantage-using energy efficiently takes fuel convoys off the road and limits the amount of time out ships are tied to oilers at sea, reducing vulnerabilities to Sailors.

While energy efficiency is good for the DoN as a whole, our installations are also key in enabling combat operations and the conservation of energy is essential in ensuring the viability of those operations. No impactful change is possible without the combined efforts of each and every Sailor.

To date, several installations have already taken the initiative and are leading the way in energy conservation.

Naval Base Kitsap has begun to replace their lightbulbs with light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs. The new lighting uses approximately half of the energy and is highly directional, which allows fixtures to provide light only where it is needed, reducing energy waste.

A second standout installation supporting energy efficiency is Naval Support Activity Mid-South. There, Sailors identified a number of appliances and pieces of equipment that were left on at night, including TV's, fish tanks, and space heaters. The elimination of these un-authorized plug loads produced a 10% reduction of energy consumption and resulted in $100,000 in savings for the base over the fiscal year.

Though Energy Action Month only takes place in October, we must realize that energy action is a daily effort year-round. If you have ideas on how we can continue to reduce energy consumption, please go to http://cnic.navy.mil/energy (still being worked on) to share them. Each individual voice counts and every effort makes a difference. You can also go to the Navy Installations Command's FB page https://www.facebook.com/navybrite where you can find resources and energy efficiency best practices. An increased awareness of energy efficiency during the month of October will shape behaviors that last throughout the year.

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