The Signature | March 8, 2019

Flag Retirement Story and Photos

Union Jack Flying Once Again

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Sigonella Participates in Emergency Readiness Assessment

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N A S SIG O N E L L A

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MARCH 8, 2019

Vol. 36 No. 5

Sigonella Holds Rare Flag Retirement Ceremony Story and Photos on Page 4

SIGONELLA, Sicily (February 21, 2019) Boy Scout Colin Rhodes, of Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella’s Scout Troop 53, salutes after placing a U.S. flag into a ceremonial flame during a flag retirement ceremony on board NAS Sigonella. NAS Sigonella is an operational ashore base that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where they are needed and when they are needed to ensure security and stability in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia. (U.S. Navy photo by Gunner’s Mate Seaman Rashond Grant)

Sigonella Celebrates Black History Month

By Lt. Andriana Genualdi NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

Service members and civilians gathered outside of Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella’s galley to take part in the installation’s Black History Month event Feb. 21. The event centered on this year’s theme of “Black Migrations,” emphasizing the movement of African Americans away from the South to new destinations and subsequently, to new social realities.

The U.S. Navy recognizes the important contributions of African Americans with annual celebrations across the fleet during the month of February.

At NAS Sigonella’s event, three African American service members spoke to a gathered audience and celebrated afterwards with a cake-cutting ceremony and a special galley meal.

The installation’s administrative officer, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Telly Myles, spoke first, covering the great migration of black Americans that took place in the early 20th century. Many of them moved out of the South to the North and West, following the paths of railroads since families often did not own their own cars. Myles’ own family moved from Mississippi to Detroit, Michigan during this time. Myles’ par-

ents, like many others, were seeking a better economic situation and social life. While his father still wasn’t being paid equal to a white man, he was getting paid more than what he would have been in the South.

Myles emphasized, “Everyone here is a product of migration, no matter what your heritage.”

Following Myles, Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) Tinisha Franklin, leading chief petty officer of NAS Sigonella’s Emergency Operations Center, spoke about the impact of African American women on the civil rights movement. She emphasized that through women’s search for better opportunities, they were able to change with working environment for themselves and for black Americans.

Franklin’s own story was one of determination and hard work throughout her naval career. In 2015 she was the first black female and the first of her rate to ever be selected as Chief Sailor of the Year, a meritorious advancement to the rank of chief gained only after a rigorous selection process across the entire Navy. Franklin credits Adm. Michelle Howard, the first woman to achieve the rank of four-star admiral, as being a positive influence on her.

The final speaker of the event was

Chief Boatswain’s Mate Wendell Harrison, NAS Sigonella’s Port Operations leading chief petty officer. Harrison discussed the importance of each person discovering their own family history.

Harrison advised the gathered audience, “Know where you come from year round, not just for one month of the year. Your family and from where you came, that migration, is a part of you.”

SIGONELLA, Sicily (February 21, 2019) Speakers from the Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Black History Month event cut the cake with Command Master Chief (CMDCM) Nancy Estrada, and galley manager, Domenico Strano, during a special meal at the Ristorante Bella Etna galley onboard NAS Sigonella. (U.S. Navy photo by Gunner's Mate Seaman Rashond Grant)

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MARCH 8, 2019

THE SIGNATURE

Direct Line

Cmdr. Michael Jarosz, NAS Sigonella Public Works Officer The Navy officially celebrated the 77th birthday of the Seabees on March 5, the day when “Seabees,” a heterograph of the acronym made by “construction battalion,” became the official name of the Navy’s engineering force. But even before that day in 1942, the first unit of Seabees had already formed, trained, and deployed in support of World War II’s early Pacific Campaign. In fact, active duty civil engineer corps officers had been serving in the Navy since 1867, leading the Navy’s Bureau of Yards and Docks which had established by Congress in 1862.

These new Seabees, though, were the Navy’s first combat-ready enlisted expeditionary construction force. They were prepared to go into harm’s way and build even while under fire, and fully prepared to return fire when under attack.

Shortly after the Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, Yards and Docks Bureau Chief Admiral Ben Moreell recognized the need for a combat-capable military construction force; civilian contractors who had been building airfields throughout the South Pacific in anticipation of the war were prohibited by international law from defending themselves against military aggression.

On Dec. 28, 1941, Moreell proposed to Congress and days later, received the approval to form an active duty military construction force that could continue construction operations throughout the South Pacific,

simultaneously carrying a hammer in one hand and a rifle in the other, ready at a moment’s notice to fight back against the Japanese aggressors. Less than two weeks later, on Jan. 17, 1942, the first 296-man unit of Seabee constructionmen was assembled, trained, and deployed to Bora Bora.

In total, more than 325,000 Seabees served during World War II by building, defending, and rebuilding airfields, camps, and bulk fuel distribution facilities throughout the Pacific Theater. With construction material supply chains compromised or nonexistent, the “can do” attitude of the Seabees would often have to improvise with what was locally available, earning the motto: “The difficult we do at once, the impossible takes a little longer.” Seabee efforts enabled strategic victories throughout the Pacific theater and played a critical role in the overall defeat of the Japanese. In the European theater, Seabees were critical to the success of the Normandy invasion by establishing a pontoon causeway system within hours of the initial wave, facilitating the full offload of the sustaining force, and allowing the Allied push through mainland Europe to commence.

The Fighting Seabees have since played vital roles in numerous war and peace time campaigns following World War II. They built another pontoon causeway system as part of the astoundingly successful amphibious

landing at Inchon during the Korean conflict. Seabees showed their versatility when chiseling a 6,000-foot runway out of ice on McMurdo Sound in Antarctica and then cutting a mountain in half and clearing miles of dense jungle to build the 10,000 foot Naval Air Station Cubi Point runway in the Philippines. More than 25,000 Seabees provided embedded engineering support to Army and Marine Corps units through the thick of the jungle in Vietnam. And in more recent years, the Seabees supported nearly every major operation during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, when they built major camps, forward-operating bases, and countless outposts throughout Iraq and Afghanistan.

While Seabees continue to support Navy expeditionary campaigns, they have also integrated into the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (formerly the Bureau of Yards and Docks) and serve in Navy Public Works departments throughout the world. At Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, they have the opportunity to hone their construction skills under journeymen technicians while supporting the Navy’s enduring shore infrastructure before rotating back to expeditionary units. Though not expeditionary in nature, the mission of the Public Works Department here is nearly identical to construction battalions—to provide facilities engineering support for the

Navy and other service combat forces and give supported commanders the infrastructure they need to effectively fight their mission.

With over 120 Seabees, Public Works Department Sigonella is privileged with having the largest contingent of Seabees of any Public Works Department in the Navy. We have a strong local tradition of celebrating our annual Seabee Week by conducting team building activities based on Seabee history and culminating with the Seabee Ball. We do this to promote the history and pride of our community, to maintain a connection with those who served before us, and to develop a strong sense of Seabee identity in the newest members of our community.

I am extremely proud of my Seabee crew here in Sigonella and would like to wish them all a very happy birthday.

Ooh Rah, Seabees!

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 Sug-

gestion 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 BZ for Community Bank Contractor:

Recently, the banking center on NAS I experienced severe flooding which caused the facility to be shut down for three days. Had it not been for the commitment and enthusiasm of the custodial staff, the banking center would likely have been closed for a much longer period.

I especially want to commend Mr. Salvatore Privitera, a contracted employee from Mide Multiservice, for his invaluable contribution to the cleanup which allowed for a sooner reopening. Mr. Privitera arrived on the scene very early and immediately began cleaning and organizing the banking center, ensuring that it was returned to an acceptable degree of normalcy in the shortest amount of time possible.

Mr. Privitera is always willing to lend a helping hand even when not part of his duties and is very well liked and appreciated by all of the staff here. Mr. Salvatore Privitera consistently displays an exemplary work ethic and professionalism by always going above and beyond what is expected of him. He is a credit to his profession and a positive reflection on his organization. His approach to everyone he comes in contact with is always positive, friendly, and helpful. He understands the importance of providing quality service in the execution of his duties. His hard work and dedication is appreciated and noticed by both staff and customers alike and is evident by the many customer comments regarding the cleanliness of the banking center. Mr. Privitera’s relationship with the staff and community is caring and kind, which speaks volumes for the level of service which he provides.

NAS I Community bank staff Sherma Stowe - Manager

Response:

Ms. Stowe, Thank you for highlighting an exemplary employee that provides services at

your banking center. Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella’s success rests on its civilian and local national employees in addition to its service members, and I am always happy to hear about the great support that our local national employees are providing. Please pass along my gratitude and appreciation for Mr. Privitera and his contributions toward getting the NAS I Community Bank back in working order.

Comment Regarding Stray Dogs on Marinai:

A strange situation has come up with a seemingly rescued dog named Billy.

On January 16th, this small dog was found roaming outside my home in Marinai wearing a metal collar but lacking identification. Assuming it belonged to a neighbor, we took him in and promptly shared his photo on the Facebook page hoping the owner would come forward. No one claimed him, but a member from SAWS discovered that the dog belonged to a maintenance member working at Pizzarotti. I called the trouble ticket number, and they promptly sent two men to collect the dog. Today, on January 25th, the same dog was found on NAS II with a small injury on one of his legs. Some have claimed that Pizzarotti employees were keeping Billy and several other puppies in a gated area beside Marinai, allowing Billy to easily escape and wander through Marinai unsupervised. There have also been claims that these dogs that were kept by employees of Pizzarrotti have now been abandoned. Even if the dog has not been abandoned, how is it acceptable that Pizzarotti, an organization affiliated with military housing, has allowed some of its workers to carelessly take on a dog, keep it near the base, and allow it to escape and roam through Marinai and NAS II? As of now, the dog still has not been picked up again by his owners. I understand that strays are rampant in this area and there is only so much that can be done about the issue. But it's one thing to feel bad about a stray and another thing when base employees recklessly care for a dog on or near base. Thank you for your time.

"ICE" continued on Page 3

MARCH 8, 2019

THE SIGNATURE

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THE SIGNATURE U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA

Name: Engineering Aide 2nd Class Joshua Goldstein Department: EURAFSWA Public Works Sigonella Hometown: Danville, Calif.

Everyone on Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella knows a Seabee, and likely has a close working relationship with Public Works. They are the people behind the scenes in virtually every construction project on base, and they are also the people you turn to when something in your building isn’t working quite right. It takes Sailors like Engineering Aide 2nd Class Joshua Goldstein to ensure that all of the installation’s buildings are being properly maintained.

Within Public Works, Goldstein serves as a Facilities Management Specialist (FMS). Seabees like him serve

as the main point of contact for tenant commands on NAS Sigonella and are responsible for dispatching personnel to fix any maintenance problems. Goldstein is in charge of most of the flight line buildings, including those housing the Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD), Commander, Task Force 67, and air operations.

Goldstein says that his favorite part about his job isn’t the day-to-day maintenance but the long-term, multi-year planning he gets to help coordinate for military construction projects, like replacing AIMD’s aging facilities with modern buildings.

Lately, Goldstein has been particularly busy as the treasurer for the annual Seabee Ball, which takes place during the Seabee community’s birthday week in March. This year, it’s being held March 8 at a Catania hotel. Goldstein has been

"ICE" continued from Page 2

Response:

Thank you for bringing this issue to my attention. The Housing Director has spoken to them and Pizzarotti will no longer keep pets in the maintenance area and has committed to protect stray or lost dogs until owners are identified. In the situation you describe, Billy and several puppies were discovered and Pizzarotti employees fenced them in an area near the maintenance office, providing food and water to them while attempting to find them homes. Ultimately, the makeshift pen was not strong enough to keep them secured.

To date, two of the puppies have been adopted by Pizzarotti employees and two others were adopted by Italian families. Pizzarotti has unsuccessfully attempted to search for Billy. For any future concerns, please contact the Housing Director, Peter Faulk, at DSN 624-4070/COMM 095-56-4070.

busy fundraising throughout the year for the event, but lately has been devoting even more time to securing vendors and taking care of logistics.

Goldstein said he joined the Navy later than most, at the age of 28. He first went to college and received a bachelor’s degree in art, but still didn’t know exactly what we wanted to do with his life. It was only after a conversation with his cousin, who serves active duty in the U.S. Coast Guard, when he decided that the military would be a good fit for him. Goldstein ultimately enlisted as an engineering aide.

One of the smallest communities in the Navy, the rate only has about 160 Sailors in the entire service.

“When I read about the engineering aide rate, I saw that they were involved in everything about a construction project, from planning to surveying to [quality control] checks. So we’re involved from the beginning stages of a project to the end. And that’s what drew me in,” said Goldstein.

Having served in the Navy for six years so far, Goldstein plans to reenlist next month for another two years. After that, Goldstein is open to any opportunities. He may stay in the Navy if he can continue doing work similar to what he does now, or he might get out and do building management work as a civilian.

In the meantime, Goldstein, his wife, and young daughter are making good use of the easy travel opportunities. Also in his free time, he and his wife are passionate about cooking meals for “Marinai Home Cooks” customers. They often offer coffee, breakfast burritos, and even Chinese food for those seeking food outside of the local cuisine. Someday, they have considered opening up their own food business, and even have a name picked out.

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 Assistant Public Affairs Officer Janine Scianna janine.scianna@eu.navy.mil Photojournalist GMSN Rashond Grant Community Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta alberto.lunetta.it@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 factor of the purchaser, user or patron.

A confirmed violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected.

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

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

E-mail: stampagenerale@tin.it Editorial submissions are welcomed from all Naval Air Station Sigonella departments, divisions and tenant commands.

Editorial submissions should be sent to the Public Affairs Office via thesig@eu.navy.mil, guard mail stop #68 or hand-delivered to our office no later than the close of business on the Friday preceeding 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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MARCH 8, 2019

Service Members and Scouts Retire U.S. Flags

By Lt. Andriana Genualdi NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella service members and Sigonella’s Boy Scout Troop 53 gathered on a sunny afternoon to help lay to rest faded and torn American flags during a flag retirement ceremony Feb. 21.

“This is the first time that we’ve done this fairly rare ceremony here at NAS Sigonella, and we wanted to show people this heritage and share this tradition with our junior Sailors and host nation colleagues,” observed NAS Sigonella’s

Command Master Chief Nancy Estrada.

Five scouts from Troop 53 participated in the ceremony alongside service members from the Navy, Army, and Air Force.

When an American flag becomes too faded, torn, or worn it is replaced with a new flag. The old one doesn’t get simply thrown away though—it is retired with dignity via traditional protocol.

According to the U.S. Flag Code, “When a U.S. flag is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”

SIGONELLA, Sicily (February 21, 2019) Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella service members and scouts from Scout Troop 53 fold U.S. flags destined for retirement during a flag retirement ceremony on board NAS Sigonella. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Andriana Genualdi)

NAS Sigonella had several tattered flags that had been flown over the bases that were ready to be retired. During the ceremony, scouts and service members approached one of two fires that had been ignited in front of building 618 on NAS II. They lowered the flag into the flames and then came to attention and saluted as it ignited. The fires remained burning until no trace of the flags could be identified.

The Sailor 360 program along with the Sigonella CPO mess invited the scouts to participate. Troop 53 is looking

to get more involved in base events and participating in this ceremony is merely the beginning.

“This was an excellent opportunity for the scouts to learn about the history of the flag and interact with service members,” said Tim Straka, Assistant Scout Master and father to Austin Straka, one of the scouts who participated in the ceremony.

Parents with children who are interested in scouting should contact Lt. Lloyd Wicker at chapswicker@gmail. com.

SIGONELLA, Sicily (February 21, 2019) Boy Scouts Caleb Lohan (left), Joshua Jarosz (center), and Austin Straka of Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella’s Scout Troop 53 all stand ready to retire a U.S. flag during a flag retirement ceremony on board NAS Sigonella. (U.S. Navy photo by Gunner’s Mate Seaman Rashond Grant)

MARCH 8, 2019

THE SIGNATURE

SIGONELLA, Sicily (February 21, 2019) Logistics Specialist 1st Class Ryan Estrella stands ready to retire a U.S. flag onto the ceremonial flame during a flag retirement ceremony on board Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella. (U.S. Navy photo by Gunner’s Mate Seaman Rashond Grant)

SIGONELLA, Sicily (February 21, 2019) Naval Supply Systems Command Master Chief Mark Schlosser places a U.S. flag into the ceremonial flame during a flag retirement ceremony onboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella. (U.S. Navy photo by Gunner’s Mate Seaman Rashond Grant)

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MARCH 8, 2019

Etna’s Volcanic Ash, an Invisible Health Threat

By Alberto Lunetta NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

Mount Etna’s eruptions are undoubtedly a wonder of nature; its lava flows and ash plumes attract thousands of visitors from all over the world each year. However, the downside of these enchanting eruptions is the impact that volcanic ash, though seemingly harmless, has on people’s health.

The current eruption began at the end of December with the opening of a new fissure on the flank of the volcano, hundreds of tremors, and a significant 4.9 magnitude earthquake which left hundreds of people in the Acireale area homeless in addition to the structural damage it caused. Anxiety and stress are common complaints of people who live within exposure range of a volcano like Etna.

But in addition to the more noticeable impacts of volcanic material, people need to also pay attention to the ash that has been nearly constantly spewing from Etna. Local health authorities say health effects of ash exposure include respiratory tract disorders (breathlessness, coughing, wheezing and the exacerbation of preexisting conditions such as asthma and bronchitis), eye and skin irritations (conjunctivitis and scalp irritation), and even heart problems in people already suffering from chronic cardiovascular diseases. People who are at risk should limit exposure, stay indoors, and use protective face masks to reduce inhalation of ultrafine ash particles. Health authorities also recommended washing fruits and vegetables properly.

A study published in 2013 by BioMed Center Ltd about the acute health effects of the 2002 eruption of Etna on Catania residents found that there was an association between exposure to intense volcanic ash fall and health complaints among residents.

Researchers observed a significant increase in emergency room visits for acute respiratory, cardiovascular diseases, and eye problems during the ash exposure time period.

Local media have recently reported that Sicily Governor Nello Musumeci is urging Italy’s National Council of Research to investigate the health impacts of exposure to ash fall in an effort to identify strategies to prevent and treat potential hazards and diseases.

Italian Economy Slips Back Into Recession

By The Local

Italy’s economy fell into recession at the end of 2018, capping a year of political turmoil and budget battles with Brussels. The Italian economy contracted in the fourth quarter of last year, official data showed today, plunging it into a recession. The technical definition of a recession is economic contraction for two quarters in a row.

The 0.2 percent contraction, which followed a 0.1 percent fall in the third quarter, will put pressure on the populist government, which took power in June on the back of big-spending electoral promises. Italy’s last recession was in 2014.

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte anticipated the bad news during a recent business conference in Milan.

"Analysts tell us we'll likely still suffer a bit at the start of this year," he said, pointing the finger at a slowdown in China and Germany which are hurting Italian exports. "But all the elements are there to recover in the second half," Conte added.

The coalition government of the populist Five Star Movement and the far-right League party was forced to water down its ambitious and costly budget in December to avoid being punished by the European Commission and the financial markets. A slowdown will make it even harder to follow through on expensive vote-winning measures both parties promised their bases, most notably a reform to the pension system and income support for the poor.

"The risk of recession in the eurozone is something that has been widely discussed for weeks now but the news that Italy has fallen into technical recession still comes as a blow to the region," Oanda analyst Craig Erlam told AFP. Italy's recession places intense pressure on the nation's populist government, headed by Conte, who took power in June on the back of big-spending electoral promises.

"This (recession) should not really be a surprise given the direction of travel of recent data," CMC Markets analyst Michael Hewson told AFP. "The problem EU policymakers have is that it looks as if it could well be much more serious than originally

"ITALIAN NEWS" continued on Page 18

Local media have highlighted the adverse short-term health effects caused by ash fall from Etna’s eruptions urging the need to adopt protection measures. Local health authorities have issued guidelines to reduce health risks. (U.S. Navy photo by Janine Scianna)

MARCH 8, 2019

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THE SIGNATURE

Navy Returns to Flying Union Jack From Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy on Feb. 21 released a NAVADMIN 039/19 directing the display of the union jack instead of the first Navy jack aboard Navy ships and craft.

U.S. Navy ships and craft will return to flying the union jack effective June 4, 2019. The date for reintroduction of the union jack commemorates the greatest naval battle in history: the Battle of Midway, which began June 4, 1942.

“Make no mistake: we have entered a new era of competition. We must recommit to the core attributes that made us successful at Midway: integrity, accountability, initiative and toughness,” said Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson. “For more than 240 years, the union jack, flying proudly from jackstaffs aboard U.S. Navy warships, has symbolized these strengths.”

The union jack is a flag consisting of 50 white stars, representing each of the 50 states, on a blue background. A version of this jack first flew in 1777 and was updated as new states joined the union.

“The union jack is deeply connected to our heritage and our rise as a global nation with a global Navy,” said Richardson. “The Navy is a symbol that projects American values to the world. Just as the Navy embodies the values and principles that we hold dear, our very appearance in port and at anchor communicates important messages.”

The Navy will re-establish the custom in which the commissioned ship in active status having the longest total period in active status, other than USS Constitution, will display the first Navy jack until

the ship is decommissioned or transferred to inactive status. As of June 4, 2019, the only warship authorized to fly the first Navy jack is USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19).

This policy change does not affect the wearing

of the first Navy jack patch as an optional uniform component on TYPE II/III Navy Working Uniforms.

For more information on the history of U.S. Navy jacks, visit https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-bytopic/heritage/banners/usnavy-first-jack.html.

NORFOLK (Feb. 19, 2019) Quartermaster 2nd Class Taylor Miller unfurls the union jack on the jack staff of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kaleb Sarten/Released)

Navy Directs Commands to Contact 100% of Sailors Living in Government and PPV Housing From Navy News Service Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy announced Feb. 23 that 100% of Sailors living in government and Public Private Venture (PPV) family housing will be contacted by their commands and asked if their housing is satisfactory.

NAVADMIN 043/19, released by Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) John Richardson and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Russell Smith, directed the action upon being alerted that the health, safety and well-being of some Sailors may have been negatively affected by the condition of their government and PPV family housing.

Richardson and Smith both affirmatively stated

that our, “Sailors and their families deserve safe, quality living quarters and commands must advocate for all Sailors and their families.”

Every Sailor residing in PPV or government housing will be afforded an opportunity for a visit from their command at their residence no later than April 15, 2019. The visits are to be strictly voluntary and by invitation only. The purpose of these visits is to raise Navy awareness of family living conditions, to allow command leadership to personally observe any issues affecting the home and to understand any actions being taken to address them. If a problem is found, the visits serve as an opportunity to help Sailors and their families resolve the problem.

“We are prioritizing efforts to better understand

our Sailors’ living conditions in on-base government family and PPV housing to ensure that as residents they are provided with the quality of life they have earned and deserve,” said Richardson.

Additional guidance will be released to commands early next week detailing how visits must be conducted. Importantly, the 100% contact order is not an inspection program but rather an opportunity for commands to advocate for their Sailors.

“Trust and confidence are the foundational bedrock upon which effective command rests and an open flow of communication is imperative,” said Smith. “We first encourage Sailors to raise issues with their chain of command. In the same vein, we need leaders to be engaged in the ways that Sailors are most receptive.”

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MARCH 8, 2019

NAS Sigonella Participates in Readiness Exercise

SIGONELLA, Sicily (February 28, 2019) Master-at-Arms 2nd Class John Villielm and Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Isabella Miranda respond to a simulated security emergency during an installation security assessment onboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella. This assessment represents the culmination of a three-year process that Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) is using to assess NAS Sigonella’s security readiness. (U.S. Navy photo by Janine Scianna)

SIGONELLA, Sicily (February 28, 2019) Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Jaquan Frederick and his military working dog, Fajo, respond to a simulated security emergency during an installation security assessment onboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella. This assessment represents the culmination of a three-year process that Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) is using to assess NAS Sigonella’s security readiness. (U.S. Navy photo by Janine Scianna)

SIGONELLA, Sicily (February 28, 2019) Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Reinaldo Pacheco and Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Jaquan Frederick respond to a simulated security emergency during an installation security assessment onboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella. This assessment represents the culmination of a three-year process that Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) is using to assess NAS Sigonella’s security readiness. (U.S. Navy photo

by Gunner’s Mate Seaman Rashond Grant)

SIGONELLA, Sicily (February 28, 2019) Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Brandon Watkins places handcuffs on a roleplaying active shooter during an installation security assessment in the chapel onboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella. This assessment represents the culmination of a three-year process that Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) is using to assess NAS Sigonella’s security readiness. (U.S. Navy photo by Gunner’s Mate Seaman Rashond Grant)

MARCH 8, 2019

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Base-Wide Volunteer Group Freshens Up Chapel

By Construction Mechanic 2nd Class Luke Larsen EURAFSWA Public Works Sigonella

Community volunteers from across Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella gathered at the NAS I chapel to paint

courtyard gates and benches and clean the chapel’s interior hanging chandeliers Saturday, Feb. 9.

The group of 27 volunteers was pooled from the NAS Sigonella Public Works Department, All Officers’ Spouses’ Club, American Red Cross,

SIGONELLA, Sicily (February 9, 2019) Members of a base-wide group of volunteers at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella repaint a bench at the NAS I chapel courtyard. (Photo by Construction Mechanic 2nd Class Luke Larsen)

Sigonella Middle School Student Body Council, Sigonella Fire Department, and Marines from the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Africa 19.1.

The volunteers demonstrated the ability of Sigonella citizens to come together and make improvements to their community. Many were accompanied by their children, demonstrating to younger generations how to be a positive influence by helping those around you. All Officers’ Spouses’

Club President Amanda McArthur helped organize volunteers from the community, and Engineering Aid 2nd Class Brian Hemme organized the materials.

Event organizer Construction Mechanic 2nd Class Luke Larsen said, “The turnout was great and we were able to finish everything we intended to do. It was awesome to see so many different groups working together to support our community and It could not have been done without them.”

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Congratulations Awardees!

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MWR Hosts Boys and Girls Club Healthy Eating Month of America Visual Arts Exhibit From Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center

Week 1: “Savor the Flavor of Eating Right” by making informed food choices and developing healthy eating and physical activity habits.

March is National Nutrition Month®, an annual public education campaign created and sponsored by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This year’s theme is “Savor the Flavor of Eating Right.” Throughout the month, make healthier choices by 1) adopting habits that are focused on making informed food choices and 2) exercising daily. These two actions will help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight, reduce the risk of chronic disease, and improve your overall health so that you can continue to succeed in your military career.

The MWR Sigonella Child & Youth Programs (CYP) recently hosted its 4th local Boys & Girls Club of America (BGCA) visual arts exhibit Feb. 13. This event showcased 80 entries from Sigonella’s military youth of all ages. Artists entered submissions in two competitions: fine arts and image makers’ photography. Fine arts submissions included the following nine categories: pastels, colored pencils, monochromatic art, collages, group projects, mixed media, print making, watercolors, and oil and acrylics. With so many wonderful submissions, judges truly had their work cut out for them. The thirty winning entries will go on to compete in the BGCA Regional Europe Art Hub, which will be hosted by CYP on Apr. 4. Congratulations to all of the winners! (Photo by Vanessa Ogletree)

Week 2: Develop healthy eating habits by consuming proper portions and using healthy cooking techniques.

Consult the MyPlate Daily Checklist to calculate the number of calories and the amount of each food group that you should consume every day. Then size up your usual servings and start estimating your healthy serving portions. Remember, fruits and vegetables have great nutritional value, can be satisfying and filling, and are low in calories. To increase your vitamin and mineral intake, eat a variety of colorful fruits and veggies every day. Finally, add flavor to your food by using spices and mastering different cooking methods. It can not only improve the taste of your food, but increase the nutritional quality as well.

Resources: National Nutrition Month® Toolkit: www.nationalnutritionmonth.org Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Website: EatRight.org.

USDA “Choose My Plate” Website: www.choosemyplate.gov

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NAS SIGONELLA Traffic Report: 20FEB19 - 05MAR19

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 at PT, working out at the gym, or have just been engaged in any physical activity where you or your clothing has become soiled or sweaty you will be turned around at the door.

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COMMUNITY PAGE All Hands Announcements:

USO EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Command, Department, or Organization: USO Sigonella Date of Event: Ongoing Location of Event: NAS II USO Center Point of Contact Name: Gregory Winebrenner Point of Contact Phone Number: 624-6377 Point of Contact Email: SigonellaUSO@uso.org Additional Information: USO Sigonella is currently accepting applications for our Program and Volunteer Coordinator position. Applications should be submitted at the following web address: uso.hrmdirect.com

HEAD SWIM COACH AND ASSISTANT COACHES NEEDED Command, Department or Organization: Sigonella Swordfish Swim Team Dates of Event: AUG 2019-FEB 2020 Location of Event: NAS I Splashers Pool, travel to Away meets Time of Event: Practices held 1425-1800 Point of Contact Name: HM1 Corey Davies Point of Contact Phone Number: 624-4732 or 3407417505 Point of Contact Email Address: corey.a.davies.mil@mail.mil Additional Information: Great opportunity to work with an enthusiastic group of

swimmers divided into three developmental groups that compete with 16 other teams within the European Forces Swim League. Travel and Training costs are reimbursed by the Team. Incredible opportunity to train and travel throughout Europe in support of our youth.

APPLIED SUICIDE INTERVENTION SKILLS TRAINING (ASIST) WORKSHOP Command, Department or Organization: Religious Ministries Department Date of Event: 14/15 MAR Time of Event: 0900-1500 Location of Event: NAS 2 Chapel Point of Contact Name: Richard Graves Point of Contact Phone Number: 624-3975 Point of Contact Email Address: Richard.Graves.CTR@eu.navy.mil Additional Information: ASIST will help participants intervene in suicide related behavior by teaching them suicide first aid and how to develop a safety plan for the person they are caring for. Register through the CREDO Sigonella Facebook page, or call the chapel at 624-3975 or Richard.Graves.CTR@eu.navy.mil. For more information on ASIST visit www.livingworks.net/programs/asist. Additional workshops will be held on 16/17 May, 11/12 July, and 12/13 September 14/15. We will hold customized ASIST workshops to fit your schedule if you have 15 or more participants

Sigonella Religious Ministries Department Worship Services NAS 1 Tuesday Protestant Women of the Chapel: 0900-1100 Daily Mass: 1130-1200 Chapel Youth Middle School: 1445-1615 AWANA: 1645-1900 Wednesday Protestant Men of the Chapel: Daily Mass:

0600-0700 1130-1200

Thursday Chapel Youth High School: 1330-1500 Choir Practice: 1545-1700 The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: 1800-2030 Friday Daily Mass: 1130-1200 First Friday Mass and Holy Hour: 1700-1830

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

Saturday First Saturday Rosary and Mass:

1100-1200

Sunday Catholic Mass: 0900-1000 1045-1200 Catholic Religious Education: Protestant Service: 1100-1200 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints: 1330-1600

NAS 2 Tuesday AA: 1730-1830 Wednesday Protestant Women of the Chapel: 1830-2100 Thursday Daily Mass:

1130-1200

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 at PT, working out at the gym, or have just been engaged in any physical activity where you or your clothing has become soiled or sweaty you will be turned around at the door.

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MARCH 8, 2019

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GAMEZONE

MEDIUM EASY

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

The remaining letters spell a secret message.

AERIAL EXTENSION POMPONS ARABESQUE FACIALS PYRAMID AWESOME FLYER ROUTINE BASE HANDSPRING SELL IT BASKET TOSS HEEL STRETCH SPOTTER BUCKET HERKIE SQUAD CANDLE STICKS HIGH V STUNT CHANT HURDLER TABLE TOP CHEER JUMPS T MOTION CHOREOGRAPHY K MOTION TOE TOUCH COACH LIBERTY TUCK CRADLE CATCH L MOTION TUMBLING DISMOUNT MASCOT UNIFORM ELEVATOR MEGAPHONE VARSITY EXECUTION PEEL OFF V MOTION

DIFFICULT

Cheerleading

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"ITALIAN NEWS" continued from Page 6 thought. If that is the case, it makes it much more likely that the Italian government will feel compelled to breach its deficit targets even further. The deterioration in the data thus makes a renewed conflict with the EU Commission much more likely," added Hewson.

Late January’s data reflect a marked worsening of the industrial sector's performance, and of a negative contribution of agriculture, according to the national statistics institute, Istat. The institute had also released December's unemployment rate earlier, which fell to 10.3 percent from 10.5 percent, a positive sign. The jobless numbers rose 0.1 percent for young people aged 15 to 24; however, bringing the rate to 31.9 percent.

To Milk or Not to Milk? Inside the Sardinian Shepherds’ Protest

By Italicsmag.com

MARCH 8, 2019

As a Protected Designation of Origin (D.O.P) product, Pecorino Romano must be produced and processed in a defined geographical area, according to rules defined by an appointed control body. This organization could help regulate cheese pricing by establishing parameters and thresholds in the production quota, in order to reduce price fluctuations and avoid overproduction. However, sanctions for noncompliant dairies have been often considered so low that many industries did not respect restrictions, causing an overproduction and the collapse of prices in recent years. Production of sheep milk followed the same path, increasing enough to affect sales price charged to the cheese industry.

In other words, a very predictable and basic market law revealed itself: supply of sheep milk exceeded demand. Hence, all players in the milk-cheese commercial chain suffer the consequences, although shepherds are the most affected and vulnerable category. Their milk is the raw material, the first ring of a wider production process that inevitably follows market trend. On the other hand, setting once and for all the milk price, besides damaging end consumers, could lead to a worse scenario, encouraging shepherds to fuel the overproduction.

Disorganization and little foresight are the two main causes of this situation, and responsibility is probably shared between dairies, government, cooperatives, and shepherds. Overproduction of milk, weak regulation, and poor production organization played roles in the Sardinian crisis. A possible long-term solution for shepherds could be diversification (selling milk for other purposes and different cheese) or producing cheese themselves. In the meantime, regional elections should be an incentive for government to find an immediate solution and prevent Sardinia from drowning in its own, bitter, white sea.

The Italian island of Sardinia, renowned for its beautiful and crystal-clear waters, is now in the spotlight for another — whiter — sea. Indeed, on the eve of the regional elections, Sardinian shepherds have been dumping hectoliters of sheep milk on the ground for two weeks to protest against the very low prices of their product.

“Milk prices are so low that we’d rather throw it away than sell it to industrialists for almost nothing”, they said.

In do so, they have stalled cheese production and created a great media impact.

Clearly, their protest is not only an act. Rather, it is the extreme manifestation of their discontent caused by the fact that milk price dropped from 85 to 60 euro cents per liter in a year.

“Sardinian shepherds can’t take it anymore, because their milk now costs 30 cents less than the cost of production, excluding workforce,” said Gavino Pulinas, By Corriere della Sera shepherd and farm owner.

An eight-year-old boy embraces the mayor of his town, Alghero. “Do you have Battista Cualbu, president of Coldiretti, the main association of representation a piece of paper?” he asks. They bring him one and he writes the name of the and assistance of Italian agriculture, claims at least one euro per liter, otherwise mayor, Mario. Below it he draws a heart, signs it, gets his younger brother to do the “numbers don’t add up”. same and hands it back. “Thank you for everything,” he says, a moment before slipSardinia is the main Italian producer of sheep milk and owes that to having ap- ping back inside. That “thank you” was for the warm-heartedness of an entire comproximately 44 percent Italy’s sheep and goats population. Therefore, it is easy to munity that embraced the boy since his mother died two days before Christmas. imagine how important the sector of pastoralism is to the local economy, which obMichela Fiori, after ten years of marriage, decided to separate from her hustains its profit mainly thanks to the production of Pecorino Romano cheese. Mostly band. It was the usual story of bullying and abuse, verbally and physically, that known as a fundamental ingredient for making carbonara, this cheese is so highly dragged out over time. Then came the separation and lives apart that her husband, demanded abroad that 70 percent of its production ends up being exported, mainly "ITALIAN NEWS" continued on Page 19 to the United States.

Children of Woman Killed by Husband “Adopted” By Town

MARCH 8, 2019

"ITALIAN NEWS" cont’d from Page 18 Marcello Tilloca, was unable to accept. So on the morning of Dec. 23, he showed up at her house and strangled her while their two boys were outside playing football. Tilloca then took the children to their aunt’s house and handed himself in to the authorities.

The children will move to Genoa to live with their grandmother and start a new life, but leave behind their community of Alghero, whose many surrogate moms and dads stepped in during the last few weeks. It was as if each of the 44,000 inhabitants of the town had embraced them to try and help them feel a little less lonely.

The town’s mayor, Mario, helped his council draft a resolution that allowed a support fund to

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be set up by the Banco di Sardegna to support the children. The town council started by donating €25,000, but many townspeople are also making scheduled payments that will provide support to the children until they reach the age of 20, or 26 if they decide to go to college. The children’s school and their football team, Nettuno, are also involved in the initiative, as are the Banco di Sardegna and the Diocese of AlgheroBosa.

“This is the town’s commitment for two children who deserve all our help. I am proud of and moved by my fellow townspeople,” the mayor said.

Luca, Fiori’s brother, meanwhile, summed it up like this: “All of this warmth and affection has made the pain seem more bearable.”

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