SIGNATURE THE
SIGONELLA, SICILY
April 11, 2014
Vol. 31 No. 14
cnic.navy.mil/sigonella
NAS II Fitness Center prepares for grand opening By MC2 Brian T. Glunt NPASE-East Detachment Sigonella
Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella’s NAS II Fitness Center will reopen its doors April 18, after receiving more than $1.6 million dollars in renovations to the facility’s structure, equipment, and amenities. There will be a grand opening ceremony Friday, 18 April at 11 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, open house, and contests. AFN Sigonella will also be broadcasting live from the ceremony. Additionally, U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella’s Health Promotions Office, Fleet and Family Support Center, Navy Exchange and Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions will be on location with information. There will be a half-court shot contest to win $500 for male and female categories, as well as a scavenger hunt to win other prizes. During the past year, the NAS Sigonella Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) facility undertook renovations funded by grants from the Office of the Secretary of Defense to improve the quality of life for the service members who live and work at the installation’s operational base. “This is going to make the quality of life a whole lot better on NAS II,” said Jill Lynch, NAS Sigonella’s MWR fitness director. “So if they’re trying to relieve some stress in the middle of the day, they will now have a fully functional gym to shoot some hoops or just have some down time for a bit.” The gym’s roof was one of the focal points during renovation. Also, the electrical system, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, shower heads, and smart-sensor lighting were upgraded to be more energy efficient. “It’s a smart facility,” said MWR Director Paul Lopez. “For example, light sensors were installed in the basketball court whereby the lights are automatically activated when being used.” Lopez added there is a modern computer system that will efficiently monitor temperatures and make real-time performance adjustments to ensure optimal energy usage and savings. Last summer, NAS II gym patrons and MWR staff went without airconditioning in certain areas of the gymnasium, said John Lenz, NAS Sigonella’s MWR Athletic Director. “We got to black flag conditions inside and actually had to restrict people from working out. It really was unbearable conditions, not only for patrons, but for work staff.” In 2009, the facility suffered roof damages, which caused more than $600,000 in water damages to the basketball and racquetball courts. The gym’s original completion date was January 2014, but was hindered when contractors found extensive damage behind its walls. A new scoreboard now hangs over the fresh wooden-floored basketball court, replacing its polyurethane, tartan-surfaced predecessor. “Right now, only having one indoor basketball court at NAS Sigonella has been very challenging for teams and people who just want to get in there and play,” said Lynch. “This gives us another indoor court and with Physical Readiness Test (PRT) season it will give everybody a little bit more room to do their push-ups and sit-ups.” One of three racquetball courts is now completely renovated, while the other two have been converted into a mezzanine area, adding about 2,400 square feet to the building. “We can bring in so much more equipment and spread out our free weight area to make it safer,” said Lenz. “There were a lot of people throwing around heavy weights in very confined spaces.” This extra space may also serve to house a mix of the gym’s prior and brand new gear, Jacob’s ladder, elliptical machines, treadmills and other cardiovascular equipment. Much of the gear is brand new and is certified for use during the Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA). The revamped gymnasium offers a new functional fitness room, stretching area, and aerobics room that facilitates spin, yoga, Zumba and Total Resistance Exercise classes. Also added to the layout of the facility is a command fitness leader classroom, which will eventually allow more privacy for PFA Body Composition Assessments (BCAs). See 'Gym,' Page 5
The NAS II gym will open with a new hardwood floor, better ventilation and scoreboard hanging on one side of the court. The gym has markings on the floor for both basketball and volleyball. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tony D. Curtis/Released)
The new 2,400 square feet will store a mix of the gym’s prior and brand new gear, Jacob’s ladder, elliptical machines, treadmills and other cardiovascular equipment. Much of this gear is brand new and is certified for use during the Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tony D. Curtis/Released)
New NAS II Fitness Center of Operations -Mon. - Fri., 5 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. -Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fit Pit Reduced Services Information April 14-16 - 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. April 17 - Closed
Around Sigonella:
Fiat 500 auto show:
Patrol Squadron (VP) 9:
Check out what's happening around Sigonella!
Check out how the Navy and MarineCorps Relief Society's Active Duty Fund Drive ended
See how these deployed Sailors are contributing at NAS Sigonella
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Scan for direct links to NAS Sigonella
THE SIGNATURE U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA Commanding Officer Capt. Chris Dennis Executive Officer Cmdr. Eric Vosler Command Master Chief CMDCM David Graham
EDITORIAL Public Affairs Officer Lt. Paul Newell paul.newell@eu.navy.mil Editor M. Todd Butler michael.butler@eu.navy.mil Community Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil PAO Staff Writers \ Photographers MC2 Tony D. Curtis anthony.curtis@eu.navy.mil MC3 Cameron Bramham cameron.bramham@eu.navy.mil CONTACT US Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily thesig@eu.navy.mil DSN 624-5440; 095-86-5440 PSC 812 Box 7, FPO, AE 09627-0001 PUBLISHER Stampa Generale S.r.l., Sig. Bruno Brandi, Publisher, Naval Support Activity Capodichino (Naples), Italy stampagenerale@tin.it Tel. 081-568-7884 Fax 081-568-7887 This civilian enterprise (CE) newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services overseas. Contents of The Signature are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense (DoD), or the U.S. Navy. The appearance of advertising in this newspaper, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DoD or Stampa Generale S.r.l., of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factorof the purchaser, user or patron. A confirmed violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. The Signature is published weekly by Stampa Generale S.r.l., Sig. Bruno Brandi, Publisher, Naval Support Activity, Capodichino (Naples), Italy. Tel. 081-568-7884. Fax 081-568-7887. E-mail: stampagenerale@tin.it. Editorial submissions are welcomed from all Naval Air Station Sigonella departments, divisions and tenant commands. Editorial submissions should be sent to the Public Affairs Office via thesig@eu.navy.mil, guard mail stop #68 or hand-delivered to our office no later than the close of business on the Friday proceeding the expected publication date. All articles submitted by non-staff members will be considered contributing writers. The Signature will not publish anyanonymous articles. All advertisements in this publication are the property of Stampa Generale S.r.l. Any reproduction of advertisements in The Signature is unauthorized without the written consent of the publisher.
cnic.navy.mil/sigonella
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APRIL 11, 2014
Direct Line
APRIL 11, 2014
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new commanding officer by MC3 Cameron bramham NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
Commanding Officer Capt. Chris Dennis In addition to Sexual Assault Prevention Awareness Month and Month of the Military Child, April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Child abuse can occur for many reasons. Usually it is passed down from one generation to the next. Children, abused by parents who did not properly deal with stress, as adults often model the same poor choices, and the unfortunate cycle continues. The reality is our children (and spouses) do not deserve to be abused. It is fascinating how polite we are with coworkers and people we meet in public, but how often these same courtesies are not extended to the ones we love most. How does this happen? What can we do about it? How it happens? According to the late Jim Morrison, "people are strange." I agree. We are strange, in the sense that each of us is fully unique - different in big and little ways from all others. Intimacy aside, simply from an organizational point of view, it is incredibly challenging when one person, raised regionally, nationally, ethnically and religiously unique partners with a mate, equally as unique! Partnering, we know from our military or work experience, requires bonds of trust and shared beliefs and goals. As individuals, our motivations, principles, and dreams are solely our own. When we partner, we must reconcile our uniqueness with our partner's. For our partnerships to thrive, we must develop a shared vision, values, and bonds of trust.Considering how strange
we each are, this usually proves quite challenging. Now, add new strangers into the mix (our children) who also have their own unique way of looking at the world. Add in long work days, long work weeks, deployments, cumulative years of separation, countless moves from comfortable relations and places, unrealized dreams...all on top of our unique cultural identity which strongly inclines our views on relationships, roles and responsibilities, finances, needs and wants, parenting (disciplining) styles. Finally we must accept our personal shortcomings as a factor, too. Altogether, these can quickly materialize into stress's version of the "perfect storm." While societal and work place norms keep our baser rage in check in public, at home, with less 'oversight,' it is much easier for us to release stress in the form of abuse. What can we do about it? Education. There are so many ways we can learn how to reduce and manage stress safely. Religious Ministries offers many marriage enrichment opportunities and counseling. Fleet and Family Service Center offers similar services as well as financial counseling, anger management courses and counseling for adults and children. All these opportunities and many more
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - U.S. Air Force 324th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron, attached to Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella held a change of command ceremony April 4, at NAS Sigonella. During the ceremony, Maj. Aaron K. Ecton relieved Maj. Lamont D. Anderson as commander of 324th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron. Many NAS Sigonella service, community and local Italian were on hand to witness the ceremony which was very imperative according to Anderson. “I felt it was important to bring out our Naval and Italian friends from the community so you guys can see who we are,” Anderson said. “I was really happy to have everyone here for this.” Anderson also thanked his family who were in attendance before handing over command to Ecton. The 324th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron's mission is to launch and recover MQ-1s in support of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions in the AFRICOM area of responsibility.
are here to help us learn how to be better parents and partners. I share all of this because I have struggled. As far as I can tell, marriage and parenting are evolving, unending experiences with changing and persistent stresses. I have sought counseling and will again when needed. For those of you who know you have a problem, or even those who are just suspicious, I'd like you to consider: at the end of our lives it will neither be medals, nor rank, nor other Navy accolades that define our lives, but rather the breadth and depth of the relationships we have cultivated and the commitment to those whom we say "I love you." Don't we owe them our very best? Sigonella, Work hard, Be honest, Make smart decisions.
Public Works host Jail-N-Bail
Honorable John R. Phillips, U.S. Ambassador to the Italian Republic and the Republic of San Marino shakes Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Commanding Officer Capt. Chris Dennis' hand during a visit to NAS Sigonella. Philips and U.S. Consulate General, Naples, Columbia A. Barrosse visited Sigonella for a base tour and brief on the capabilites of the base. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Cameron Bramham/ Released)
Chiefs participate in community relations project at Paterno elementary school
Passover Seder April 14 ■ 6 p.m. (NAS 1) This is open to all people of faith who share the traditional Passover meal. If you plan to attend, please contact the Religious Ministries Department for reservations.
Roman Catholic
Holy Thursday Mass April 17 ■ 6 p. m. (NAS 1) Vigil in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel April 17 ■ 7:30 p.m. (NAS 1) Good Friday Veneration of the Cross April 18 ■ 6 p.m. (NAS 1) Easter Vigil April 19 ■ 8 p.m. (NAS 1) Easter Sunday Mass April 20 ■ 8:30 a.m. (NAS 1)
by MC3 cameron bramham NAS Sigonella Public Affairs NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - Seabees attached to Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Public Works Department hosted a Jail-N-Bail fund raising event April 4, for Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society’s (NMCRS) Active Duty Fund Drive. “I thought the Jail-N-Bail was successful for us today,” said Builder 1st Class Lawrence Porcaro, NMCRS Active Duty Fund Drive Treasurer. “I think everybody had fun, even the people who were stuck behind bars had fun.” The Jail-N-Bail was one of the last fund drive events this year and featured many NAS Sigonella Sailors being “arrested” and put in jail throughout the day. Anyone throughout base could call Jail-N-Bail organizers and have a boss, co-worker, or friend arrested at a dollar per minute. “For me, it’s a good cause,” Porcaro said. “NMCRS has helped me in the past so I’m trying to return the favour.” Once a Sailor or NAS Sigonella community member was arrested, they had the option to serve the allotted time for their sentence or buy out their minutes at two dollars per minute or double what was paid to have them arrested. As treasurer for the fund drive Porcaro knows every fund raising event is important for reaching the base’s goal. However as a Seabee, he also realized the significance of bringing NAS Sigonella Seabees together to organize and coordinate a fund raising event for the base. “This event gave us a chance to work with Seabees from our other shops we normally wouldn’t see or work with,”Porcaro said. “It was fun and I think very beneficial for our command.”
Children's author visiting Sigonella students next week by MC3 Cameron bramham NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
NASSIG EASTER SERVICES
Jewish
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U.S. ambassador to Italy visits NASSIG Predator squadron welcomes
DRIVE SAFELY SIGONELLA
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Protestant
Good Friday Service April 18 ■ 11:30 a.m. (NAS 2) Contemporary Easter Service April 19 ■ 6:30 p.m. (NAS 1) Sunrise Service April 20 ■ 6:30 a.m. (Marinai Picnic Area) Chapel Choir Easter Cantata April 20 ■ 10 a.m. (NAS 1) Traditional Easter Service April 20 ■ 10:30 a.m. (NAS 1) Worship and Fellowship Easter Service April 20 ■ 5 p.m. (NAS 2)
Latter Day Saints
Easter Worship Service April 20 ■ 1:30 p.m. (NAS 1 )
Chapel Offices: NAS I 095-56-3975, NAS II 095-86-9049, DSN: 624-3975, CHAPLAIN DUTY: 335-831-4493 RP DUTY: 335-786-1950
Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Chief Petty Officers (CPO) participated in a community relations (COMREL) event at a school in Paterno, Sicily April 1, as part of a series of events hosted by CPOs attached to NAS Sigonella during the CPO 121st birthday. The COMREL was also attended by volunteers from local associations called Trava Nova, A.S.S.E. Sicilia and Proloco as well as students from Catania Nautical Vocational School and consisted of the renovation and painting of the school auditorium. (Photo by Luigi Fallica)
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - In honor of Month of the Military Child, Morale Welfare, and Recreation Sigonella is sponsoring British children's author Vivian French on April 18. During her visit French will hold an “Anyone Can Write a Story” workshop at the Sigonella Youth Complex at Marinai from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. The workshop is free and open to all ages wanting to attend. During her time as an author, French has written critically acclaimed books such as Tales from the Five Kingdoms, Tiara Club and various Wonder Read science books. For anyone with questions about French’s visit, contact Sigonella School Liaison Officer Chris McKibbin at DSN 624-3242 or by email at chris.mckibbin@eu.navy.mil.
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APRIL 11, 2014
APRIL
Monday 14
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Friday Sexual Assault Awareness Month Information Table 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. NAS 1 Midtown
2014
Credit and Debit Management 10 - 11:30 a.m. FFSC
Tuesday
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Topolino ICR for Kids 8 - 11:30 a.m. FFSC TGPS: Accessing Higher Education Track 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. FFSC
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Wednesday
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Sponsor Training 9 - 11 a.m. FFSC
TGPS: Accessing Higher Education Track 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. FFSC
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Home Buying Stategies 10 - 11:30 a.m. FFSC
Relo Fair 1:30 - 3 p.m. FFSC
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Saturday
Monte Delle Vigne Wine Tasting ITT
Tandem Sky Diving 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Outdoor Rec
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Sunday
Ganji Palm Sunday Procession ITT
Half Price Bowling* Sparetime Bowling *EVERY SUNDAY
Ombudsmen Monthly Assembly 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. FFSC
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Sig Safe 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. FFSC
Month of the Military Child 1/2 Price Bowling* Sparetime Bowling See Page 11 for info.
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There are two ways to submit feed back to Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Commanding Officer Capt. Chris Dennis. Visit The 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. Also, visit NAS Sigonella's website www.cnic.navy.mil/Sigonella, go to the "About" drop down menu and click on "CO Suggestion Box". The Signature will anonymously publish comments and responses for the benefit of the Sigonella community. Please make sure your comments and suggestions are constructive. In other words, "BE NICE ON ICE."
Personal mailing addresses changing next week by LTJG Kristin Lein NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Sigonella-HQ
Thursday
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Commanding Officer's Suggestion Box
COMMUNITY CALENDAR 11
APRIL 11, 2014
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Arrivederci Class 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. FFSC
SAAM Information Table 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Commissary
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SAAM Information Tables 11:30a.m. - 1:30 p.m. NAS 2 Galley Relo Fair 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. FFSC
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Egg-Stravaganza 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Maranai Soccer Field MWR Sunset Kayak Catania to Acitrezza 4 - 10 p.m. Outdoor Rec
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Agrigento: Valley of the Temples & Bagliesi Wine Tasting ITT Butterfly House Family Trip ITT
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Easter in San Biagio Platani & Sant'Angelo Muxaro ITT Half Price Bowling* Sparetime Bowling *EVERY SUNDAY
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Glorious El Fakhar the rediscovery of ancient "Villages and Traditions" ITT Half Price Bowling* Sparetime Bowling *EVERY SUNDAY
*EVERY THURSDAY IN APRIL
IMPORTANT EXTENSIONS:
FFSC: x4291 ITT : x4777, x4396 Liberty/Connections/Take 5: x4246, x5602 Outdoor Rec: x4777, x4396 Fitness: x4483, x5243 Midtown 2 Theaters: x4248 American Red Cross: x4900
Does your command or organization have an event you’d like to see on the Community Calendar? Email us at thesig@eu.navy.mil and let us know!
Need an appointment at the hospital? Call DSN 624-CARE (2273) or commercial 095-56-2273, M-F: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. For non-emergent medical questions that arise over the weekend, holidays, or after office hours, please call 335-578-8077 if you are normally seen at the hospital or 335-578-8150 if you are normally seen at the Flight Line Clinic.
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - It’s almost that time, NAS Sigonella! On April 15, everyone across the 5th and 6th fleet areas of responsibility, to include everyone at NAS Sigonella, will have transitioned to their new personal mailing address. While parts of the address will remain the same, two major changes—a command specific “plus four” and an individual specific box number— will provide all authorized mail patrons with their own unique mailing address. The new address changes will allow for automated mail processing and forwarded mail services after departing Sigonella. In accordance with the United States Postal Service (USPS) and the Military Postal Service Agency (MPSA), all overseas Military Post Offices must convert to the new, standardized address system. Currently, all incoming mail is manually sorted by USPS before being routed for delivery overseas. With the new address system, mail will no longer
be manually sorted and instead will go through an automated sorting process, reducing man hours and minimizing delays. The implementation of address standardization will require most of the same procedures that would come with a physical move and change of address. While you won’t have to go to USPS and submit a change of address form, you will have to update your bank accounts and mailings—e.g. online shopping accounts and magazine subscriptions—and inform family and friends of your new address in order for your mail to arrive on time and not be returned to sender. The cooperation of the entire NAS Sigonella community is vital to the success of this address change program and the Postal directors appreciate all of your continued support in this endeavor. Any questions can be directed to command mail orderlies or can be emailed to the address standardization help desk at: FLCSIzipplus4@eu.navy.mil
'Gym,' Continued from page 1
While not necessarily at the NAS II gym, batting and pitching cages will soon be upgraded at the NAS II athletic complex and will be administered by the NAS II gym staff. Although the old lockers remain, the locker rooms are refurbished with showers. “If you workout at the Fit Pit, there are no locker rooms or showers,” said Lenz. “We will have showers for people to workout during the day, get showered and get back to work.” The NAS II pool will also be open for lap swimmers starting the 18th as well as open every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the morning and at lunch. “Over $400,000 renovations of the pools, showers, and pump rooms were made in the last year,” said Lopez. Without a gym to go to during the renovations, service members who live or work on NAS II had to find an alternative place to workout. Many of these military men and women were able to take part in MWR’s race series, play outdoor sports at the athletic complex, workout at the temporary Fit Pit or find a means of transportation to the NAS I gym seven miles away. NAS Sigonella’s four tennis courts are also planned for $190,000 in renovations along with future plans to refurbish the sand volleyball court. “A lot of our expectations are really to just keep raising the bar and to keep giving [service members] all of these opportunities,” said Lenz. “[Service members] shouldn’t be sitting in their barracks with nothing to do.” Due to NAS II being the installation’s operational base, the gym will only admit patrons 18 years and older. NAS Sigonella’s MWR department is focused on tailoring the NAS II gym to the service member with more clinics that will improve PRT scores. “To best serve our Sigonella service members who work and live on NAS II, the gym will be available only for adults over 18 years old and out of high school,” said Lopez. The hours for the gym will be Monday thru Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Leading up to the grand opening on Friday, there will be reduced services available at the Fit Pit. Starting on Monday, the plate-loaded machines and other miscellaneous equipment will be transferred to the new gym, leaving only cardio machines, free standing benches and dumbbells behind. The fit pit will be permanently closed starting Thursday evening. The remaining equipment in there will be transferred to Niscemi to support the forces stationed there. “With the pool, turf field, gym, , and Take 5 being new from the renovations, the whole complex is going to be a phenomenal opportunity for everyone to do a little bit of everything to get fit,” said Lynch. If you have any questions about the NAS II gym, you can contact John Lenz at 624-0504.
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Good Friday festival to be held in Pietraperzia
A crowd of thousands among devotees and tourists attends the spectacular Good Friday procession which is annually held in the picturesque town of Pietraperzia to commemorate the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This year the festival will be held on April 18. (Photo by http://lillorusso.blogspot.it/) PIETRAPERZIA, Sicily - The century-old Good Friday tradition returns to Pietraperzia, a small picturesque town in the Enna province, on Friday, April 18. The Catholic community is ready to commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ through a spectacular and heartfelt religious festival called U Signuri di li fasci (The Lord of the Bands). On April 18, the members of the Confraternita of Maria Santissima del Soccorso religious brotherhood flock to the Chiesa del Carmine (Church of the Carmine) to help preparing for the evening celebrations. In the afternoon at 2 p.m., a 14th century life-sized crucifix is taken from a small chapel, where it is usually kept and placed in the center of the church for adoration. Amidst a surreal silence, devotees will pay their respects for the entire afternoon. Pilgrims enter the church, make a small donation and get
small red ribbons, called misureddi (little measures), which have the same measurements as the crucifix. Misureddi are then be blessed and tied around the arm as a sign of devotion. Later at 6 p.m., confrati (confraternity members) will mount the crucifix and Lu munnu (an globe symbolizing the world) on top of a 28-foot cypress wood pole. This majestic post is then placed in the middle of a vara (wooden frame). After that, brotherhood members will complete this magnificent and elaborate fercolo (float) by tying to the upper part of the fasci (mast) with traditional devotional long strips of white linen cloth that are about 105 feet long and 16 inches wide. Several families in town own white linen bands with their names embroidered in red. These linen bands represent a "thank-you offering"for a miracle received. Devotees are allowed to tie
them to the float on a rotational two-year basis in order to give a chance to everybody to participate in the festival. Thousands of Pietrini (Pietraperzia townspeople) and tourists crowd outside the church to see that huge religious float being hoisted at 8 p.m. That is probably one of the most important touching and spectacular moments of the entire festival. The float turns from being an inanimate object into an elaborate "living machine," which is maneuvered by 500 believers, as it makes its way through the town's narrow cobblestone streets. Some devotees roll, unroll, pull and hold the devotional linen strips while others carry the heavy wooden support on their shoulders. All this requires teamwork, precision and attention to perfectly balance this imposing float. In fact, as the float proceeds, it changes its shape by performing some rather delicate maneuvers, rotations and turns which create a dramatic and spectacular optical effect. It actually looks like the crucifix would float on top of a snow mountain! Some Pietrini, who immigrated to the United States, would call a relative to listen over the phone to the meek whispering of the bearers who say Pietà e misericordia Signuri! (God have Mercy and Pity on us!). Two litters holding the L'Urna con il Cristo morto (statues of dead Christ) and L'Addolorata (Lady of Sorrow) will accompany the big float during the procession that will continue through late night. All Pietraperzia townspeople join together, including the ones who live abroad, to keep alive this tradition, dating back to the 14th century, which according to legend, is also attended by the souls of the deceased brotherhood members. For more information and detailed festival schedules, visit http://www.comune.pietraperzia. en.it/
APRIL 11, 2014
Venice independence movement 'turns to terrorism' (The Telegraph) – Venice- Push for independence for Venice and surrounding region takes bizarre turn after Italian police arrest activists on charges of terrorism and making a home-made tank. Italian police last Wednesday arrested 24 people involved in a campaign to demand independence for Venice and its surrounding region and seized a tractor that they said the activists had tried to convert into a sort of tank. The surprise arrests came just two weeks after activists held an online vote calling for the Veneto region, which encompasses the lagoon city, to break away from the rest of Italy and declare itself the "Repubblica Veneta". The authorities accused the 24 separatists of being involved in "terrorism", "fabrication of weapons of war" and "subversion of the democratic order". The activists were part of a "secessionist group that was planning various initiatives, some of them violent, aimed at pushing for the independence of Veneto and other parts of the national territory of the Italian State," the paramilitary Carabinieri said. The activists were allegedly planning to use the "tank", which was armed with a makeshift cannon, to stage a protest in Venice's St Mark's Square, 17 years after a similar stunt in which Veneto separatists drove a home-made armoured car into the famous square. Police claim the makeshift tank was in good working order and was capable of firing projectiles from its barrel. Those arrested included Franco Rocchetta, a former MP and the founder of the Liga Veneta, or Veneto League, one of several separatist movements calling for independence for the affluent north-eastern region. In last month's unofficial referendum, organisers claimed that 56 per cent of registered voters in the region cast a vote online and that an overwhelming majority supported secession from Italy. They said that out of a total 2.36 million votes cast, 2.1 million voted for independence. Critics, however, questioned the reliability of the referendum, saying that some votes appeared to have been cast from overseas and that some people may have voted more than once. The drive for independence is supported by Veneto's most powerful politician, Luca Zaia, who is president of the region and a member of the separatist Northern League. Zaia leads a regional assembly which is debating holding an official referendum on the issue, just as Scotland secured the right to hold September's vote on seceding from the UK. He says there are powerful economic and cultural reasons for Veneto to strive for independence. Venetians and the people of surrounding cities such as Padova and Vicenza deeply resent the fact that each year Rome takes 20 billion euros of their tax revenue. They feel that the money is squandered on corrupt and dysfunctional parts of Italy, particularly in the crime-ridden south.
Campaign fights to save Roman institution Caffè della Pace (IM) Italians are increasingly long-lived. That's according to the latest census by ISTAT (National Institute for Statistics), whose findings were disclosed by the Coldiretti agriculture association during National Week for the Prevention of Cancer (March 16-23). The data showed an increase of 138% in the number of Italian citizens over 100 in 10 years. There are now more than 15,000 centenarians in Italy. Life expectancy for women, constantly on the rise, is 84.5 years; the same can be said for men, who have a life expectancy of 79.4 years. Coldiretti pointed out that numerous scientific studies have demonstrated the crucial role played in longevity by the Mediterranean diet, declared a UNESCO Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Unfortunately, however, Coldiretti also explained how one of the effects of the economic crisis is that Italian households have had to cut down significantly on the purchase of typical products of the Mediterranean diet, especially fish (-20%), pasta (-9%), extra virgin olive oil (-6%), fruit and vegetables (-3%).
APRIL 11, 2014
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U.S. Navy HEADLINES
2014 Overseas Housing DOD celebrates Month of Military Child Terri Moon Cronk Allowance Utility Survey By American Forces Press Service The Overseas Housing Allowence Utility Survey began March 24 and is limited to the locations listed below. The countries Participating in this Survey are Italy and Trinidad and Tobago. This survey is used to measure utility/recurring maintenance expenses incurred by Uniformed Service members stationed overseas, who reside in private housing. This survey does not cover rental expenses. The data collected will assist in the determination of Overseas Housing Allowances (OHA) paid to members in your country of assignment. Maximum response is encouraged so that data will be representative of your country of assignment. This data is instrumental in updating utility allowances for the Overseas Housing Program. Incomplete surveys cannot be used as this might result in underreporting of utility/recurring maintenance expenses. Your response will be treated as confidential. Only group statistics will be reported. To ensure that this survey results in valid utility allowances, please report all your utility expenses. To prepare for the Utility Expenses portion of the survey, gather your actual bills or records of utility and recurring maintenance expenses for the last 12 months. The estimated time to complete the survey is 20-30 minutes. To take the survey go to https://www. defensetravel.dod.mil/site/oha-util-midmar.cfm
Navy releases FY14 aviation career continuation pay rates By Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- Qualified Navy aviators can receive up to $125,000 in bonuses announced in a message released April 8. According to NAVADMIN 078/14, the following Aviation Career Continuation Pay (ACCP) bonuses are offered to pilots and naval flight officers (NFO) to retain skilled personnel for critical naval aviation billets. HM pilot: $75,000, HSC pilot: $75,000, HSL/HSM pilot: $75,000, VAQ pilot: $125,000, VAQ NFO: $100,000, VAW/VRC pilot: $125,000, VAW NFO: $75,000, VFA pilot: $125,000, VFA NFO: $75,000, VP pilot: $75,000, VP NFO: $75,000, VQ(P) pilot: $75,000, VQ(P) NFO: $50,000, VQ(T) pilot: $75,000, VQ(T) NFO: $100,000. Applications for ACCP must be received before Aug. 31. For more information, visit the Aviation Officer Community Manager page at www.npc.navy.mil/officer/detailing/aviation. For more news from Navy Personnel Command, visit www.navy. mil/local/npc/.
WASHINGTON – The Defense Department believes military children serve their country alongside their service member parents, DOD’s director of the office of family policy/children and youth said. When military children serve, they do so by making sacrifices when parents are deployed, through frequent moves, starting new schools and making new friends on a continuing basis, Barbara Thompson said in a recent interview with The Pentagon Channel for the Month of the Military Child that’s being celebrated in April. “We feel it’s important for the nation to know that military children also serve their country,” Thompson said. To honor military children for their sacrifices and service, DOD and the services have planned activities this month that range from installationbased fairs, parades, and literacy and art events, she said. Military Kids Day, April 15, marks the thirdannual “Purple Up!” day when adults wear purple to show support of children from all the services, Thompson said. DOD has numerous year-round programs and awareness efforts to honor military children, and Thompson elaborated on some of those initiatives. To help children build their resilience, DOD has coordinated programs with Sesame Street to help with ongoing change in military children’s lives, Thompson noted. “Sesame [Street] has been an outstanding contributor to the well-being of military children,” she said, naming a series of DVDs that cover such topics for military children as divorce, grief, separation and deployment, resilience skills, and visible or invisible injuries. Sesame Street also recently launched two new smartphone applications. “One [app] covers relocation, and another is to help children learn self-regulation skills so they become more resilient,” Thompson said. “And
everything is free.” Thompson emphasized that April also is Child Abuse Prevention Month and said awareness in this arena is important to DOD. “Child Abuse Prevention Month is particularly important because it’s a social responsibility for all of us to make sure children are safe and their well-being is protected,” she said. “Everybody has a responsibility.” Giving parents the tools to make them strong supporters of their children and to keep them safe from predators and from violence within the family is crucial, she added. “Parenting is tough, regardless of the situation and the age of the child. They each bring their nuances to the table, whether it’s children at [age] 2 who say ‘no,’ or a teenager who’s sometimes a little defiant,” she said. DOD offers parenting skill resources, Thompson noted, such as the newly launched Parenting Course. The course, she explained, examines parenting from the context of the military lifestyle, which revolves around deployments and parental separations from their children at different stages of their development. And an installation-based initiative, the new Parent Support Program, involves home visitation for new parents of children up to age 3, “to help parents reach their full potential working with and being responsible for their children,” Thompson said. The Marine Corps’ program supports parents with children up to age 5, she added. “The New Parent Support Program is a part of the Family Advocacy Program, which has a prevention piece that offers courses and opportunities for support groups. We want to make sure we address the stressors in families’ lives before they escalate,” Thompson said. “Sometimes [certain] things really push our buttons,” she added. “So we need to have the tools, to know how to cope with those kinds of stressors and how we react to them.”
U.S. 7th Fleet update on Malaysia Airlines flight By U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy team operating the towed pinger locator (TPL) onboard Australian defense vessel Ocean Shield detected pinging signals, April 6. The detected signals are consistent with sounds that would come from a black box. The TPL heard consecutive pings at one second intervals. At the time of detection the TPL was at a depth of 300 meters, which is well above the optimal search depth where a black box would typically be detected. Upon detection, the Ocean Shield crew turned off as much noise-producing equipment as possible to reduce the chance of false alarms, and the signal was again held for over two hours at a TPL depth of 1,400 meters. The signal stregnth increased and then faded, as would be expected with the ship moving toward then away from the signal. After the signal was lost the team reeled the TPL back in to prepare for a course change to a reciprocal course to get a better line of bearing in the contact location. While traveling on the reciprocal course, the Ocean Shield team again detected a separate set of pings while with the TPL set to an optimal depth of 3,000 meters. On this course the detection time lasted for about 15 minutes. The TPL detected two signals at the same frequency but in different locations. This would be consistent with the MH370 black box because the plane had both a flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder. Since the current data remains inconclusive, the team is moving foward to reacquire the
Lt. Cmdr. David Mims, left, and Lt. j.g. Brent Nelsen, naval aviators assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 16, perform preflight checks in a P-8A Poseidon, before going on a mission supporting the international effort to locate Malaysia Airlines flight MH370. VP-16 is deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-AsiaPacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Keith DeVinney/Released)
signal and use the Bluefin-21 Sidescan Sonar to get a picture of any potential wreckage. This is a 24-hour operation and the Navy team is working around the clock with their Australian partners to reacquire the black box signal. The search is currently taking place approximately 950 nautical miles northwest of Perth. The U.S. Navy P-8s in Perth are still flying search missions. Overall patrol aircraft support to date includes 24 missions with 220 of flight time covering 336,000 square nautical miles. For more news from Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/c7f/.
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Fund drive concludes with Fiat 500 car show
Story and photos by MC3 cameron bramham
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella service and community members revved up their engines and welcomed local national Italians on base to showcase their Fiat 500 (Cinquecento) cars during the 2nd annual Fiat 500 Car Show on April 5. This was was the final event for Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society’s (NMCRS) Active Duty Fund Drive, and took place at the NAS I Annex Field. It was hosted by the Sigonella Fiat 500 Club. The car show helped the fund drive end with a grand total of just under $100,000 donated throughout the NAS Sigonella community. “The overall goal for today was to give money to the active duty fund drive,” Sigonella Fiat 500 Club member, Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Thatcher said. “Although it was great to raise money for NMCRS today, the main goal is to continue building relations with our Italian hosts. We want the locals to understand how we operate and we want to learn their history and heritage from them.” Although they were the main attraction, the Cinquecento’s weren’t the only automobiles on display during the car show. Members of the Sigonella Jeep Club and members of the Sigonella Military Harley Owners Group (HOG) chapter shined up their vehicles for display. “These are historical Italian vehicles. You talk to an Italian and mention the Cinquecento and they’ll talk about how much they represent Italy,” Thatcher said. “We also had Fiat’s that weren’t 500's, Alfa Romero’s and a lot of Mini Coopers. People who showed up today were able to see cars that most people will never see.” The car show also featured many NAS Sigonella volunteers from command and group organizations around base who sold food and helped set-up and coordinate the Cinquecento car show. “The car show went amazing; I think we had well over a hundred vehicles here,” Chief Builder Danny Redman, car show volunteer said. “They raised a lot of money and today certainly brought everybody together for a great cause [in NMCRS] which ultimately supports all of our Sailors, Marines and dependents. The weather held back for the most part and it was great to see the whole community out here!”
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VP-9 in action
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VP-9 Sailors participate in Catania community relations project by MCSN Amber Porter Patrol Squadron (VP) 9
Sailors assigned to the ‘Golden Eagles’ of Patrol Squadron (VP) 9, wash the exterior of a P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft at Naval Air Station Sigonella. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Amber Porter/ Released)
Lt. Commander Justin Fisher, assigned to the 'Golden Eagles' of Patrol Squadron (VP) 9, navigates a P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft during take-off at Naval Air Station Sigonella. VP-9 is forward deployed to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility and is currently assigned to CTF 67, responsible for tactical control of deployed maritime patrol and reconnaissance squadrons throughout the European and African areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Amber Porter/ Released)
CATANIA, Sicily - Sailors assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 9, stationed at Naval Air Station Sigonella, participated in a Community Relations project (COMREL) at Giovanna Romeo Sava, a home for children, on March 29 in Catania. As part of the COMREL, Sailors helped with much-needed home repairs, landscaping, cooking and entertaining the children. Once a traditional-style orphanage, the facility is now considered a foster home for children ranging from age seven to 17. Courts or family services assign children to the home for a period of time due to unlivable family circumstances. Part of the facility’s goal is to involve the children in cultural awareness events, such as visits from Sailors, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, churches and other organizations. “The more you know and the broader your cultural experiences, the better off you are about cultural interactions,” said Fabiola Chiarenza, assistant caretaker at Giovanna Romeo Sava. “The Foundation likes to stay open for anyone to visit so that children can have that cultural experience.” Chiarenza explained that the children’s best experience was visiting Sigonella because it was like going to a ‘small America’. She said the visit opened their horizons and created a way to learn other cultures, languages and ways of life. “To me, I feel like giving back to the community is an extension of what we stand for,” said ATAN Tamra O’Mealy. “We help the people see that we are more than just military. We give back to the communities that support us.” Sailors also receive a sense of connection with the host nation through volunteering and COMRELs. “I feel better about our relationship with our host country when we do these community events,”
said AWF2 Mandi De Welles. “I feel it makes a difference on both an organizational and individual level, especially when you have the opportunity to connect on a one-to-one level with the people you are helping out.” Directors of the facility hope that by allowing more guests to come visit and creating field trips for the children, the facility can move away from the stigma of what community lodging is like. “We want people to know that this isn’t a cold place, the children are not sitting in their room alone and reciting verses,” said Chiarenza. “Living in this community lodging, a lot of people believe the children are stuck here but that’s not true, children have all the freedom that normal kids do and are treated like normal children. Normal life creates a more social and happier child.” As part of the normal lifestyle, the facility focuses on creating a family environment. “Sometimes the kids go home on the weekends,” said Mr. Scibetta Liborio, facility director. “Family communication and contact is highly encouraged. We have a ‘webbing’ family service and get involved with the child’s family and do everything we can to bring them together as often as possible.” Liborio explained the overall goal for the facility is for the children to be fully independent by the age of 18 or to move back home with their family. He said they start with weekends, eventually moving to a permanent living arrangement back with parents because the facility doesn’t want the foster environment to be all the child knows. “Kids are allowed to do anything normal children would do,” said Liborio. “They are encouraged in their hobbies and extracurricular activities. Kids go to dances, soccer games and go to school in town rather than receiving education at the foster home.”
Friday, APR 11 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Grilled Sausage Patties, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Waffles. *Lunch: Chicken Corn Chowder, Roll Baked Fish, Meat Loaf Mess Lords, Carrots, Broccoli, Cookies. Speed line: Grilled Chicken Breast, French Fried Potatoes. *Dinner: Chicken Noodle Soup, Roast Turkey, Fishwich Sandwich, Tossed Green Rice, Chicken Gravy, Corn O’Brien, Green Beans, Cookies.
Tuesday, APR 15 *Breakfast: Hot Farina, Asstd Omelets, Grilled Sausage Patties, Eggs to Order, Hash Brown Potatoes, Waffles. * Lunch: French Onion Soup, Italian Cutlet Pork, Spaghetti w/ Meat Sauce, Oven Glo’ Potatoes, Caponata, Steamed Carrots, Bruschetta, Garlic Bread. *Speed Line: Ham Cheese Sandwich, French Fried Potatoes . Dinner: Zesty Bean Soup, Pepper Steak, Spaghetti Carbonara, Steamed Rice, Peas & Carrots.
Saturday, APR 12 *Breakfast: Farina, Grilled Ham Slices, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Hash Brown Potatoes, Waffles, Asstd. *Brunch: Breakfast Items, Egg Drop Soup, Savory Baked Chicken, Hash Brown Potatoes, Summer Squash. *Dinner: Vegetable Soup, Pizza, Fishwich, Fresh Cauliflower, French Fried Potatoes.
Wednesday, APR 16 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Pancakes. *Lunch: Beef Rice Soup, Beef Pot Pie, Penne Amatriciana, Rice Pilaf, Cauliflower, Mixed Vegetable. *Speed Line: Grilled Cheese/Hamburger, Baked Beans, French Fried Potatoes. *Dinner: Cream of Chicken Soup, BBQ Pork Ribs, Spaghetti w/Meat Sauce, Steamed Rice, Fried Cabbage.
Sunday, APR 13 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Creamed Ground Beef, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Hash Brown Potatoes, French Toast. *Brunch: Breakfast Items, Cream of Broccoli Soup, Salisbury Steak, Peas. *Dinner: Chicken Vegetable Soup, Veal Parmesan, Penne Alfredo, Rice Pilaf, Gravy, Seasoned Carrots.
Thursday, APR 17 *Breakfast: Hominy Grits, Minced Beef, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Hash Brown Potatoes, French Toast. *Lunch: Corn Chowder Soup, Roast Pork, Chicken Breast in Orange Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, Brown Gravy, Fresh Carrots, Cabbage *Speed Line: Fishwich , Onion Rings. *Dinner: Minestrone Soup, Salisbury Steak, Spaghetti Carbonara, Ginger Rice, Broccoli.
Monday, APR 14 *Breakfast: Hot Hominy Grits, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Home Fried Potatoes, Pancake. *Lunch: Creamed of Potato Soup, Roast Beef, Chicken Tetrazzini , Mashed Potatoes, Brown Gravy, Mixed Vegetables, Summer Squash. *Speed line: Ass. Pizza. *Dinner: Vegetable Supreme Soup, Grilled Chicken Breast, Penne Amatriciana, Rice Pilaf, Chicken Gravy, Fresh Cauliflower.
Friday, APR 18 *Breakfast: Hot Oatmeal, Grilled Sausage Patties, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Hash Brown Potatoes, Waffles. *Lunch: Cream of Potato Soup, Penne Alfredo, Baked Fish w/Tomato Cherry, Oven Glo' Potatoes, Seasoned Mix Vegetables, Fresh Squash. Speed Line: Grilled Hamburger/ Cheeseburger, French Fried Potatoes, Baked Beans. *Dinner: French Onion Soup, Spaghetti w/ Fish Sauce, Chicken Parmesan, Steamed Rice, Fresh Cauliflower.
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ON THE GO WITH MWR
Upcoming Events With MWR Liberty to host Tuscany road trip NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - Liberty is hosting a road trip through the beautiful region of Tuscany over the Memorial Day weekend. The road trip takes place from May 22 to May 26. This trip to northern Italy includes an overnight ferry trip to Naples, a visit to the natural hot springs in Saturnia, and one night stays in Florence, Pisa, and Siena. Liberty qualified patrons will be able to enjoy the glorious architecture spanning from the Greek and Roman periods, the Gothic period, and the Renaissance, to name a few. Participants have the chance to view notable sites such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Basilica of Saint Mary of the
Flowers, the Bargello Palace, and Campo Square. While in Florence, road trip attendees can also delight in the local food and shopping. Florence is known for its famous Florentine steak, a flavorful, rare, and tender cut of meat that can be cut with a spoon. Also well known for its leather goods, patrons have the chance to shop at local markets when they go out on their own to explore. This five day road trip will allow hard-working single service members the chance to relax over the holiday weekend all while getting out and seeing more of beautiful Italy. The deadline to sign up is May 2. To sign up, call Take 5 at 624-5602.
"Egg-Stravaganza" to be held in Maranai NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - With the Easter holiday fast approaching, MWR will host the annual Egg-Stravaganza. The event will take place Saturday, April 19 at the Marinai soccer field starting at 10 a.m. Children up to age 12 can engage themselves in the egg hunt starting at 10:30 a.m. Afterwards, Pizzarotti is sponsoring child friendly games and
crafts, a petting zoo, music and food. The Easter Bunny will also make an appearance for children to enjoy and take photos. Parents are encouraged to bring their cameras to capture the moment. This free family-friendly Easter celebration will take place from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. For more information, please call 624-4941.
Midtown Movie Theaters Schedule & Descriptions
Movie Premiere
Free Movie
Same Day Release
Last Show
Wednesday, April 16 5:00 PM 5:30 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM
Friday, April 11
Rio 2 3D Single Mom’s Club Son of God The Winter Solider
2:00 PM Rio G 5:00 PM Rio 2 3D G 5:30 PM Draft Day PG-13 *Due to a scheduled power outage, Midtown 2 movie theaters will be closing early.
Thursday, April 17
Saturday, April 12
Friday, April 18
2:00 PM Rio 2 G 2:30 PM Muppets Most Wanted PG 4:30 PM The Winter Soldier 3D PG-13 5:00 PM Need For Speed PG-13 *Due to a scheduled power outage, Midtown 2 movie theaters will be closing early.
Sunday, April 13 2:00 PM 2:30 PM 4:30 PM 5:00 PM 7:30 PM
3 Days To Kill Single Mom's Club Noah The Winter Soldier Draft Day
Tuesday, April 15
As a reminder, all dependents are always welcome at the galley! Please provide any negative or positive feedback. There is a suggestion box near the entrance to the galley, next to the serving line.
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5:00 PM 5:30 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM
PG-13 PG-13 PG-13 PG-13 P
Muppetts Most Wanted Non-Stop Rise of the Empire 3D Pompeii
PG PG-13 R PG-13
5:00 PM 5:30 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM
2:00 PM 5:00 PM 5:30 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM
3 Days to Kill Rio 2 Noah Draft Day Chipwrecked Draft Day 300: Rise of an Empire Transcendence Need For Speed
Saturday, April 19 2:00 PM 2:30 PM 4:30 PM 5:00 PM 7:30 PM
Mr. Peabody 3D Rio 2 The Winter Soldier 3D The Book Thief Son of God
Sunday, April 20 2:00 PM 2:30 PM 4:30 PM 5:00 PM 7:30 PM
Single Mom’s Club Hop Noah The Winter Solider 3 Days to Kill
PG PG-13 PG-13 PG-13 PG-13 PG PG-13 PG-13 G PG-13 R PG-13 PG-13 PG PG PG-13 PG-13 PG-13 PG-13 PG PG-13 PG-13 PG-13
3 DAYS TO KILL ... PG-13 STARRING: Kevin Costner, Hailee Steinfeld, Connie Nielsen A dying CIA agent trying to reconnect with his estranged daughter is offered an experimental drug that could save his life in exchange for one last assignment. (117 m.) CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLIDER 2D & 3D ... PG-13 STARRING: Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving, Samuel L. Jackson After being deemed unfit for military service, Steve Rogers volunteers for a top secret research project that turns him into Captain America. (124 m.) DRAFT DAY ... PG-13 STARRING: Jennifer Garner, Kevin Costner, Chadwick Boseman The General Manager of the Cleveland Browns struggles to acquire the number one draft pick for his team. (110 m.) MUPPETS MOST WANTED ... PG-13 STARRING: Tina Fey, Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell While on a grand world tour, The Muppets find themselves wrapped into an European jewel-heist caper headed by a Kermit the Frog look-alike and his dastardly sidekick. (113 m.) NEED FOR SPEED... PG-13 STARRING: Aaron Paul, Dominic Cooper, Scott 'Kid Cudi' Mescudi Fresh from prison, a street racer who was framed by a wealthy business associate joins a cross country race with revenge in mind. His ex-partner, learning of the plan, places a massive bounty on his head as the race begins. (124 m). NOAH ... PG-13 STARRING: Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Anthony Hopkins A man is chosen by God to undertake a mission of rescue before an apocalyptic flood destroys the world. (138 m.) RIO 2 2D & 3D... G STARRING: Rodrigo Santoro, Anne Hathaway, Leslie Mann Blu, Jewel and their 3 kids get sent to the wilds of the Amazon. As Blu tries to fit in, he goes up against the vengeful Nigel, & meets the most fearsome adversary of all: his father-in-law. (101 m.) SINGLE MOM’S CLUB ... PG-13 STARRING: Nia Long, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Amy Smart 5 single moms put aside their differences to form a support group. (111 m.) TRANSCENDENCE...PG-13 STARRING: Johnny Depp, Rebecca Hall, Morgan Freeman A terminally ill scientist uploads his mind to a computer. This grants him power beyond his wildest dreams and he becomes unstoppable. (119 m.)
Movie schedule is subject to change. Please call to confirm.
Movie Hotline: 624-4248
SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIM ADVOCATE HOTLINES: Sigonella SAPR VA Hotline: 335-642-8312. DoD Safe Helpline: 001-877-995-5247 (From cell phones and off-base telephones)
Or: 19020 (toll-free access code) 1-877-995-5247 (From DSN lines)
Lt. Karri Washbon is one of U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella's Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners and is part of larger group throughout the base that cares for sexual assault victims. (U.S. Navy photo by Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Matthew Clutter/Released)
Lt. Corrianne Norrid inspects clothing as part of a Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner training exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Teresa DevittLynch/Released)
by HM2 Matthew Clutter U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella
tion and evidence collection. Evidence collected under a restricted report is forwarded to the NCIS evidence repository in Norfolk, Va. The victim has five years to convert the restricted report to unrestricted and begin the investigative and legal processes. With the victim comfortable and alert, Naval Criminal Investigative Services can then receive the most accurate information from a victim. With proper initial treatment from the ED, SAFE Team and VA, the NCIS investigator can do his job much more successfully. “It is to be expected that many times someone who has just been victimized and undergone
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - There is a common thread among all Sailors, one that is woven throughout the tapestry of the Navy and can be found in the newest seaman recruit and the highest ranking admiral. It is the Navy’s core values, taught to all those who wear the uniform. Honor, courage, and commitment form the foundation of any Sailor. Working in direct contrast to these values is sexual assault, a growing problem in the military which negatively impacts unit cohesion, operational readiness and mission accomplishment. Highly trained members of the Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) team stand ready to treat victims of sexual assault. A group of 13 SAFE examiners made up of nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians and physicians assistants work alongside five Hospital Corpsmen SAFE assistants in providing appropriate medical care for victims. This care extends beyond the hospital as there are seven trained examiners that also provide these services to victims of sexual assault at the hospital’s Branch Health Clinics in Bahrain and Souda Bay, Greece. “These team members are specially trained in forensic healthcare and evidence collection to provide the competent,
compassionate and patient-centered care victims require after being sexually assaulted,” said Lt. Cmdr. Teresa Devitt-Lynch, U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella SAFE Program Manager. “But they do not work alone.” Caring for victims of sexual assault is a team effort, and Naval Air Station Sigonella in conjunction with the hospital has a dynamic team of professionals who stand ready to respond 24 hours a day. According to Xiomara Bowes, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, collaboration is necessary in order to “ensure the best care and services are afforded to all victims of sexual assault. I have a great appreciation for the management and advanced skill level that victims have access to here at Naval Hospital Sigonella.” From the moment a sexual assault patient arrives in the emergency department (ED), a team approach is used to deliver care. This begins with nurses like Lt. Alesha Egts. “The ED team provides the victim with a feeling of safety and addresses any immediate healthcare concerns,” Egts said. “From there, we outline the basic principles of the Victim Advocate and Sexual Assault Forensic Examination processes.” First on the scene is the victim advocate (VA), who assists the ED team in recognizing the pa-
tient’s wishes in relation to how to move forward with the case. Patients have two options: restricted and unrestricted reporting. Restricted reporting is for victims who wish to confidentially disclose the crime to specifically identified individuals without triggering the official investigative process. Service members who desire restricted reporting can do so to any Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), VA, or healthcare provider. Unrestricted reporting is recommended for victims who desire an official investigation of the crime. The type of reporting, however, does not impact their choice of a forensic medical examina-
a lengthy and stressful forensic examination will not necessarily fall under the category of comfortable or alert,” said Greg Harris, NCIS Special Agent. “However, a good introduction from a SAFE examiner to an NCIS agent can greatly improve this impediment. I’m grateful to work with examiners that I know, trust and who are knowledgeable enough to prepare a victim for the stress of a NCIS interview.” When working together, this team of Sigonella service and community members from all over this base can produce optimum results that will benefit the most important person in this entire process: the victim.
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GAME ZONE
Birds Word Search Find and circle all of the birds that are hidden in the grid. The remaining letters spell an additional bird. BLACKBIRD BUDGIE CANARY CARDINAL CHICKEN CRANE CROW DODO DOVE DUCK EAGLE EMU FALCON FINCH FLAMINGO GOOSE HAWK HERON JAY
MAGPIE MARTIN MOCKINGBIRD MYNA OSTRICH OWL PARAKEET PARROT PELICAN PIGEON RAVEN ROBIN SEAGULL SPARROW SWAN TURKEY VULTURE WOODPECKER WREN
DIFFICULT
Sexual assault forensic examination is quality care at Naval Hospital Sigonella
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MEDIUM
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EASY
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Energy checklist helps increase efficiency U.S. Fleet Forces Training By Shawn Miller stresses energy efficiency Naval DistrictWashington Public Affairs WASHINGTON (NNS) - As each of the five pillars of the Naval District Washington (NDW) energy policy build upon one another into a comprehensive strategy, efficiency becomes a keystone in the hierarchy. Energy leaders within Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) and other NDW commands are teaming up in an effort to improve building and utility infrastructure and vehicles by incorporating technology and management practices in the hopes of saving power and money. One of the main areas being looked at is renovation and construction of high performance and sustainable buildings through the NDW-NAVFAC Capital Improvements Energy Checklist and the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System. The energy checklist is a tool to help bridge the gap between more than 40 energy mandates and the end products and services, explained NAVFAC architect Mike Gala, the checklist leader. Working with the checklist becomes a collaborative process across many disciplines and people from architects and policy makers down to individual installation energy managers (IEMs) in the field implementing the projects. "I'm helping focus their targets in the earliest phases of the projects so they can better allocate resources-dollars and technology-in the right direction," Gala said of the IEMs. "We need installation energy managers to help us define what the performance goal is and what that performance target is. This is that collaboration that is really necessary." The energy checklist is composed of 15 different areas covering various aspects of buildings and systems including efficiency, data measurement and verification, fuel choices, and renewable energy sources, and is continually monitored throughout the life cycle of the project. As goals are continually met and more are set for the future, Gala adapts the checklist as time
passes to ensure it meets the changing needs in NDW. "It's an ongoing process and it's a live document, so as criteria changes, I'm updating the energy checklist," he said. The checklist is not automatically used in every energy project, however. Depending on the scope and scale of an energy project, the checklist may not always be necessary, Gala explained. Some smaller projects might only need to renovate certain key components within a building or system without necessitating the broader strokes of the checklist. The true power of the checklist, Gala said, is when architects and energy personnel are able to affect a broader range of projects, such as constructing all new infrastructure that incorporates LEED certifications. "Our focus with the energy checklist is really high performance buildings," said Gala of smarter and more efficient structures. That focus expands beyond simply building the framework and systems, and delves into the monitoring of the building's performance to help evaluate processes and adapt if necessary. While many of the smarter systems may cost more up front during construction, having the data to prove the eventual energy savings helps to justify the extra initial funding, Gala said. "It's a very cyclical relationship," he noted. After architects design the systems, the IEMs are the field-level experts in providing the data and feedback crucial to maintaining that relationship. Having many different people involved in the collaborative process of the checklist is beneficial because it prevents "stove-piping" of people and resources into competing forces, Gala said. While implementation often poses the biggest challenge, the checklist helps focus efforts and work toward the ultimate goal of building the NDW energy strategy. "It's helping you navigate all those mandates and all those requirements in a multidiscipline approach," he said. "The ultimate goal is to reduce our energy footprint."
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APRIL 11, 2014
THE SIGNATURE
North Carolina native trains with foreign military
By Joseph W. Murphy Director, Fleet Installations and Environmental Readiness Division, U.S. Fleet Forces Command
U.S. Fleet Forces Command hosted type commanders and their operational unit-level leaders at the U.S. Fleet Forces Fleet Energy Training Forum March 25. It was a great turnout and I thank you for your participation. The forum provided an appropriate venue to make all hands aware of what Navy is striving to achieve in energy efficiency. Our goal was to raise the level of knowledge of our fleet operators and enlist their support to change our energy culture. Doing so will not only improve our energy efficiency, but also maintain our combat effectiveness. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus has provided clear direction on energy efficiency, and U.S. Fleet Forces is moving out. Using the Readiness Kill Chain methodology, we’ve implemented a comprehensive approach to energy use. The one theme heard throughout the day, from all echelons of command, was the need for us to change our energy culture from one of consumption to one of conservation so we retain combat effectiveness. A key principle of the Readiness Kill Chain is that all hands, from SECNAV to the deck plates in an engine room, have a key role in energy efficiency. SECNAV has made energy stewardship the “new normal.” Therefore, as fleet operators, we need to routinely include energy factors in our deliberate operational planning process. Then we have to make the routine, routine! There are both operational and economic imperatives driving our energy conservation efforts. Obviously changing how we use our energy resources saves money in an increasingly austere fiscal environment, but it also yields tangible warfighting advantages by giving us longer legs, reducing refueling vulnerabilities and providing an operational energy reserve in the event that circumstances require a burst of speed or a longer dwell time. Congratulations to all SECNAV Energy Award winners recognized at last week’s forum: USS Nicholas, USS Roosevelt, USS Kearsarge, USS Gravely, USNS Robert E. Peary, and USNS Grapple. You are setting a terrific example for others to emulate. Thank you for your committed participation. Remember, we have evolved from “save energy if you can” to “save energy unless you can’t.” Finally, we have posted all of the forum briefs online. I encourage you to visit that website to review the content, and to provide feedback on the forum as well.
Lance Cpl. Sheridan Halfacre, a Marine with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa 14.1, attempts to break through a riot-shield barrier held by a group of Ghanaian sailors during a week-long non-lethal weapons tactics course in Takoradi, Ghana, March 20. (U.S. Marine photo by 1st Lt. James Stenger/Released) By 1st Lt. James Stenger Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa TAKORADI, Ghana – Join the Marines to travel, they said. See the world, they said. For Lance Cpl. Sheridan Halfacre, a native of Raleigh, N.C., and self-avowed weapons enthusiast, traveling to the West African country of Ghana and training members of their Navy in non-lethal weapons tactics might have fulfilled that recruiter’s promise. Halfacre, who spent a week from March 15-22 in Takoradi, Ghana, is part of Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa 14.1, deployed to Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy. The task force is currently commanded by 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division. According to Capt. Travis Posey, Halacre’s team leader, he embodies what the Marine Corps is perhaps most proud of: the trust and confidence the Marine Corps has in its junior Marines. “Throughout the Marine Corps’ history junior Marines have always been able to adapt to and
overcome any number of situations. This mission is no exception,” he said. “We have junior Marines demonstrating to foreign militaries tactics, techniques and procedures so they might learn from our experiences.” For Halfacre, the experience showed him how similar foreign militaries are to the military in the United States. “When they got into it they picked it up really fast. One of the sailors in particular, he didn’t really speak up too much in class, but when we gave him the role of the squad leader, he knew every single command that we showed them. [He was] not just saying them but using them correctly,” Halfacre said. “It’s really cool. They’re really eager to learn, because we’re a foreign military and we’re completely new to them,” he remembered. “We’re like the new kids in class and they wanted to learn everything they could from us.”
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APRIL 11, 2014