October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month Nurture Healthy Relationships
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Every Second Counts
Bird Battle
Have 2 Ways Out
War Eagles Versus the "Other" Birds
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N A S SIG O N E L L A
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OCTOBER 6, 2017
Vol. 34 No. 37
U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella to transition to outpatient clinic with same-day surgeries, birthing capabilities maintained By Lt. Tammy Nguyen U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella Public Affairs Office
SIGONELLA, Italy –U.S. Naval Hospital (USNH) Sigonella will transition to an outpatient clinic Oct. 1, 2018, maintaining same-day surgical services. Maternal care and birthing capabilities will be available for women who are low risk and are expected to have uncomplicated births, consistent with what is offered at other Navy Medicine clinic commands. Emergency, outpatient and ancillary services will also remain unchanged. The shift to outpatient services, preventive care and wellness better aligns with the health care needs of the service members in the region who are generally healthy and is part of the Department of Defense’s (DoD) ongoing efforts to ensure the readiness of our service members and their families by optimizing military health care facilities across the globe, including those in Europe. The ongoing optimization of U.S. military treatment facilities ensures quality care is available to all beneficiaries, whether care is provided at an outpatient clinic or at a TRICARE network facility. “Keeping the Navy and Marine Corps family ready, healthy and on the job remains our top priority. Whether care is provided at USNH Sigonella, or at one of our Italian TRICARE network facilities, access to care for our service members and their families is not changing. We will continue to provide full-service primary and specialty care, same-day surgeries and welcome new babies into the world,” said Capt. Kim Lefebvre, commanding officer, USNH Sigonella. “When a service member or a member of their family requires care that exceeds capabilities at the naval hospitals, their primary care manager will determine the best plan of care which may include referrals to the TRICARE network in Italy, or to other military treatment facilities,” said Lefebvre. TRANSITION TO OUTPATIENT CLINIC 2-2-2 ”The Navy’s commitment to ensuring Sailors, Marines and their families will never change,” said Rear Adm. Anne Swap, commander, Navy Medicine East (NME), the organization with regional oversight of Navy Medicine eastern hemisphere, which includes USNH Naples and Sigonella. USNH Sigonella leadership and staff are partnering
U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella at NAS 1. (Photo by MC2 Ramon Go)
closely with host nation health care facilities to ensure the best experience possible for all our patients by providing patient liaisons, case managers, and translation services to support continuity of care and to help address cultural differences in the experience of care. In addition to the close collaboration with its Italian counterparts, USNH Sigonella providers will conduct daily rounds on all DoD patients hospitalized at host nation hospitals. Any medical care not able to be provided at USNH Sigonella will be coordinated under the TRICARE Overseas Program. This Defense Health Agency program ensures health care is delivered by vetted, credentialed overseas providers even in the most austere locations. All network providers are required to meet accreditation standards specific to the host nation, and are
Capt. Brent Trickel, commanding officer of Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, signs a Domestic Violence Awareness Month proclamation at the Fleet and Family Support Center on NAS 1. The proclamation states: Domestic Violence Awareness Month is intended to inform the community about the damage caused to individuals, children, long-term health, work productivity and community safety from domestic violence and engage the community in preventing domestic violence. This month’s motto is “Be the Change” and also encourages people to show their support by wearing purple on Thursdays to spread domestic violence awareness. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Gordon/Released)
required to have certification and recertification programs to ensure the delivery of quality care. This includes, but is not limited to, organizational and individual provider credentials and processes to evaluate health care quality, safety and compliance. USNH Sigonella is located in the heart of the Mediterranean in Sicily, Italy. The command encompasses the main facility with a satellite clinic and two branch clinics located in Souda Bay, Greece and the Kingdom of Bahrain. The 400 staff members of USNH Sigonella provide high quality, patient-centered care to approximately 7,000 active duty, family members, retirees operational and NATO forces, and other eligible patients through international collaboration and status of force agreements. For more information, visit: www.med.navy.mil/ sites/sigonella.
Capt. Brent Trickel, commanding officer of Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, poses for a group photo in front of a Domestic Violence Awareness Month proclamation with the staff of NAS Sigonella’s Fleet and Family Support Center. The proclamation states: All citizens should become involved in supporting their colleagues, neighbors and friends by utilizing resources to prevent domestic violence and should create partnerships among leadership, social service agencies, schools, faith-based communities, civic organizations and law enforcement agencies to address domestic violence. This month’s motto is “Be the Change” and also encourages people to show their support by wearing purple on Thursdays to spread domestic violence awareness. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Gordon/Released)
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Direct Line
Lt. Cmdr. Jason M. Constantine, NAS Sigonella Command Chaplain Greetings, Sigonella. Last month the Religious Ministry Department (RMD) joined the Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC), Suicide Prevention Coordinators (SPCs), and other mental and emotional health specialists in an education program to spread suicide awareness and provide Sailors, Marines, Airmen, and Soldiers with tools and guidance to help prevent suicide related incidents. As part of this program to #BeThereforEverySailorEveryDay, this team of specialists joined units for PT and offered some hip-pocket training that outlined steps to take in our goal to prevent suicide: Ask, Keep Them Safe, Be There, Follow-Up, and Help Them Stay Connected. We also used these opportunities to share information about the Sailor Assistance and Intercept for Life (SAIL) program, which became available Navy-wide just this year. It was a successful month with a lot of contact time between our civilian specialists and our military personnel. Simply because Suicide Prevention Month has come to a close,
doesn’t mean we should set what we’ve learned on the shelf or be less vigilant in caring for each other. I suggest the opposite. With this enhanced knowledge, let us be more vigilant in caring for each other every day of the year. Now that we’ve been introduced to the resources available to us, let’s use the resources and help others who could need them get these resources. The FFSC, our units’ SPCs, and the Hospital all are excellent resources for those struggling with suicide or even just going through a rough time in life. The RMD will continue to offer resources in suicide prevention through the Chaplain Religious Enrichment Development Operation (CREDO) continues to offer monthly Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) workshops as well as SafeTalk classes on-demand through the Housing Office. Units and departments are certainly welcome to contact our CREDO Facilitator, Mr. Rich Graves, to set-up their own workshops. You can reach Mr. Graves at x5231 or contact the NAS I Chapel Offices at x3975. Of course, your NASSIG Chaplains are
always ready to listen and offer you support through confidential communication as well as spiritual and religious guidance. October kicks off Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Just as with last month, the FFSC is spreading awareness for another very important issue. Help “Be the Change” by supporting healthy, abuse-free relationships and participating in “Purple Thursdays” by wearing purple on Thursdays in October. The FFSC will also have a resource table at the entrance of the Commissary from 1100-1300 every Tuesday providing information and resources to help prevent domestic violence in our community. As is no surprise to anyone who knows me, I receive great personal inspiration from the Bible. One short verse that reminds me of my duty to care for others comes from the fourth chapter of Genesis. God asked Cain where his brother was. Cain replied, “I do not know; am I my brother’s
keeper?” Although God does not answer Cain’s question directly, the context of essentially the rest of Bible, answers Cain’s question with a definitive, “Yes.” This is simply one of many inspirational thoughts that I keep in mind to remind me that I am to care for others. Being aware of suicide related behaviors and emotional distress and then doing something to care for another when you detect such behaviors or distress in them is simply the right thing to do.
Commanding Officer's Suggestion Box The ICE/CO Suggestion Box is for our community and Commanding Officer to discuss, with an eye toward constant improvement, how we are excelling* and how we can improve**. The community is strongly encouraged to leave contact information when submitting comments. This ensures that a response will come directly to you. The Signature and NASSIG Facebook Page typically publish comments and responses for the benefit of the Sigonella community. Comments/suggestions are useful when objective, constructive, and specific. ICE/CO Suggestion Box is NOT a forum for mean-spirited attacks. Anonymous comments will be published only if they benefit the greater community at large. * If you submit a "BZ" about a specific person or department, PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR NAME in order to ensure comment authenticity and therefore publicly recognize employees or organizations. ** The Commanding Officer will ensure a response to all signed comments/suggestions and the vast majority of anonymous ones but reserves the right to disregard those comments/suggestions disinterested in the spirit of the program! There are two ways to submit; go to: 1) Interactive Customer Evaluation (ICE) home page on a One-Net computer at: http://ice.disa.mil, All Sigonella services are found under the Navy Europe Listing in the scroll-down menu. – or – 2) NAS Sigonella's website www.cnic.navy.mil/Sigonella, go to the "About" drop down menu and click on "CO Suggestion Box".
Interactive Customer Evaluation Comment regarding “NAS II Pool Hours”:
The NAS II is only available for PT three days per week. I would like to make a recommendation to open the pool on Saturday and Sunday afternoons to eliminate the need to travel to NAS I to swim.
Response:
Thank you for your feedback and patronage of the MWR swimming pools as well as your recommendation. Unfortunately we are unable to open the NAS II pool on Saturdays and Sundays due to funding constraints. The FY17 Operations Plan and budget authorizes operation of only one swimming pool for the NAS Sigonella community. Currently, MWR is operating under a waiver to maintain limited hours of operation at two swimming pools. We understand a majority of the active duty population is berthed on NAS II which is one of the reasons MWR offers lap swim at the NAS II Flight Line Pool
three days per week. However to offer pool services to the entire community (including access for the swim team) we cannot expand the hours at NAS II at this time. Questions or concerns regarding MWR Fitness, Sports or Aquatics program may be directed to the MWR Fitness Director, Bill Gatlin. He can be reached at 624-0504 (or +39-095-56-0504) or via email at william.gatlin@ eu.navy.mil
Comment regarding “Security ticketing procedures”:
In May I was involved in a backing up incident in the Commissary parking lot. Following the incident myself and the other party involved made statements with Security Department. At the time it seemed that we would
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THE SIGNATURE U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA
Name: Electronics Technician
2nd Class Nisha Mittiga Hometown: New York Department: CNE DET MAST
Orbiting from 1,240 to 22,240 miles above the earth, satellites communicate information to and from different locations around the globe, with signals travelling at almost instant speeds. Sailors like Electronics Technician 2nd Class Nisha Mittiga keep teams all across Europe and Africa connected to
those satellites, as well as to radio systems on the ground. “So I utilize at least 7 different types of radio systems, and those can serve up to 250 customer depending on the need,” said Mittiga. “I also work with the Information Technicians to make sure their servers, printers, laptops, or anything else gets the service it needs.” As well as working onboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, Mittiga and the Sailors she works with constantly deploy all around Europe and Africa. Mittiga herself has made stops
"ICE" continued from Page 2 both be issued citations, however I later discovered after being contacted by my insurance that only I had been issued a ticket. Later, I returned to Security after speaking about the matter with ENS Kentzell to submit a supplemental statement to be given to my insurance. While there I again spoke to the Chief of the Security personnel who were working with us on the day of the incident, and he was unreceptive to my situation. I am upset that I was told by Security personnel there would be one outcome, when in actuality something else occurred.
Response:
Thank you for making me aware of this and giving me an opportunity to review the situation. In incidents like these initially it can be difficult to determine who is at fault, ultimately upon further investigation into your case enough evidence was found to conclude that you were the responsi-
in Germany, Ukraine, Spain and Norway, and spent between 20 – 28 days on site. “We get deployed all the time, and tend to have about a month back here in Sigonella before being deployed again,” said Mittiga. “We’re a command of about 25 people but we always get the job done.” On top of her normal work, Mittiga also works as treasurer for her command’s special organization, named Mighty Mouse Petty Officer Association, helping with fundraisers and participating in events like Autumn Fest. “Anytime a volunteer opportunity comes up I am there as much as possible,” said Mittiga. “Like the breast cancer run they did last year I plan on helping out again this year as well.” When she isn’t working or volunteering, Mittiga loves going out and hiking. With all of the local areas to hike, including all the trails near and on Mt. Etna, Mittiga keeps herself busy. She also likes to go fishing and swimming when she isn’t hiking. “I come from New York City where its just iron, brick and steal, that’s all you see everywhere,” said Mittiga. “I come over here and see farmlands, the mountains, the sea—it’s breathtaking to see so many beautiful landscapes. It’s really peaceful, even the house I have in Motta has a view of the hills.”
ble party due to inattentive backing. When you came into the NAS II Security Building to file your supplemental statement and spoke with the on duty Watch Commander it was explained to you that the statement you were filing was for you to send to your insurance company to dispute the claim against you. You were also told by the Watch Commander that you were found at fault for the accident and the reason why. I would like to take this opportunity" to remind the Sigonella community that extra caution is required when maneuvering in parking lots. There can be cars approaching from many unexpected directions and the presence of pedestrians can be distracting as well. Please understand that our professionals at Security are dedicated to providing the best service possible to our community. There may be incidents, such as yours, that are initially obscure and take some time to investigate and examine all the details surrounding the case. If you have any further questions feel free to contact the Security Operations Officer, ENS Kentzell at 624-2491 or the Security Operations LCPO, MACS Laines at 624-7142.
Commanding Officer Capt. Brent Trickel Executive Officer Cmdr. Patrick J. Moran Command Master Chief CMDCM Nancy Estrada EDITORIAL Public Affairs Officer Lt. Andriana Genualdi andriana.genualdi@eu.navy.mil Community Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil Editor MCC Jessica Vargas Jessica.Vargas@eu.navy.mil PAO Staff Writer \ Photographer MC2 Christopher Gordon Christopher.Gordon@eu.navy.mil CONTACT US Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily thesig@eu.navy.mil DSN 624-5440; 095-86-5440 PSC 812 Box 7, FPO, AE 09627-0001 PUBLISHER Stampa Generale S.r.l., Sig. Bruno Brandi, Publisher, Naval Support Activity Capodichino (Naples), Italy stampagenerale@tin.it Tel. 081-568-7884 Fax 081-568-7887 This civilian enterprise (CE) newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services overseas. Contents of The Signature are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense (DoD), or the U.S. Navy. The appearance of advertising in this newspaper, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DoD or Stampa Generale S.r.l., of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factorof the purchaser, user or patron. A confirmed violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. The Signature is published weekly by Stampa Generale S.r.l., Sig. Bruno Brandi, Publisher, Naval Support Activity, Capodichino (Naples), Italy. Tel. 081-568-7884. Fax 081-568-7887. E-mail: stampagenerale@tin.it. Editorial submissions are welcomed from all Naval Air Station Sigonella departments, divisions and tenant commands. Editorial submissions should be sent to the Public Affairs Office via thesig@eu.navy. mil, guard mail stop #68 or hand-delivered to our office no later than the close of business on the Friday proceeding the expected publication date. All articles submitted by non-staff members will be considered contributing writers. The Signature will not publish any anonymous articles. All advertisements in this publication are the property of Stampa Generale S.r.l. Any reproduction of advertisements in The Signature is unauthorized without the written consent of the publisher.
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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Nurture Healthy Relationships From the Fleet and Family Support Center
In life what you tend to and nurture will grow and flourish. Whether that is your tomato garden, video-game skills or your friends and family, is up to you. Relationships, like gardens, take some work and care to make sure they are a positive and healthy part of your life. When things in life get challenging, stressors can build and conflicts can escalate, sometimes leading to abuse. To avoid the risk of abuse entering any of your relationships, it's best to follow Benjamin Franklin's advice, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Preventing domestic abuse is basic relationship maintenance. Couples with healthy relationships didn't just hit the relationship lottery. Partners in healthy relationships work together every day, taking care to prevent any trouble and tending to issues when they occur. What do healthy relationships look like? Relationships should be safe, respectful and positive. Relationships should be safe Feeling safe in a relationship, both physically and emotionally, is essential. Build a safe environment with your partner. • Commit to your relationship completely. It takes two people working together to make a relationship work well. • Trust your partner. Give each other the benefit of the doubt and accept your partner's word as true. • Be kind to one another. When you talk to one another, watch your tone of voice and body language. Always speak positively about your spouse to others. • Fight fair. Use nonviolent conflict resolution. It's OK to feel angry and to share those feelings with your partner. Emotional and physical abuse is never OK. Listen to each other and really hear what your partner is feeling. Find common ground and work together for a solution you both find acceptable. • Forgive, own your mistakes and apologize. Forgive your partner when he or she owns a mistake and apologize in the same way you would want your partner to treat you. Every couple faces relationship problems at some point. Working through problems in a healthy way can strengthen the relationship. Relationships should be respectful Respecting your partner is one of the fundamental ways to show love.
• Respect each other's physical and emotional boundaries. Your partner is an individual and has the right to decide how to be touched and how to feel. No one has the right to dismiss or disregard another person's boundaries and feelings. • Ask, don't expect. Sometimes we take our partners for granted. Remember, your partner doesn't owe you servitude. Use those magic words, please and thank you. Common courtesy goes a long way to making another person feel respected. • Be honest, don't manipulate. Respect your partner enough to tell him or her how you feel. Learn to accept how your partner feels and reacts. • Compromise and make joint decisions. When big decisions arise in life, work through them and decide on them together. Considering each other's concerns, feelings and opinions will make the outcome better for you as a couple. • Hear your partner. Listen to your partner with your full attention, even if you disagree with what he or she is saying. Everyone wants to feel that they have been heard and this is a great way to build understanding between you. Relationships should be positive Put effort into your relationships. Make sure you are adding enjoyment to your partner's life and let your partner know what you need to be happy and fulfilled. • Support your partner. Help each other toward
life goals or dreams. Work as a team, just the two of you against the world. Relationships grow stronger when teamwork toward a common goal is involved. • Encourage each other. You are your partner's cheerleader. When you were children, your parents had that role. As an adult, your partner takes on that role. • Be a good example for your children. Children learn about relationships by watching the people they know best. Set an example for your children by practicing healthy relationship skills with your spouse or partner. • Enjoy life together. That's what this is all about, enjoying life with your favorite person. Continue to enjoy or rediscover the spark that brought you together. Keep that in the forefront of your mind. Find things to do together that bring out the fun in life. Talk with your spouse or partner and decide to work together to create and maintain a healthy relationship. Remember that you don't have to navigate this alone. The Family Advocacy Program helps individuals, couples and families develop healthy relationship skills and address common relationship and parenting challenges during every stage of life. Learn more about healthy relationships by contacting the Fleet and Family Support Center at DSN: 624-4291, Commercial: 095 56 4291. Adapted from www.militaryonesource.com
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Sigonella Marines, Sailors Attend Gravina di Catania FIDAPA's Event to Remember Domestic Violence Victims Photo & Story by Alberto Lunetta
GRAVINA DI CATANIA, Sicily - On September 28, a delegation of CLB-6 female Marines and Sailors, led by Chaplain Mark Coker, attended the "Red Bench, United against violence on women" event at Gravina di Catania’s public gardens. The initiative was organized by Patrizia Costa, the President of the Gravina di Catania chapter of the FIDAPA (International Federation of Business and Professional Women) to raise awareness and stop violence against women. The event was attended by Gravina Mayor Dr. Domenico Rapisarda, a group of local high school students, and the local civilian and police authorities. The event was filled with painful emotions as two mothers of domestic violence victims addressed the audience encouraging the reporting of assaults and pointing out that domestic violence can be physical but also verbal or emotional and often involves intimidation. During the event, participants unveiled a red bench, symbolizing blood of the victims, dedicated to women who were killed by partners and husbands. In 2017, Sigonella Marines took part in two other “Red Bench” projects held in Linguaglossa and Fiumefreddo.
Fall festivals kick off in Sicily Story by Alberto Lunetta The fall season has finally arrived! Several Sicilian towns will host a plethora of fall festivals. Ottobrata (Oktoberfest) began last Sunday, Oct.1, in the Zafferana historic center featuring food and arts and crafts stalls (piazza della Regione, piazza Umberto, via Roma and adjoining roads), as well as live music and shows that will be held throughout the day. The sagra (festival) will continue on every Sunday in October (Oct. 8, 15, 22 and 29). Zafferana is a beautiful town nestled on the eastern slopes of Etna whose name derives from the Arabic word za'faran (yellow) for its proximity to woods that are rich in yellowish saffron and brooms. Festival goers can sample fresh local produce including honey, wine, grapes, chestnuts, mushrooms, ricotta cheese, pistachios, apples, jam, fruit, and sweets. Make sure you also taste the traditional Siciliana, a fried calzone filled with tuma (cheese) and either anchovies or ham. For more information, directions and detailed schedules, visit http://www.ottobrata.it/ Floresta, an enchanting hilltop town in the Nebrodi mountains (Messina province), will also host a festival celebrating the start of fall on every Sunday in October. Highlights include food booths offering tasting of "Vasola a Crucchittu" (beans), Casal floresta provola cheese (also available in lemon flavor), ricotta cheese, black Nebrodi salami and prosciutto, and castrato lamb as well as entertainment. For more information, directions and detailed schedules, visit https://www.facebook.com/comunedifloresta.it/?hc_ref=ARS3MrgrWH2bvz9yqi7SKJ3wEQl0Ajrww kulIVNtorlbzbZHRKmOBxazxnWhVuzcE1M&fref=nf In Cesarò, the 18th edition of the “Sagra del Suino Nero e del Fungo Porcino dei Nebrodi” (Nebrodi Black Pig and Porcino Mushroom Festival) will be held this weekend (Oct. 7/8) and on Oct, 14 and 15 in Cesarò at the town's public gardens (villa Aldo Moro). The event will celebrate the mouthwatering Nebrodi Black Pig and the Porcino mushroom. The Nebrodi black pig's presence in the Nebrodi woods dates back to the Greek period of Carthage (VIII -VI sec. to. C.). This animal is a wild pig, similar to the wild boar, that lives in a free state feeding on the foods found in the covered grounds of the woods. Delicious prosciutto, salami and sausages are made from its meat after it is cured with salt. Nebrodi Black Pig is one of the 28 Sicilian "presìdi slow food" (protected breed threatened with extinction). As reported by slowfoodfoundation.org, Slow Food "Presìdi" indeed sustains quality production at risk of extinction, protects unique regions and ecosystems, recovers traditional processing methods, and safeguards native breeds and local plant varieties.
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Energy Action = Mission Success for Energy Action Month 2017 From Chief of Naval Operations Energy and Environmental Readiness Division
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Since 2012, October has been designated Energy Action Month, a celebration of energy as a pillar of the nation's economy and a time to recognize the role individual Americans can play in reducing energy waste. The Department of the Navy's Energy Action Month theme for this year is, "Energy Action = Mission Success." The theme makes the point that energy is integral to the sea service's ability to maintain forward presence at sea, operate sensors that detect threats and help protect our forces, and conduct the full range of missions from humanitarian assistance/disaster relief (HADR) to high-end combat operations. "The decisions Sailors and civilians make about energy use on a daily basis can have a direct impact on how far we steam, how often we refuel, and how long can we stay in the fight," said CAPT Carl Lahti, director of the Chief of Naval Operations Energy and Environmental Readiness Division. "Energy Action Month reminds us of that responsibility and can help us focus on ways to improve our energy consumption." The Department of Defense (DoD) is the largest single consumer of energy in the United States. The Navy accounts for over one quarter of DoD's petroleum use. Throughout the month of October, the Navy is demonstrating its commitment to energy resiliency through awareness and outreach campaigns. Electronic and hard copy posters highlighting the theme are circulating Fleet-wide, and Navy social media channels will feature stories, videos, and tips
for energy conservation afloat and ashore. All U.S. Navy vessels depend on hull coatings and regular hull cleanings to reduce drag from buildup that would otherwise degrade hydrodynamics and miles per gallon at sea, affecting speed and range. While ships equipped with technologies such energy dashboards, LED lighting, and hybrid propulsion systems like USS Makin Island (LHD 8) and USS America (LHA 6) have more "tools in the toolkit" to actively manage their energy consumption, each Navy ship can employ best practices such as turning off lights in unused spaces, using trail shaft (i.e., one or more engines secured) when operationally safe to do so, and completing routine
maintenance on shipboard systems to get the maximum combat capability from the fuel in their tanks. Ashore, personnel at naval facilities can take advantage of energy saving tips on the Chief of Naval Installations Energy Action Month page at https:// cnic.navy.mil/om/energy-action-month/energytips.html. To learn more about Energy Action Month and download outreach materials, visit http://greenfleet.dodlive.mil/energy/energy-action-month/. Receive the latest Navy energy updates by following us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ navalenergy and Twitter at www.twitter.com/ navalenergy.
NAVSUP Announces 2017 Holiday Season Mailing Deadlines From Naval Supply Systems Command Office of Corporate Communications
PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 11, 2017) Sailors and Marines sort mail in hanger bay of the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) during a replenishmentat-sea. Bonhomme Richard is the flagship of its expeditionary strike group, which is operating in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to enhance partnerships and be a ready-response force for any type of contingency. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Diana Quinlan/Released)
MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (NNS) -- Naval Supply Systems Command, in cooperation with the U.S Postal Service, Military Postal Service Agency, and Joint Military Postal Activity, released mail-by dates for pre-Dec. 25 deliveries of holiday cards, letters, and packages. For mail addressed to/from: APO/FPO/DPO AE zips 090-098 (except 093); AA zips 340; AP zips 962-966 * Priority Mail Express Military Service: Dec. 16 * First-Class and Priority Mail (letters, cards and packages): Dec. 11 * Space Available Mail: Nov. 27 * USPS Retail Ground Mail (formerly known as Standard Post): Nov. 6 APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIP 093 * Priority Mail Express Military Service: N/A * First-Class and Priority Mail (letters, cards and packages): Dec. 4 * Space Available Mail: Nov. 27 * USPS Retail Ground Mail (formerly known as Standard Post): Nov. 6 Domestic Mail (For Ships in Port and Personnel on Shore Duty in the U.S. mailing to U.S. destinations-not including APO/FPO) * First-Class Mail: Dec. 19 * Priority Mail: Dec. 20 * Priority Express Mail: Dec. 22 International First-Class Packages and Priority Mail addressed to Africa and
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Plea
Pola
ARTICLE by L Photos by Lt. Genuald
Over the Labor Day weekend some friends and I decided to travel to Poland to see the sights before it got too cold. We decided to head to the capitol city of Warsaw. Warsaw is a newer looking city because it was significantly bombed during World War II, so it’s a bit different from visiting other centuries-old European cities. While there we spent quite a bit of time in the old town, which is surrounded by a wall with a fortified gate called a barbican. The Warsaw Barbican is a popular tourist attraction and it was actually rebuilt following WWII because it was mostly destroyed along with a good part of old town. You can walk along the wall for quite a way as you circle old town, and from there you can get a good sense of how it must have been used to defend the city. Also in old town is Sigismund's Column, located in the castle square. The column has Kind Sigismund III on top of it and sits across from the royal castle where the monarchs of Poland used to live. It’s a good meeting spot as most people know where it is. From the castle square you can walk south along the “Royal Way” and see many beautiful buildings, churches, and monuments, including the Nicolaus Copernicus monument. Co-
pernicus is the famous Pol a model of the universe w rather than the earth. His m it actually has the orbits of inlaid into the stone surrou We also made the time we were in town. While p of pierogies when they thin aimed at showing us what tasted delicious beet soups, some Polish vodka as we m city. I also decided to take a about two and a half hours We had heard about how b it was largely spared from t WWII. We purchased our sure that we would be able we wanted, and it was relat The train station in Kra
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asant
and
Lt. Genualdi di and Lt. jg Sylvester
lish astronomer who made with the sun at the center monument is cool because the planets (out to Saturn) unding his statue. to book a food tour while people automatically think nk of Polish food, this tour else they have to offer. We , fermented vegetables, and made our way around the
quick day trip to Kraków, s by train, during the visit. beautiful the city is because the destructive bombing of train tickets online to ento get the exact train times tively easy. aków is close to the center
of the city. They also have a very well preserved barbican (which has been converted to a museum) and city wall around their old town. We made our way directly to the main market square in old town where the Cloth Hall is located. The Cloth Hall is a beautiful building that has market stalls inside where, predictably, you can buy scarves and other things made from cloth as well as jewelry and souvenirs. St. Mary’s church is also located on the market square, and if you are around at the top of the hour you will hear a trumpet player playing from a window located high up on the tower. The trumpeter’s performance ends abruptly before the end because, legend has it, during an invasion a sentry who was playing the trumpet to sound the alarm was shot through the throat before he complete his song. The last stop on our day trip to Kraków was Wawel Castle. The castle is easy to get to from the main square and is a collection of buildings that encompass multiple European architectural styles. The castle contains an art museum as well as rooms devoted to the history of the structure itself. I would absolutely recommend taking a trip to Poland to see the sights, experience Eastern Europe, and eat the delicious food!
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NAS SIGONELLA COMMUNITY PAGE All Hands News Bulletin:
HOSPITAL TRANSITION TOWN HALL MEETING
Command, Department or Organization: U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella Date of Event: Monday October 16, 1630 Location of Event: NAS 1 Chapel Point of Contact Name: LT Tammy Nguyen Point of Contact Phone Number: 624-4681 Point of Contact Email Address: Tammy.Nguyen10.mil@mail.mil Additional Information: U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella will hold a Town Hall meeting for our Sig Citizens to talk about the Hospital Transition. We will be addressing the directive announced in 2015 by the Deputy SECNAV to transition the military hospitals in Europe to outpatient clinics. More information will be put out as the date comes closer, thank you for your patience.
NAS 1 Mondays AA Meeting:
TEN STEPS TO A FEDERAL JOB
Date of Event: October 12, 0900-1200 Location of Event: NAS 1 Fleet and Family Services Bldg. 319 Point of Contact Name: Tiffany Butler Point of Contact Phone Number: 624-4291 Point of Contact Email Address: Tiffany.a.butler@eu.navy.mil Additional Information: Did you know the most preferred employer for the military after separating or retiring is the U.S. government? Not only do military members seek federal employment, a lot of spouses seek solid career in the federal system too. Learning the Federal job search process can often be complicated and difficult. But we have a solution! 10 Steps to a Federal Job will teach you the most important skills to find the perfect Federal Job. To register for this class call The Fleet and Family Support Center at DSN 624-4291
Sigonella Religious Ministries Department Worship Services 1800-1900
Tuesdays Protestant Women of the Chapel: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0900-1100 Daily Mass: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1130-1230 AWANA: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1645-1900 Youth for Christ (YFC) Youth Meeting: . . . . . . . . . . . 1200-1430 Wednesdays Protestant Men of the Chapel: .0600-0700 Daily Mass: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1130-1230 Catholic Ladies' Guild (3rd Wednesday): . . . . . . . . . . 1600-1800 Thursdays Daily Mass: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1130-1230
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
Youth for Christ (YFC) Youth Meeting: . . . . . . . . . . . . 1200-1530 Choir Practice: . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1630-1800 The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1800-2030 Fridays Daily Mass: . . . . . . . . . . . 1130-1230 First Friday Mass and Holy Hour:. . . . . . . . . 1700-1830
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Wednesdays Knights of Columbus (1st Wednesdays): . . . . . . . . . . . 1700-1800 Protestant Women of the Chapel (PWOC): . 1800-2100
Liturgical Protestant Service NAS I Chapel - . . . . . . . . . 1800
Thursdays AA Meeting: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1800-1900
Sundays Catholic Mass: . . . . 0900-1000 Catholic Religious Education (DoDDS):. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1045-1200
Sundays Protestant Service and Fellowship: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1800-2000 Roman Catholic Mass NAS I Chapel - . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0900 Non-Liturgical Protestant Service NAS I Chapel - . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1100 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon) - NAS I Chapel - . . . . . . . 1300 Non-Liturgical Protestant Service NAS II Chapel - . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1800
Saturdays First Saturday Rosary and Mass: . . . . . . . . . . . . 1100-1200
Protestant Service: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1100-1200 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1330-1600
Weekly Traffic Report: Sept. 18 - Sept. 25, 2017
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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EVERY SECOND COUNTS: HAVE 2 WAYS OUT From the Fire Prevention Office
A fire can rapidly spread through your home, leaving you a minute or two, to possibly even seconds, to escape safely once the alarm sounds. Having an escape plan can be the difference between life and death. Make an escape plan for the family so that you have at least 2 ways out of the home. This is a great way to get children involved in fire safety in a non-threatening way. Walk through your home, locate and inspect all possible exits and escape routes. Install smoke detectors in every sleeping room and on every level of the home. Ensure that all smoke detectors are interconnected in the home so that if one is activated, then all the smoke detectors shall sound. Agree on a meeting place outside of the home so that the whole family will be safe. Once you have created an escape plan,
make sure all family members have an assignment or responsibility and know what to do. Younger children should focus on getting out according to the exit route. Have an adult account for the children and any pets getting out safely. Children who are old enough can be placed in charge of calling 9-1-1 once they are outside, or alerting a neighbor to call. Giving the older children this responsibility will help them see that they are an important part of the plan, and they need to take it seriously. Practice your family plan with periodic fire drills. Let your children hear what the smoke detector going off sounds like. Tell them to follow the fire escape plan whenever they hear the smoke detector beeping and work with your children so they don't forget what they are supposed to do. With enough practice and drills, everyone will act instinctively to avoid panic and confusion if a real fire strikes in the home.
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OCTOBER 6, 2017
GAMEZONE Cheerleading
POMPONS PYRAMID ROUTINE SELL IT SPOTTER SQUAD STUNT TABLE TOP T MOTION TOE TOUCH TUCK TUMBLING UNIFORM VARSITY V MOTION
MEDIUM
EXTENSION FACIALS FLYER HANDSPRING HEEL STRETCH HERKIE HIGH V HURDLER JUMPS K MOTION LIBERTY L MOTION MASCOT MEGAPHONE PEEL OFF
EASY
AERIAL ARABESQUE AWESOME BASE BASKET TOSS BUCKET CANDLE STICKS CHANT CHEER CHOREOGRAPHY COACH CRADLE CATCH DISMOUNT ELEVATOR EXECUTION
DIFFICULT
Find and circle all of the Cheerleading words that are hidden in the grid. The remaining letters spell a secret message.
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"Fall festivals" cont’d from Page 6 The Presidia directly involves producers, offers technical assistance to improve production quality, organizes exchanges among different countries, and provides new market outlets (both locally and internationally). Slow Food is an international membersupported nonprofit association and a worldwide network of people committed to improving the way food is produced and distributed. Festival specialties will include: "risotto ai porcini" (porcini mushroom's risotto), "arrosto di suino nero dei Nebrodi" (roast of Nebrodi Black Pig), "pane caldo condito con olio sale e peperoncino" (freshly baked bread dressed with olive oil, salt and chili pepper and other delicacies). Cesarò is a picturesque Sicilian town located on the slopes of the Nebrodi Mountains (Messina province) and park, near Bronte. The Nebrodi Park was created in 1993 spreading over an area of forests which makes the largest in Sicily. Its inhabitants have preserved the uniqueness of this setting, keeping their differences from the rest of the island by their language that still has some features of the FrenchLombard dialect. The forest is situated between 1200 and 1500 m above sea level. Cesarò has a special longstanding good relationship with the US Navy which began in 1996 when an HC-4 helicopter helped the population place a 7,000-pound statue of Christ on top of a mountain. The festival will also include arts as well as crafts and entertainment. For more information and detailed festival schedules visit http://www.comune. cesaro.me.it/ From October 12 through 15, Messina will host the first edition of the Messina Street Food Fest, a four-day local and national food festival to be held in Piazza Cairoli, the historic heart of the city. The event will feature cooking demonstrations by top chefs, arts and crafts and entertainment. For the event’s detailed schedule visit, https://www.facebook.com/messinastreetfoodfest.it/ Make sure to mark on your calendar the 23rd edition of the San Cono annual Sagra del Fico d’India (prickly pear festival), running this weekend (Oct. 6 through 8) and featuring an array of good food and live entertainment! Nestled on Mount San Marco, San Cono is a picturesque Sicilian town, located in the Catania province, which boasts an annual production of 50,000 tons of prickly pears. The festival will kick off tonight in piazza Gramsci. Highlights will include prickly pear tasting, Sicilian folklore shows and a spectacular period costume parade to be held on Sunday, October 8, from 4 to 7 p.m. For more information and detailed schedules, visit www. comunedisancono.it
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If you like mushrooms, don't miss the Funghi Fest that takes place in Castelbuono (Palermo) from October 20 through 22. This year's event will feature mushrooms tasting, food seminars, arts and crafts, live entertainment and more. For more information visit, http://www.promomadonie.it/ Truffle lovers should come out to Capizzi (Messina province) on October 21, 22, 28 and 29 to get a chance to sample one of the most expensive foods in the world which can sell for as much as $3,600 a pound. The festival will offer truffle tasting, art exhibitions, food workshops and more. For detailed schedules, visit https://www.facebook.com/AmministrazioneComunaleDiCapizziMe/ The 27th edition of the Militello Prickly Pear festival will begin this weekend and will continue on the following days in October: 6-8, 14-15. The festival will take place in the town’s historic center. For more information and detailed schedule visit www. comunemilitello.it/
Naples fights mafia with first bookshop in 50 years Story by AFP In the hinterlands of Naples a revolution is afoot: locals tired of drug lords are taking the fight to the mafia and their weapon of choice is the humble book. Tucked away between squats and roadside traders of broken toys, rises the first bookshop in nearly 50 years. The concrete sprawl of Scampia, a bastion of the ruthless Camorra organized crime group, was immortalized in the 2006 bestselling book "Gomorrah" by Roberto Saviano and in a popular spin-off film and television series. Now one of the poorest areas in southern Italy is attempting to cast off the stereotype of Kalashnikovwielding teens and get its young off the streets by flooding the turf with theatre, cinema and literature associations. The tower blocks, riddled with asbestos and divided by rubbish-strewn no-man's lands, were thrown up in the 1970s. "There has never been a bookshop here. We had to travel 10 kilometers to buy a book," Rosario Esposito La Rossa, whose shop "Scugnizzeria" opened a week ago, told AFP. The idea for the small store, which also has a room for theatre and study groups, followed the death of La Rossa's disabled relative Antonio, caught in the crossfire of a 2004 shootout and labeled a trafficker by the state.
OCTOBER 6, 2017 "He was hit by two bullets as he played table football, but police said he had links to the Cali cocaine cartel in Colombia. We fought for 10 years to clear his name and it became a cultural battle for our neighborhood," he said. When La Rossa inherited the Marotta&Cafiero publishing house in 2010 he moved it to Scampia to continue the fight. "There were those who said we would close within a few weeks because no-one reads in Scampia, it has the highest illiteracy rate in southern Italy. Seven years on and we have published 88 books," he said. The 29-year old is just the tip of an iceberg of change slowly edging its way across the northern suburb of Naples. The government has pledged to demolish three of the four remaining Sails of Scampia, notorious tower blocks shaped like sails where staircases boast metal gates installed by traffickers to slow down police during raids. Naples' Federico II university, one of the world's oldest, is set to open a new faculty in the area though the project is running three years behind schedule - and tentative plans are also under way to refurbish the metro. But La Rossa says the most important role is played by the 120 or so associations that step in where the state fails. Daniele Sanzone co-founded Scampia Trip Tour to challenge the area's brutal image in the press and popular culture and show off its positive side. "The Camorra exists, the drugs exist, we would be mad to deny it. But there is so much more, small organizations which become garrisons of legality," from football clubs to Italy's first Italian-Roma restaurant, he said. The tour has been a hit so far with everyone from US tourists to Italians normally too scared to enter Scampia. "Ten years ago it was known as the biggest openair drug market in Europe, but things have changed a lot since then, largely due to a blood feud in 2006 which left hundreds dead and sparked a police crackdown," he said. "Before there was drug trafficking every 50 meters. Today we can walk in the streets without fear," he added. Sanzone admits the associations can only do so much for the 80,000 to 100,000 inhabitants here, where many families live off the radar and only around 37 percent of adults of working age have jobs. "Being born here means having few options," he said. But he and the other activists in Scampia, where half the population is under 25-years old, are sure change is coming. "I am convinced that in 10 years time this place will be transformed," La Rossa said. "People will come here to study how it shifted from being Camorra land to the land of children."
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War Eagles Versus the “Other” Birds Lt. Chris Reilly VP-16 Aviation Safety Officer
Ever since Patrol Squadron (VP) 16 began its Sixth Fleet deployment to NAS Sigonella, we have had a strong fan following….of birds. From the first reported bird strike on April 6, to the most recent strike on August 9, VP-16 has experienced 34 documented incidents right here in Sigonella. When the squadron was redeployed to NSA Souda Bay and NAS Rota during the G7 Summit, the reported number of incidents dropped to zero during that two-week period. Upon return to NAS Sigonella, bird strikes quickly resumed. VP-16 and the Maritime Patrol community is no stranger to birds, or operating close to their habitats. Our aircraft are frequent visitors to bird havens, conducting routine operations in the low altitude maritime environment, and in the bird populous area of NAS Jacksonville. VP-16 has worked closely with NAS Sigonella base operations and their monthly bird/ hazard working groups, especially with their Aviation Safety Officers Lt. Brian Sullivan and Lt. Chris Leger. The base has invested significant resources into bird cannons which are operated regularly during the
morning hours and whenever bird conditions are observed to be high. Furthermore, aircraft operating in the tower pattern are directed to land when bird conditions are moderate or worse. When VP-16 arrived at the base, the grass around the runway was exceptionally high and overgrown. Thanks to Base Operation’s work, the grass was completely mowed, providing less of an inviting habitat for avian creatures. However, even with support from the base, our bird strikes are still sky high. Analyzing our time of flight operations, there was an initial suspicion that the higher preponderance of strikes occurred in the morning. After studying the data, 14 of the 34 strikes occurred during night flight operations. The simple answer is that aircrews obviously cannot “see and avoid” during the hours of darkness, and generally have no indication of a bird strike until the post flight inspection. Furthermore, the tower cannot possibly know if Bird-Aircraft Strike Hazard is low or severe during periods of darkness. Therefore, our instances of bird strikes occur nearly half of the time at night, with 2100L being the highest strike count of the entire 24-hour period, with eight reported bird strikes. The P-8A is a robust air-
frame, especially against the relatively small birds we encounter here in Sigonella. The majority of bird hits are to the nose area and the leading edges of the wings. However, it just takes one hit in the wrong place to cause major damage to the aircraft, and possibly quite worse. After each strike, a sample of the bird remains are collected and forwarded to the Smithsonian for species identification. Fortunately, the varieties of birds encountered have never been very large, unlike the Canadian Geese frequently hit by aircraft in the United States. Sigonella Base Operations, through continued input from tenant and deployed squadrons, has been working on further solutions. Hiring and employing a trained hawk and its handler has been suggested. The hawk would fly around the airfield area when no aircraft are flying, helping to deter birds that would otherwise view it as a predator. Clearly no solution is all encompassing, and while we can never get instances down to zero, we certainly can try. As the Poseidon continues to have a perpetual presence in Sigonella through 6-month squadron deployments, hopefully the base and visiting squadrons alike will be able to reduce the overall instances of bird strikes.
A P-8A Poseidon aircraft, assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 16, lands aboard NAS Sigonella. (U.S. Navy Photo by MC3 William Andrews)
"NAVSUP" cont’ from Page 7 Central and South America should be mailed no later than Nov. 30. International First-Class Packages and Priority Mail addressed to Asia/Pacific Rim; Australia/New Zealand; Canada; Caribbean; Mexico, Europe; and the Middle East should be mailed no later than Dec. 7. All classes of mail addressed to FPO addresses must contain the New Navy Standardized Address format, which includes ship or mobile unit number, (or PSC number for ashore FPOs), virtual or actual mail box number, and five-digit ZIP code to ensure delivery. Mail not addressed correctly could be returned to sender as undeliverable. Priority Mail Express Military Service (PMEMS) is available from selected military post offices. If mailing to an APO/FPO/DPO address, check with your local post office to determine if PMEMS service is available and specific delivery service standards. Space Available Mail (SAM) refers to parcels mailed to APO/FPO addresses at parcel post rates first transported domestically by surface, then to overseas destinations by air on a space available basis. It is recommended customers check with local civilian or military post offices for information regarding size restrictions and customs
declaration form requirements. Customers are advised mailing restrictions apply and some items cannot be mailed. Examples of nonmailable items are: alcohol, switchblade knives, pornography, controlled substances, and explosive or incendiary devices. If in doubt, contact your local civilian or military post office. As a final note, customers should ensure articles are packaged properly for mailing and packages do not display markings related to any type of hazardous material, such as bleach, alcohol, or cleaning fluids. Parcels found by U.S. Postal Service with such markings or labels on the outside of the box will not be processed. NAVSUP's mission is to provide supplies, services, and quality-of-life support to the Navy and joint warfighter. With headquarters in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and employing a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel, NAVSUP oversees logistics programs in the areas of supply operations, conventional ordnance, contracting, resale, fuel, transportation, and security assistance. In addition, NAVSUP is responsible for food service, postal services, Navy Exchanges, and movement of household goods. For more information, visit http://www. navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Naval Supply Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navsup/.
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