The Signature, April 22, 2016

Pack 53 Campout: Family fun for everyone

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Amsterdam:

Stressed Out?:

A Tale of Two Cities

Tips to Manage Stress

PAGEs 8-9

N A S SIG O N E L L A

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April 22, 2016

Vol. 33 No. 16

CREDO Helps Build and Support Healthy Relationships

BY JOE O’BRIEN

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – Relationships – with others, with ourselves and ultimately with our Creator – are an integral part of life. Healthy relationships, like most things in life, require hard work in order to overcome the challenges, maintain communication and foster mutual love and respect.

For military members and their families there are added dynamics. This is precisely why the Chaplains Religious Enrichment Development Operation (CREDO) was created 45 years ago.

CREDO programs are based on spirituality and emphasize building resiliency, modeling healthy relationships and offering local support. Participants consistently report an improved outlook on themselves, their relationships, and their spirituality.

Our Sigonella CREDO staff include LCDR Edward Erwin, Command Chaplain; Chaplain (Ret.) Atticus Taylor, Facilitator; Michael King, Director of Club Beyond; and EN2 Naomi Ruggles, CREDO Assistant.

From its inception CREDO programs were run exclusively by Chaplains, but in 2013, the Navy expanded the worldwide program by hiring additional civilian contractors as full-time CREDO Facilitators.

“Each CREDO retreat or workshop is designed to enhance personal resilience, strengthen families, encourage the hurting, and collaborate with professional caregivers/Chaplains,” Chaplain Erwin noted.

“CREDO is a win/win for all and totally free to each service member.”

The Family Enrichment Retreat (FER) is a popular CREDO workshop where family members interact with each other while learning practical skills to help resolve conflict, offer encouragement, and bring out the best in each family member. FERs also include time for families to relax and play together.

Last year the FER format was revamped by Resilient Families Institute Weekend Adventures to include new dynamics: • Do instead of tell • Working together as a team • Do and discuss • Intentional play The Vite family took part in the last FER held at the Nettuno Hotel in Catania.

“The retreat was really well put together,” recalled Roberto Vite, NASSIG Command Career Counselor.

“Everything centered around the family and devel-

At the close of their Marriage Enrichment Retreat these couples took the opportunity to renew their love and commitment to each other. (Photo courtesy of Atticus Taylor) oping better communication skills. It was basically a stress-free weekend vacation with the family. No need to plan activities, meals, or lodging and it’s all free,” he added. “Just show up with a positive attitude, and enjoy the retreat.”

“The most memorable part of the weekend was ‘The Great Race’ which had us work as a family, and take turns in the leadership role. Competing against other families, we had to stop at 17 different stations to complete a task before moving on. Activities included painting each other’s face or having the kids tie a necktie with only written directions and verbal instructions from parents.”

“There were also opportunities for children to engage their parents in some water-related activities,” Facilitator Taylor pointed out, “and kids love getting their parents a little wet.”

Another grateful family left this ICE comment: “Best family retreat ever! The staff are great. The facility was amazing. The activities were appropriate for everyone in the family, and it helped us to connect, communicate and work together as a family. We recommend this retreat for every family.”

The following CREDO retreats and workshops are open to all U.S. military personnel and their family members and on a space-available basis for U.S. citizens employed by the DoD and their family members:

Family Enrichment Retreat (FER) - Families learn practical skills to build encouragement, resolve conflict and bring out the best in each family member.

The weekend includes time to rest and play together.

Marriage Enrichment Retreat (MER) - A weekend getaway for couples to enrich their relationship away from the distractions of daily life.

PREP Workshop - Singles considering marriage focus on communication, conflict management, commitment, friendship, sensuality, problem solving and emotional supportiveness.

Personal Resilience Workshop (PRW) - Learn to become more proactive, effective and fulfilled amid chaos of daily challenges.

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) - A two-day workshop of practical training to better understand a person at risk of suicide and how to use suicide first-aid to meet those needs.

SafeTALK (Tell, Ask, Listen and KEEP SAFE). Anyone over 15 yrs. old can become a suicide alert helper, able to identify persons with thoughts of suicide and connect them to first aid resources.

Dates and times of upcoming CREDO retreats/ workshops appear in “All Hands” messages and are posted at www.facebook.com/CREDOSIG. Contact the CREDO staff at 624-3975 or 624-9049 for further information and registration.

Elizabeth Walther Recognized for Contributions to Sig’ Community

By MC3 Luke Askew NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – Many of us think we are immune to adversity. You never think it can happen to you, but bad things can happen to good people without warning. In times of need, who is there to help?

Elizabeth Walther has dedicated her

time and years of training and experience to help the Sigonella community through difficult situations. Walther helps people cope with the effects of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. Her passion and commitment to the families of Sigonella garnered Walther the designation of Civilian of the Quarter and one of this year’s Senior Civilians of the year. This award highlights her accomplishments as a

Elizabeth Walther, counseling and advocacy supervisor and family advocacy representative, gives a speech about child abuse prevention at U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella, April 19. Walther is one of two Senior Civilian of the Year 2015.

(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Lucas Askew/Released)

member of the community and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of the Sig community.

“For me it’s a really big deal because in my line of work most of what we do nobody wants to talk about,” Walther said.

“Domestic violence and child abuse are not happy topics, so to be publicly recognized for stuff that is kind of off the grid makes me feel good about the work that we are doing here. It just means that people are noticing that we are doing quality work.”

Walther’s excellence shined through during her time at the Fleet and Family Support Center serving as the regional counseling and advocacy supervisor, FFSC director, and family advocacy representative. She also heads the response portion of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program.

Walther is an essential asset to her team at the FFSC consistently going above and beyond to help out wherever she is needed.

She even took on the duties of the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) while the position was vacant all while maintaining her other responsibilities.

“Having somebody that can jump in, fill in, back up and support another critical program like the SARC position is just amazing,” said FFSC Director Clara Schueler. “It comes across as effortless. She makes it seem easy.”

Walther’s personality allows her to make people feel comfortable opening up about some very personal and likely painful issues.

Walther understands the importance of having a support network to lean on during difficult moments, so she lends her expertise as a clinical social worker to give the community many paths to the support they need. “We support the Fleet, we support the families, and we do that in a lot of different ways,” said Walther.

Walther has helped battle domestic violence and child abuse on all fronts with classes, counseling and training for the community. She offers a new parent support program, infant massage and a parent/ child cooking class. All of these programs are aimed at helping to bring families together in a positive and constructive way.

Walther’s compassion, work ethic and willingness to take on whatever responsibilities the community needs of her is apparent to those she has helped through some of the toughest moments in life. She is a valuable asset to the Sigonella community and her hard work does not go unnoticed.

“Doing what she does, you have to be a person people feel like they can come to,” Schueler said. “You need someone who is compassionate, professional and approachable, and that’s Elizabeth.”

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April 22, 2016

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April 22, 2016

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Direct Line

THE SIGNATURE U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA Commanding Officer Capt. Chris Dennis Executive Officer Cmdr. Charles G. McKinney II Command Master Chief CMDCM Mike Kaszubowski

Executive Officer Cmdr. Charles G. McKinney II Buongiorno Sigonella, Happy Earth Day, everyone! Hopefully, we’ll have great weather today to support the basewide clean-up event. This is a really good way for the community to not only show our support for Earth Day, but make lasting investments in beautification and solid, positive environmental habits. Remember, as Sig’ Citizens we are each challenged with Resource Conservation – one of the three Sig’ Citizen Virtues!

As we wrap up the month of April, it’s a good opportunity now to take stock in what this month stands for – before it’s gone.

April is Sexual Assault Prevention month. So far, Sig’ Citizens marched against sexual assault and affirmed their strong commitment to eradicate this type of crime from our ranks. Apart from the many training sessions provided by the Fleet and Family Support Center, the community will also be able to participate in fun events like “Strike Out Against Sexual Assault” bowling and the SAPR run being held on NAS 2, April 29.

April is also Child Abuse Prevention Month.

This year’s campaign, “Children Thrive, When Supervised, Safe and Sound,” has educated the community about the most prevalent types of child abuse which are due to incidents of neglect. There are many forms of neglect, some less obvious than others. For complete details and an opportunity to take part in the Child Abuse Prevention proclamation, come to the base appreciation/thank you

party being held on the NAS 2 Turf field today at 11:00. You’ve been working hard, Sigonella, and it’s time to celebrate!

Last, but not least, April is also the month of the military child. Growing up a military child myself, I have a full appreciation for the stress and sacrifice endured by other military children and their families.

Thank you to everyone who had a part in sponsoring, scheduling, providing, and hosting the many events held so far this month in recognition of our children as valuable members of our community!

Lastly, as the days pass by we are getting ever closer to the NAS Sigonella change of command ceremony, May 10. We are in the midst of a big transition in base leadership. Naturally, many things are going on in our schedules between now and then. Please take time during your routines to assess risks to yourself and our missions. Avoid complacency and add control measures to ensure your safety and the safety of your Shipmates and families.

Thank you, Sigonella! Thank you for making

EDITORIAL Public Affairs Officer Lt. Andriana Genualdi andriana.genualdi@eu.navy.mil Assistant Public Affairs Officer Lt. Jake Barreiro jake.barreiro@eu.navy.mil Editor Nicole Ybarra nicole.ybarra@eu.navy.mil Community Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil PAO Staff Writers \ Photographers MC1 Tony D. Curtis anthony.curtis@eu.navy.mil MC2 Ramon Go ramon.go@eu.navy.mil CONTACT US Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily thesig@eu.navy.mil DSN 624-5440; 095-86-5440 PSC 812 Box 7, FPO, AE 09627-0001

this the best installation in the Region! Whether NASSIG or tenant, permanent party or deployed, thank you for your hard work and dedication to our country’s mission! Keep your wits about you, plan well and make smart decisions to experience the best possible during your time in Sicily!

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

Commanding Officer's Suggestion Box

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 ICE/CO Suggestion Box is for our community and Commanding Officer to discuss, with an eye toward constant improvement, how we are excelling* and how we can improve**.

The Signature and NASSIG Facebook Page typically publish comments and responses for the benefit of the Sigonella community. Comments/suggestions are useful when objective, constructive, and specific. ICE/CO Suggestion Box is NOT a forum for mean-spirited attacks. * If you submit a "BZ" about a specific person or department, PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR NAME in order to ensure comment authenticity and therefore publically recognize employees or organizations. ** The Commanding Officer will ensure a response to all signed comments/suggestions and the vast majority of anonymous ones but reserves the right to disregard those comments/ suggestions disinterested in the spirit of the program!

There are two ways to submit; go to: 1) Interactive Customer Evaluation (ICE) home page on a One-Net computer at: http://ice.disa.mil, All Sigonella services are found under the Navy Europe Listing in the scroll-down menu.

– or – 2) NAS Sigonella's website www.cnic.navy.mil/Sigonella, go to the "About" drop down menu and click on "CO Suggestion Box".

107 Navy-wide Sexual Assault Reports in March 2016 From the Office of the Chief of Information

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- This month's overview of alleged sexual assaults is compiled based on 107 initial reports across the Navy from March 1-31.

This timeframe reflects only the receipt of the initial reports; 35 of the reported incidents occurred during this period, 34 of the reported incidents occurred outside of the report period and 38 occurred at an unknown time. Each report will be fully investigated. Looking at this snapshot in time, we see the following: * Twenty-three reports are from events that occurred on-base, 36 are from events that occurred off-base and 48 events occurred at unknown locations. * Among the 109 alleged offenders, two are officers, two are chief petty officers, 13 are petty officers, 9 are E-3 and below, one is a civilian and 82 are unknown. Twenty-seven of the alleged offenders are male, two are female and 80 are unknown.

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.

Name: AD2 Theodore Campbell Dept: Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD) Detachment Sigonella Hometown: Bronx, N.Y.

* Twenty of the reported incidents were alleged to be service member on service member, one was non-service member on service member, six were service member on non-service member and 82 were unknown. * Among the 107 alleged victims, two were officers, one is a chief petty officer, 31 are petty officers, 42 are E-3 and below, 11 are civilians and

20 are unknown. Seventy-four of the alleged victims are female, 13 are male and 20 are unknown.

To contact a sexual assault response coordinator at the Department of Defense Safe Helpline, call (877) 995-5247.

To learn more about Navy's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program, visit www. sapr.navy.mil.

AD2 Campbell is currently deployed to NAS Sigonella from Hawaii.

He has been here for three weeks now and is able to compare the islands of Oahu and Sicily. He commented, "They are both islands, but everything else is different. The culture and food."

Campbell prefers Italian food over Hawaiian but nothing hits closer to home than Jamaican cuisine. For him Jerk chicken has to be made a certain way with a certain type of wood and seasoning. The last time he had Jerk chicken was in Jamaica back in 2013. During his 23 days there, he had the

dish at least once every day.

With seven years under his belt in the Navy, he has had two enlistments and is in the window for negotiating orders. He is currently deciding whether to stay another term or get out and go to school and pursue another love in a business degree.

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 22, 2016

Pack 53 Cub Scout Family Campout: Safe, Secure and Fun! By joe o'brien

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – For youngsters a campout is always an adventure: a chance to get away, spend quality time with friends, explore new surroundings, enjoy a campfire under the stars, and (eventually) fall asleep in a sleeping bag inside a tent.

For parents it’s all about sharing the experience as a family. Of course, it’s a bonus if the campsite is a safe environment and a very short commute.

All that came together when Navy Munitions Command Atlantic (NMCLANT) Detachment Sigonella located across from NAS 2 sponsored Pack 53’s Family Campout April 15-16.

It couldn’t have been more secure when the entranceway is a “Sally Port,” a heavy duty metal sliding gate opening up to an interior space under the scrutiny of cameras and intercom where you are then cleared through a second steel gate and onto the grounds. Italian and Navy Security patrol cars also make regular rounds 24/7 through the complex.

While security at NMCLANT Detachment Sigonella was iron tight, the welcome by the on-duty staff was warm.

“It was fun having the Scouts and definitely a change, but a good change,” said AO2 Ziegler. “Normally, we stay at our post and not much goes on.”

Greg Harris, Committee Chairman and Bear Den Leader brought his Bear Scout son, Brady, and daughter Juliette.

Harris is the last remaining member in leadership from three years ago, and he’s been instrumental in building up the Pack. “We’ve been getting more active each year,” he acknowledged.

“We now plan one major activity each month and I have confidence in the fu-

April 22, 2016

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Former Sig' Citizen Wins the 2015 Navy Fuel Petty Officer of the Year Award

These Cub Scouts and siblings enjoyed telling scary stories and entertaining themselves by the campfire. Eventually the guitars came out for some fireside sing-a-longs. (Photo by Joe O’Brien)

ture with our new leaders.”

Incoming Cubmaster Bryan Mather is an Eagle Scout and a member of the First Class Petty Officers Association, the Chartering Organization for Pack 53. His commitment to Scouting is obvious.

“I enjoy the program and I believe strongly in the values and responsibility it teaches young children,” he pointed out. “It’s also something I grew up with and I’d like to see my (Tiger Cub) son Mason experience.”

John Doll brought his Webelos-1 Scout Oak and Tiger Cub Evan. “I

like going camping with my two boys and just hanging out together,” he remarked. “It also gives Mom a break!”

For the campout each Scout was asked to bring a canned vegetable to contribute to Friday evening’s “Dump Chili” consisting of hamburger, chili powder, tomato sauce and whatever vegetables the Scouts brought. Hot dogs were also grilled for the few not brave enough to sample the chili. “‘Dump Chili’ has been a Pack tradition for years now,” Harris explained.

After dinner there was an advancement presentation for two Scouts who

received their Wolf badge. Dads were on hand to pin on the new rank: Wolf Den Leader Jerimee Williams for his son, Jonathan and Josh Hardell for his son, Dominic Granados.

At sunset, the Scouts gathered around the campfire to roast marshmallows, make S’mores and share a scary story, joke or song. Brendan Benson and Assistant Cubmaster Joe O’Brien provided guitar music for the campfire sing-a-longs.

AO1 Rains (NMC staff) got to sam-

"PACK 53" continued on Page 15

Need an appointment at the hospital?

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

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

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

Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuels) 2nd Class Michael Evans won the 2015 Navy Fuel Petty Officer of the Year award presented by the American Petroleum Institute (API). During calendar year 2015, Evans was responsible for the training, management and supervision of 15 Sailors and 15 local national employees in the safe and efficient operation of one bulk and one retail JP-5 fuel facility and the installation service station. Evans was the driving force behind the successful NAVSUP FLC Sigonella Fuels Division.

Through stellar leadership and professional acumen he ensured quality fuel management was provided to US, Host Nation and NATO forces in support of missions operating in the European, African and Southwest Asia Areas of Responsibility. The API is an internationally recognized trade organization for the petroleum industry. API sets standards and provides technical direction for all aspects of petroleum production, refining, measurement, and fuel handling. (Photo courtesy of NAVSUP FLC Sigonella)

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April 22, 2016

Ricotta & Cheese Festival Returns to Vizzini this Weekend by alberto lunetta

The "Sagra della Ricotta e del Formaggio" (Ricotta and Cheese Festival) returns for its 42nd edition with an array of mouthwatering cheese-themed festivities in the picturesque historic center of Vizzini, a town nestled in the Iblei Mountains, which is reknown as the birthplace of Sicilian novelist Giovanni Verga, an author who focused on the life of poor peasants and fishermen of Sicily. Vizzini was also the setting for “Cavalleria Rusticana,” an opera about jealousy, honor and passion by Italian composer, Pietro Mascagni.

Running from April 23 - 25, the sagra, kicking off in the morning in piazza Marconi, features the traditional mescita (the preparation of ricotta), arts and crafts booths, Sicilian carts parades, live music, and arts exhibits. During this exciting three-day-event, which draws over 30,000 tourists annually, local cheese makers will perform the preparation of ricotta inside the traditional Quarara (pot) in the city’s historic center.

The name ricotta derives from the word recocta, which in Latin means cooked twice. The ancient Romans used to serve it to important guests and offered it as a sacrifice at religious ceremonies. Ricotta became very popular in the Middle Ages. One of the most valid descriptions from the past on how ricotta is made and where its name originated comes from the accounts of Bartolomeo Sacchi, a 15th century novelist. "When the cheese is taken from the caldron, the whey is heated so that any remaining fat will float to the surface. The country people call it ricotta because it is cooked twice to extract the cheese from the buttermilk.

Ricotta is extremely white and has a rather pleasant flavor," Sacchi wrote.

Ricotta is considered more of a milk product than a cheese. The whey obtained from the curd of fresh sheep milk is poured into a pot, named the quarara and placed over a gas burner set an inch or two off the floor. Ricotta forms when proteins from the whey separate, rise and coagulate.

Once ready, the cheese has a granular structure and is white in color. The flavor is tasty and appealing. It must be consumed fresh otherwise it acidifies. Ricotta is eaten as fresh cheese or used in baking and in fillings for lasagna, ravioli, and other pasta dishes. If mixed with sugar and chocolate chips it is a perfect filling for cannoli or other pastries.

Some of the fresh ricotta is set aside to harden and is heavily salted. After a week it is fit to be used as ricotta salata (salted ricotta), to be shredded over pasta, especially on top of pasta alla Norma the specialty of Catania which is dressed with tomato sauce and eggplant.

The most popular traditional ricotta-based sweets specialties that visitors can sample at the festival include cassata Siciliana (a round sponge cake moistened with fruit juices or liqueur and layered with ricotta cheese, candied peel, and a chocolate that is covered with a shell of marzipan, pink and green pastel colored icing, and decorative designs an topped with candied fruit); cassatelle (pastry filled with ricotta cheese); castagnole (little fried doughnuts) and obviously the world-renowned cannoli (tube-shaped shells of fried pastry dough, filled with a sweet, creamy filling usually containing ricotta).

Before you leave the festival, make sure you sample cudduruna and impanate, two delicious local specialties. They are plain pizza shells topped with sun-dried tomatoes (cudduruna) or vegetables (impanate) such as broccoli, spinach and more.

Vizzini is located about 40 miles from Catania. The town was first colonized by the Ancient Greeks then fell under the Roman rule. Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Swedes and eventually Spaniards also conquered it. In 1693, Vizzini was struck by a terrible earthquake, which destroyed most of its historic center. It took over 100 years to build it again.

The Chiesa Madre (main church) and the Church of San Giovanni Battista are definitely worth a visit. The Chiesa

"CHEESE" continued on Page 14

Make sure you mark this one on your calendar! The ancient art of ricotta cheese-making is the highlight of the annual Ricotta and Cheese Festival, a truly unique culinary experience running from Apr. 23 through Apr. 25 in the historic center Vizzini, one of the most beautiful historic towns of Ragusa province. The event will feature arts and crafts, ricotta cheese-making demonstrations, folklore parades and entertainment. (Photo by Lorenzo Muscoso)

U.S. NAVY HEADLINES April 22, 2016

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Spring PFA Cycle Incorporates BCA Changes From Naval Service Training Command Public Affairs

Five things every Sailor needs to know Time is not the only thing springing forward this physical fitness assessment cycle. So too are the Navy's new requirements for assessing physical fitness.

This spring's PFA cycle will be the first to use the new body composition assessment, or BCA, changes. NAVADMIN 061/16 was released this month with details about all the changes Sailors can expect.

Here are five things you need to know about the BCA changes.

1. The new BCA will be a three-step process.

The first measurement will be done using the current height and weight table. If Sailors pass the first measurement, then they pass the BCA. If not, the Sailor then must do an abdominal circumference measurement. Sailors will pass the BCA if their abdominal circumference assessment is less than or equal to 39 inches for males and less than or equal to 35.5 inches for females. If the second measurement is also failed, the Sailor must get a body circumference measurement. Sailors will pass the BCA by meeting the DoD maximum allowable body fat limit of less than or equal to 26 percent for males and less than or equal to 36 percent for females.

2. Sailors who are medically cleared must take the physical readiness test, or PRT, portion of the PFA even if they fail the BCA portion. A BCA failure will be counted as an overall PFA failure for that cycle regardless of PRT results. Two PFA failures in a 3-year period will result in an administrative separation from the Navy.

3. BCA failures will automatically be enrolled in the fitness enhancement program, or FEP. All medically cleared Sailors enrolled in FEP will be required to do a mock PFA every 30 days. Mock PFA failures will not count as official failures against Sailors. Sailors will be removed from FEP once a mock or official PRT is passed and the new BCA requirements are met.

4. All Sailors who did not complete the cycle 2 2015 PFA because of pregnancy, medical waiver or deployment/operational status will not be counted as pass or fail for the PFA. These Sailors will still be

held to the new PFA failure policy and their most recent failure will carry over.

5. Commanding officers can now conduct surprise BCA "spot checks." These spot checks can be done at any time at the CO's discretion to help Sailors correct deficiencies before the official PFA. It is not intended to be a punishment but a way to provide additional support to avoid failures or administrative punishments.

It is the responsibility of each individual Sailor to be accountable for their health and physical fitness standards at all times.

NSTC Launches “Recruit Reboot” War Game: Play to Help Train our Future Shipmates From Naval Service Training Command Public Affairs

GREAT LAKES, Ill. – Naval Service Training Command (NSTC), has announced a new interactive game to evaluate the most effective training practices at Recruit Training Command (RTC), the Navy’s only boot camp.

Signups are now open for all Navy personnel to participate in Recruit Reboot from April 25 to May 13. Playing will help provide the best possible Sailors to the fleet and shape the 21st Century Navy.

Recruit Reboot is a completely anonymous game on the Massive Multiplayer Online War Game Leveraging the Internet (MMOWGLI) platform, generated by the Navy Post-Graduate School and NSTC to use feedback commentary to help solve challenges.

Players provide feedback by playing “idea cards” in six areas of training including Militarization, Damage Control, Seamanship,

Personal Financial Development, Policy, and Watch Standing. Players earn points with each card they play as well as by commenting on another player’s card. The more points they earn, the more players help provide the most effective training for their future shipmates.

The player with the most points wins the game and will earn a Flag Letter of Commendation (FLOC), awarded by Rear Adm. Stephen C. Evans, commander, Naval Service Training Command, for their positive impact on Naval Accessions Training.

Although player points are displayed, their feedback will remain anonymous.

Ask your Chief for the Recruit Reboot flyer or visit the Recruit Reboot website (https://mmowgli.nps.edu/recruitreboot/) to sign up and play.

For more information about NSTC, visit http://www.netc.navy.mil/nstc/ or visit the NSTC Facebook pages at https://www.facebook.com/NavalServiceTraining/.

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April 22, 2016

Amsterdam: A Tale of Two Cities

By Nicole ybarra NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

As the capital city of the Netherlands, Amsterdam has long been a popular destination for bachelor parties and backpacking college kids.

Lured by the prospects of activities typically off limits in most countries, the city has a reputation that in the past may have not appealed to families or other tourists. But on a recent trip to Amsterdam and surrounding cities of Zaanse Schans and Lisse, I discovered that there is more to the city than “coffee shops” and the Red Light District.

It is said that on average, the Dutch eat 32 lbs of cheese per person each year. And with good reason – ­ it’s very good! We stopped for a wine and cheese tasting class at the Reypenaer Tasting Room, a well known cheese shop that has been perfecting the art of cheese for over 100 years. During the class, a cheese master guides you through the aromas, tastes and qualities of six cheese which are paired with white wine, red wine and port (there is also a cheese and whiskey pairing).

On a more somber note, a short walk from cheese heaven is the Anne Frank House, easily distinguishable by the line of visitors wrapped around the block waiting to get in. If possible, purchase tickets online to avoid the nearly two-

hour wait at times. Here you can tour the apartment where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis and she penned her now infamous memoir before being betrayed and sent to the concentration camps.

After soaking up the sights of the city, we headed out to the countryside of Lisse to the world famous Keukenhof Tulip Gardens. The park is open from 24 March 2016 - 16 May 2016 with peak season around mid- to end of April.

In addition to endless rows of vibrantly colored tulips, there are parks and open spaces for children, outdoor cafes, and performers dressed in traditional Dutch attire sampling cheese, smoking fish, and dancing.

Another city not to be missed is the small town of Zaanse Schans. Here the canals are lined with beautiful – and operational – windmills.

During the short tour we learned that the windmills are great sources of renewable energy, using the wind power to cut large pieces of wood which in the past contributed to the region’s booming ship building industry.

There were many other attractions that we just ran out of time to visit: the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, the Amsterdam Zoo, and canal tours to name a few. So for your next three-day weekend in Europe, get out and explore the culturally diverse and beautiful city of Amsterdam!

April 22, 2016

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All Hands News Bulletin:

April 22, 2016

2016 PFA Cycle 1 season is under way!

MWR Youth Sports The Sigonella Junior Run Club is for youth ages 6-18. Sigonella youth runners will learn basic running fundamentals, skills, and techniques to help them successfully complete a 5K race. Practices will consist of games, running information, and an opportunity to earn tokens to showcase improvement. This program is open to beginner and experienced runners.

Registration for the Run Club is going on now through April 27. Sign up at the NAS 1 CDC Monday - Friday from 0800 - 1700. Cost is $40 per youth.

PRACTICE INFO: Season runs 3 May - 10 June at the Marinai Fields. Practices will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1600 - 1700.

For more information contact Youth Sports at 624-1750 or eric.barge@eu.navy. mil. You can also visit our website at http://www.sigmwr.com/event.php?id=4361.

PRIMS is still not allowing the completion of the PARFQ electronically, a partial program release date has been identified of April 15 we will inform everyone if the electronic option becomes available before the start of Cycle 1. If the electronic version is not available prior to BCAs please fill out a hard copy form and bring with you to the official BCA, if a medical signature is needed please complete that portion prior to the BCA. If you take the late BCA/PRT you will need an approved Special Request Chit routed through your immediate CoC. Please remember to be in the official Navy PTU with ID card for all PFA evolutions. If you need to wear cold weather gear remember to wear only APPROVED cold weather gear; black watch cap, black gloves, approved Navy sweats are examples of approved cold weather gear.

If there are any question please do not hesitate to contact one of the CFLs or ACFLs.

Sigonella Religious Ministries Department Worship Services Phone Numbers: NAS I 095-56-3975, NAS II 095-86-9049, Chaplain Duty: 335-831-4493, RP Duty: 335-786-1950.

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Naval Air Station Sigonella Chapel ROMAN CATHOLIC • Sunday - 9 a.m. Catholic Mass at NAS 1 Chapel • Tuesday - Friday - 11:30 a.m. at NAS 1 or NAS 2 Chapel PROTESTANT WORSHIP SERVICE • Sunday - 11 a.m. Traditional Worship at NAS 1 Chapel; 6 p.m. Non-Denominational Sunday at NAS 2 Chapel • Wednesday - 7 p.m. Bible Study at NAS 2 PROTESTANT MEN OF THE CHAPEL • Wednesdays 6 a.m. @ NAS 1 Fellowship Hall PROTESTANT WOMEN OF THE CHAPEL • Tuesdays - 9 a.m. at NAS 1 Fellowship Hall; Thursdays 5 p.m. @ NAS 1 Fellowship Hall LATTER-DAY SAINTS • Sunday - 1:30 p.m. at NAS 1 Chapel Contact: sigonellalds@gmail.com or 624-9049

CLUB BEYOND • Middle School Club & Small Group - Tuesday - 2:45 - 4:45 p.m. at NAS 1 Chapel • High School Club and Small Group - Wednesdays - 6 - 8 p.m. at Marinai Home Catholic Religious Education • September - June - 10:30 a.m. at DoDDS Knights of Columbus • First Wednesday of the month - 5 p.m. at NAS 2 Chapel NIGHT STUDY • AA Meetings - Monday - 5:30 p.m., 2nd Floor at NAS 1 Chapel; Thursday - 7 p.m. at NAS 2 Chapel • AA Family Group - Tuesday - 7 p.m. at NAS 2 Chapel • Tuesday - Italian Class - 7 p.m. at NAS 1 Chapel Classroom • Tuesday - Awana Club - 4:45 p.m at NAS 1 Chapel

Weekly Traffic Reports: April 11 - 18, 2016

Ristorante Bella Etna

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

Weekend / Holiday: 7-9 a.m.

Lunch: $5.55 Mon - Fri: 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

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

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

Weekend / Holiday: 4-6 p.m.

As a reminder to everyone: There are no PTUs allowed at the Galley. Appropriate athletic gear is authorized at the discretion of the Galley staff. Please remember that for sanitation purposes and for the consideration of other customers, if you have been out for PT, been working out at the gym, or have just been engaged in any physical activity where you and or your clothing has become soiled or sweaty you will be asked to turn around.

April 22, 2016

THE SIGNATURE

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By Fleet and Family Support Center

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – Most families are faced with stressful situations and events on a daily basis. There are many big issues that can cause stress for families such as worklife balance, workplace change, raising children, caring for an older relative, living with a chronic illness, or financial pressure. Families may also have to deal with smaller, everyday stresses, such as finding time to spend with each other, getting organized, or keeping up with each family member's busy schedule.

No matter what causes stress for your family, there are steps you can take to manage it together.

• Realize that when one person is stressed it can affect the entire family. A family member's emotions and moods can have strong effects on the people they love. For example, a teenager struggling to fit in at a new school may withdraw from her family. A parent who is going through a stressful period at work may be more likely to snap at family members at home. That's why it's so important for families to learn to recognize each other's stress warning signs and find healthy ways to help each other cope with stress.

• Think of stress management skills as important life skills your child needs to grow into an independent adult. Try to think of managing stress as a skill that's just as important as learning how to tie your shoes or how to drive. And the best way to teach your child these skills is to model them and practice together.

• Communicate as a family. Provide opportunities for family members to talk about the things that are causing them stress. For example, "I noticed you couldn't fall asleep last night.

Is everything OK at work (or school)?" Talking about stress as a family keeps the lines of communication open and helps family members remember that they don't have to cope with stress alone.

• Remember that it's your responsibility as a parent to learn and model healthy ways of managing stress. Pay attention to how you behave when you're under stress. Are you irritable? Do you overreact at small things? Do you seek relief in alcohol or other unhealthy habits? Or do you go for a walk or practice yoga to unwind? Remember that your actions can serve as powerful lessons for your child.

• Learn to rely on each other for extra support during stressful times. Remind your child that there are things he can do to feel less stressed, including talking about whatever is troubling him. Help him brainstorm specific problem-solving steps to resolve a stressful situation.

• Make a commitment to slowing down as a family and enjoying each other's company.

The fast-paced life that most working families lead often results in increased stress. Commit to eating a meal together several nights a week. Schedule these family meals ahead of time if it's hard to get everyone together. Play board games together or go for a walk.

• Think about your family priorities and how they play out in your lives. Sometimes we get so involved in the day-to-day business of working and being a family that we begin to lose track of our priorities. What's most important to your family, and how is that reflected in your everyday lives? Do you make time to do the things that make you happy individually and alone? Think about how you can fit some of those activities into your busy schedule to help everyone feel more balanced.

Seven ways to start managing stress as a family right now • Have a family meeting to talk about how you can deal with stress together. Ask each person to talk about how stress affects your family and offer some ideas for dealing with it.

Acknowledge different preferences among family members for healthy ways to reduce stress.

• Use humor as a way to manage stress in your family. Rent a funny movie, or tell funny stories when you're eating together -- laugh as often as you can. Humor is one of the best stress relievers available.

• Teach your child problem solving techniques. Help your child develop the ability to recognize stressful feelings and talk about problems and solutions.

• Give yourself and your family permission to say "no" to some activities. An overloaded schedule can easily lead to family stress. Learn to say "no" to activities that will overextend your child or family.

• Exercise together. Go for a walk or a bike ride. Take a hike in a nearby park or outdoor area. Exercise is a great way to deal with stress and spend time together as a family.

• Get organized at home. Disorganization can make a hectic life feel very stressful. Get rid of things you don't need or use anymore. Designate a spot for your car keys and for backpacks or briefcases. File old paperwork. Note appointments and events in a single family calendar.

• Make an effort to eat healthful foods as a family. Good nutrition goes a long way in reducing physical and emotional stress. Make sure that your child has easy access to healthy snacks for the after-school hours and that the entire family eats a good balance of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

The Fleet and Family Support Center offers a wide variety of support services to help your family manage stress. To learn more about our classes, workshops and counseling services, contact the Fleet and Family Support Center at DSN: 624-4291, Commercial: 095 56 4291.

April 22, 2016

THE SIGNATURE

GAMEZONE Dogs

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

The remaining 44 letters spell an Ogden Nash quotation.

BASSET HOUND BEAGLE BLOODHOUND BOXER BULLDOG CHIHUAHUA CHOW CHOW COCKER SPANIEL COLLIE CORGI DACHSHUND DALMATIAN DEERHOUND

DINGO GERMAN SHEPHERD GREAT DANE GREYHOUND HUSKY LHASA APSO MALAMUTE MASTIFF PEKINGESE PINSCHER POINTER POMERANIAN

POODLE PUG RETRIEVER ROTTWEILER SAINT BERNARD SAMOYED SCHNAUZER SETTER SHAR PEI SHEEPDOG SPITZ TERRIER WHIPPET

DIFFICULT

Tips for Managing Stress as a Family

April 22, 2016

MEDIUM

THE SIGNATURE

EASY

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THE SIGNATURE

"CHEESE" continued from Page 6 Madre was partly affected by the 1693 earthquake and was rebuilt on the old Senatorial Palace and on the remains of Benedictine monastery founded by Gregory the Great, patron of the town.

On the left flank of the church, a beautiful Catalan Gothic style portal decorates the entrance portal. A wooden ceiling by Natale Bonaiuto and two paintings by Florence master Filippo Paladini embellish the interiors.

San Giovanni Battista is the biggest church of the area. Stuccos from Natale Bonaiuto and splendid altars in Rococo style decorate the interiors.

A walk downtown Vizzini tour will also lead you to the Capuchin Convent. Capuchins are among the first religious orders that settled in Vizzini.

Dominican and Augustinian Convents were also built in the area. The fascinating painting Deposizione (the Deposition) painted in 1607 by Filippo Paladini is preserved in the Capuchins Church.

Vizzini is also famous for being the setting of “Cavalleria Rusticana” and “Mastro Don Gesualdo,” two famous novels from Sicilian writer Giovanni Verga (1840-1922). Verga wrote realistic novels on the life of the poor peasants and fishermen of Sicily. If you would like to read them but you don’t speak Italian, you can still look for the English translations by David Herbert Lawrence (1885-1930). Verga spent his childhood on his property in Vizzini at his beautiful family house (Palazzo Verga) located in piazza Umberto I, the main square.

April 22, 2016

Two years ago, the NASSIG PAO, Mayor of Vizzini Marco Aurelio Sinatra and Vizzini-based film director Lorenzo Muscoso joined hands to carry out an historic COMREL cleanup/renovation project of the “Cunziria” tannery, the historic neighborhood which hosted leather craftsmen until the 19th century and inspired novelist Verga to write one of his masterpieces. Local volunteers and Marines and Sailors of SP-MAGTF Africa teamed up to beautify the site which hosted a “Cavalleria Rusticana” performance by Muscoso.

This year, on April 24 and 25, film director Muscoso will stage several plays inspired by Verga’s short sentimental story “La Lupa” (She-Wolf) and “Malavoglia” or The House by the Medlar-Tree.

The She-Wolf short novel, published in 1880, tells the tragic story of a “devilish” woman who falls in love with a young man with whom she works in the fields and forces him to marry his daughter to stay close to him and continue to seduce him. The man, who had never been able to resist the seduction of the older woman, will end up killing her after a confrontation between the mother and the daughter.

I Malavoglia, printed in 1881, deals with a family of fishermen who work and live in Aci Trezza, a small Sicilian village near Catania. The novel possesses a choral aspect, and depicts characters united by the same culture, but divided by ancient rivalries.

Check with ITT for trips to this mouthwatering festival! For more information and detailed festival schedules, visit http://www.comune.vizzini.ct.it/ or http://www.saporirusticani.com/ ; http://www.vizzinisaporiesaperi.com/

Safety Spotlight: Gas Mask Fit Testing

April 22, 2016

THE SIGNATURE

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"PACK 53" continued from Page 4 ple some S’mores the Scouts made for her as they thanked her for hosting the campout.

“It was neat; really cool and a lot of fun to have the Scouts,” she noted. “Everyone was really well behaved. I’m also glad they got a chance to see the weigh test station (where strapping used to hoist munitions is tested for integrity).”

The next morning, after a night under the stars, campers woke up with quite an appetite.

Breakfast was simple, but delicious: “Omelet in a Bag.” Each camper wrote their name on a Ziploc bag and added eggs, and their choice of bacon bits, shredded cheese or sausage. The bags were then placed in a cauldron of boiling water to cook under the watchful eye of outgoing Cubmaster Ricardo “Gunner” Rodriguez (Assistant OIC, NMCLANT Detachment Sigonella). Once the eggs were cooked, all you needed was a spoon; quite tasty, no mess and no clean-up!

The next major Cub Scout event is the Pinewood Derby race 10 a.m. Saturday, May 14 at the NAS 1 gym. The public is invited.

Happy Campers! Pack 53 Cub Scouts, leaders, dads and siblings enjoyed a local overnight campout courtesy of the Navy Munitions Command Atlantic Detachment Sigonella. (Photo by Joe O’Brien)

The Safety Department would like to recognize MA3 Tiffany Mellin of the NASSIG Security Department for spearheading the task of qualifying Sailors for the Fit Testing for Respiratory Protection Program. Before MA3 Mellin took over the project, the number of qualified personnel within NASSIG Security was at an unsettling 5% qualification rate. In a little over a month, MA3 achieved a significant increase in personnel qualified in the Fit Testing for Respiratory Protection Program. NASSIG Security is now at 80% qualification rate for the command in mission readiness. The Safety Department wants to give a well deserved Bravo Zulu to MA3 Mellin for helping out 121 of her own shipmates to be ready at all times.

For more information, contact Mr. Gomez at 624-6261 or ABF2 Taylor at 624-5630/6266.

Signed, Safety Sam

After a night in a tent under the stars, these young campers are ready for a breakfast of “Omelet in a Bag” - a Ziploc with their choice of egg, cheese and bacon bits cooked in a cauldron of boiling water. (Photo by Joe O’Brien)

These proud dads were able to pin the Wolf rank badge on their sons during this advancement ceremony: (left) Wolf Den Leader Jerimee Williams and son, Jonathan; Josh Hardell and son, Dominic Granados. (Photo by Joe O’Brien)

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THE SIGNATURE

April 22, 2016