NERF Battle:
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Carnivale!!
Volunteer for the cause!
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N A S SIG O N E L L A
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February 12, 2016
Vol. 33 No. 6
Celebrating diversity in the Navy: One Sailor's journey By Nicole Ybarra NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – For Personnel Support Specialist 2nd Class Aston Asamoah, some of his fondest childhood memories are the barefoot games of soccer he played with his friends in his home country of Ghana. Born and raised in the West African country, Asamoah dreamed of becoming a teacher and obtained his teaching certificate. But limited career opportunities prompted him to look beyond his hometown and when he won the lottery, quite literally, he left behind his family and former life to pursue his goals in California. Upon arriving in the U.S. Asamoah was struck by how cold it was, even in California. Adjusting to the new culture was more difficult than he had first imagined, particularly because of the language barrier. Asamoah spoke English fluently but because his primary education had been in British English, he struggled to be understood because of his slang and accent. “People tend to think you can’t speak English because you have an accent,” said Asamoah. He recalled applying for a job at KFC and looked forward to working at the cash register because he enjoyed interacting with people. Instead he was sent to the kitchen in the back because the manager thought that his accent would be too difficult to understand. Specialist 2nd Class Aston Asamoah answers questions during a camera interview with American Forces Network Asamoah knew that he wanted to do bigger Personnel (AFN) for an African American History Month spot. In February the Navy honors Black History Month as a time to reflect on things and considered joining the Navy after see- the diversity of the Navy and to celebrate the achievements and contributions of African Americans. (Photo courtesy by AFN) ing a TV commercial. The day he enlisted in the Navy was a very proud moment for him. “People to celebrate the achievements and contributions tant to expose people to new cultures. Ignorance respond to you differently when of African Americans. “I think still exists, but not just because people are bad. you wear the uniform. Ameri"I think it’s important that it’s important that we celebrate They just haven’t had the opportunities to meet cans are very patriotic and diversity in the Navy so that we people outside of their town. Even back home, in we celebrate diversity in the can learn from each other, be- my village some of the villagers don’t know the proud people,” Asamoah stated. Asamoah was proud to be a part come more aware of how peo- difference between Mexican and Caucasian. In Navy so that we can learn of that patriotism and looked ple from different cultures re- their eyes, all white people look the same.” forward to the opportunity to from each other, become more spond to situations differently. Asamoah hopes that he can retire with the aware of how people from share his unique perspective In my culture, I would never Navy and enjoys his work at PSD. But as a backup and background in support of different cultures respond to call somebody a fool, even in a plan, he is open to returning home to continue the Navy mission. joking manner. It is important his teaching career. “I miss home every day – the situations differently." In February the Navy honto be aware of differences such people, the food, even the dust. But I’m grateful ors Black History Month as a as these so we can live harmo- for the opportunities the Navy has given me, and I time to reflect on the diversity of the Navy and niously together,” said Asamoah. “It is also impor- am proud of the unique views I have contributed."
Sigonella, Carabinieri conduct joint training with MWDs By MA2 Larissa Steinmacher NASSIG MWD Handler
From left to right: Salvatore Cusumano, Ivo Di Franco, Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Dustin Tyler, Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Molly Frazier and Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Larissa Steinmacher stand next to their military working dog for a photo, Jan. 22. The purpose of the joint training is to strengthen bonds between the U.S. Navy and its host country. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ramon Go/Released)
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – Naval Air Station Sigonella K9 joins forces with local Carabinieri to conduct Military Working Dog (MWD) training techniques and to strengthen the bonds between the U.S. Navy and its host country. These training events are important because they not only show our local counterparts how our MWDs perform their duties, but prove how effective and reliable our furry partners are when put to the test. Training with working dogs is not an easy task since there are multiple ways to work as a dog team. By integrating with Carabinieri, we are allowing a broader scale of knowledge to be passed around and applied. NASSIG K9 and Carabinieri may use different training aids, verbal commands, and other methods in their training, so it is crucial we learn how each unit operates in order to work together effectively. Aside from K9s being utilized to search for numerous types of contraband, they also work in police patrols alongside their handlers. This means dogs are trained to operate in some duties as other patrolmen such as aiding in the arrest or apprehension of a suspect or acting as a cover for their handlers when encountering possible threats. In Sicily, NAS Sigonella MWD teams are fortunate to be able to interact with some of the most renowned dog trainers in the world. The Carabinieri have been a vital asset to NASSIG K9’s performance and success. Since this is still a fairly young relationship, our United States Navy dog handlers will continue to train side by side with Carabinieri to strengthen bonds for future generations of dog handlers.
Photos of "MWD" continued on Page 5