The Signature, February 10, 2017

Making History: A first for Sig' Students

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Palermo:

Heritage Run:

Exploring the beauty

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February 10, 2017

Vol. 34 No. 5

NAS Sigonella Announces Sailor of the Quarter Winners By mc2 christopher gordon NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

Bluejacket of the Quarter Name: LSSA Dawn Enos Hometown: Rockport, Texas When checking into the barracks on NAS 2, most check in with one of the friendly local national employees, and then go on with their day.

Few realize that Sailors like Logistics Specialist Seaman Apprentice Dawn Enos are working non-stop behind the scenes as a building manager to keep things running smoothly.

“My favorite thing to do is room inspections,” said Enos. “Not necessarily to check the cleanliness – which we do – but to make sure the rooms are safe, fire alarms are up-to-date and emergency exits are clear.”

When she’s not inspecting rooms or cleaning the barracks, Enos enjoys exploring the surrounding area and trying new restaurants.

“I haven’t been here long so I haven’t had much time to explore yet, but the food here is amazing,” said Enos. “I love finding new restaurants that most people haven’t been to.”

Enos has only been in the Navy for five months, and is looking forward to traveling while in Europe.

“Greece is at the top of my list to visit,” said Enos. “I just love the history, culture and architecture there that I can’t wait to visit.”

In fact, Enos hasn’t seen much of the world outside of the Navy, which is one of her reasons for joining.

“The farthest I’ve been away from my hometown of Rockport, Texas, is Colorado and Mississippi,” said Enos, “Now I’m halfway across the globe. It’s great!”

on the uniform and a gun on the hip, it’s hard to get them confused with anyone else. Masterat-Arms 3rd Class Hope Owens is a patrolman and focuses on keeping base personnel safe while enforcing all Department of Defense rules and regulations.

“My favorite part about being an MA is helping people – that’s what I want to do and it’s something I’ve found a lot of pleasure in doing,” said Owens. “Being the person that people know that they can go to and trust that they’re going to get help feels great.”

On top of all of her usual work, Owens likes to help out at local orphanages and also volunteers her time as a Field Training Officer, signing off qualifications and helping new Sailors learn their job.

“Helping people is really important,” said Owens. “Not only those on the outside but the inside of your job as well. When you help them get to where they want to be it’ll also help you.”

After work and volunteering, Owens likes to get everything off her mind by running, doing schoolwork toward her Associates, and being with her friends. She’s been at NASSIG for almost three years and has made life-long friendships with people from all walks of life.

“I may be away from my family in the States but I have a whole new family over here,” said Owens. “We work, hang out together and we’re there for each other. All of that is extremely important to me and I think it plays a big part in being successful.”

Owens also likes to squeeze in travel to her already busy schedule, and has fallen in love with living in Europe since she arrived in Sicily.

“Traveling is amazing here,” said Owens. “I love Sicily; it’s like my home now! I tell my mom I’m not going back to the States. I’m moving to London or Germany because I just love Europe in general. It’s a great place to be and I’m very lucky to have had the experiences I’ve had here.”

Sailor of the Quarter Name: LS2 Zac Young Hometown: Bisbee, Ariz.

While most people think of the Security department as just military police, Logistic Specialist 2nd Class Young breaks the stereotype as the Supply LPO for Security. Young ensures all the required equipment and tools needed to keep the base safe are available and in the right hands.

“The Sailors that protect our base work long, rough hours under unfavorable conditions at times,” said Young. “So I try to do my best to Junior Sailor of the Quarter make their jobs more pleasant and easier to do.”

Name: MA3 Hope Owens This is Young’s first non-aviation command Hometown: Baltimore, Md. and says it’s a good opportunity to become a Master-at-Arms (MA) is one of the most more knowledgeable and well-rounded Sailor.

“Before NASSIG I would see Security when I easily recognizable rates on base. With a badge

pulled through the gate and didn't really know anything more about Security other than to show my ID and slow down when I saw their cars,” said Young. “I have much more respect for Security. I love being part of a very hard-working department and to be able to see the vast amount of work that goes into protecting our base and the people in it.”

When not at work, Young can be found traveling, playing sports, or even coaching youth teams.

“My advice is to strive to excel in whatever your job is, educate yourself, and be willing to lend a hand to help others,” said Young. “You do that and there's no reason you couldn't be the next Sailor of the Quarter or Sailor of the Year.”

Senior Sailor of the Quarter Name: MA1 Byron Hunt Hometown: Reno, Nev. As watch commander, Master-at-Arms 1st Class Byron Hunt is responsible for overseeing daily security operations, responding to various calls of service including traffic accidents, DUIs, room lockouts, and more.

Hunt’s favorite part of his job is the interaction he has with his Sailors.

“Reaching your junior Sailors and helping them succeed is one of those warm and fuzzy moments,” said Hunt. “When I get to see a junior Sailor do well it makes all the long hours worth it.”

After work, Hunt spends most of his time being actively involved with the First Class Association, along with juggling a handful of collateral duties. He’s even going through the Command Fitness Leader (CFL) course in hope of eventually taking over as the command’s CFL. “You don’t have to spend 100 extra days or 100 extra hours to get where you want to be,” said Hunt. “If you just chip away at it little by little doing something different every couple of weeks, you’ll get there.”

On his days off, Hunt likes to hit the gym, watch movies, or participate in his favorite pastime – eating. He says his favorite part about living in Europe is the food and differences in culture.

“It’s incredible to be able to have the opportunity to see how things are done in one city compared to another even in the States,” said Hunt.

“Then you come over to Europe and it’s all completely different. Enjoying that difference in culture is one of my favorite things.”

Hunt said it was a surreal moment when finding out he made Senior Sailor of the Quarter.

“There are a lot of great people on this base that do a lot of great things, all really integral to keeping the base operational. It’s pretty shocking to be the one person they say ‘Hey, you did it, you’re the best for this quarter.’”

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Direct Line

Command Chaplain Lt. Cmdr. Jason Constantine Buongiorno, Sigonella!!

It is a pleasure and honor to serve alongside you as your Command Chaplain.

Truth be told, I had never heard of Sigonella until I was deployed with the Marines to Eastern Europe.

Some of my Marines had an opportunity to spend time in “Sunny Sigonella” during that deployment.

They raved about this place. So, when I saw that Sigonella was an option for my next billet, I didn’t hesitate to beg the detailer for orders. Thus far, my experience here at Sigonella has not disappointed.

I’ve particularly enjoyed seeing Mt. Etna on clear days. I can’t tell you just how excited my sevenyear-old son is to be living next to an active volcano.

It’s probably inversely proportional to my wife’s excitement of living next to an active volcano.

I grew-up in Michigan, but call North Carolina home. I came into the Navy through the Chaplain Candidate Program while I was a seminarian. My first billet as a chaplain was with the Seabees; Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 28, a reserve unit.

Every day I see a Seabee here at Sigonella, many great memories of my first billet pop into my head. After this initial billet, I received orders to the Surface Force Ministry Center in San Diego and had the opportunity to make three very different shipboard deployments. Then I was off to the Second Marine Division. Although I missed being at sea, I had the opportunity to see Eastern Europe and hear tales of Sigonella.

So, what can you expect of me as your Command Chaplain? The service I bring to Sigonella will always have the U.S. Navy Chaplain Corps’ Core Principles as its foundation.

These four core competencies are: provide,

facilitate, care, and advise.

• Provide: Navy Chaplains provide religious services within their faith tradition. As a chaplain from a protestant Christian tradition, I can provide services that meet the needs of most protestant Christians.

• Facilitate: Navy Chaplains facilitate for faith requirements outside of their faith tradition. This means that for the faith traditions that I cannot provide services for, I find ways to ensure that practitioners of those faith traditions have the means to practice their faith.

This is often done through arranging for contract clergy or training and coordinating lay-leaders.

• Care: Navy Chaplains care for all.

Regardless of your faith tradition (or even if you have no faith tradition at all), Navy Chaplains are here for you.

If you have any issue and you’d like to speak with someone about that issue but you want to keep that issue confidential or maybe you’re not even sure who to speak to, Navy Chaplains are a good resource. When you meet with your chaplain for a counseling session, what is discussed in that counseling session is held with complete confidentiality.

This means that the conversation stays between you and your chaplain – no exceptions.

• Advise: Navy Chaplains advise the command.

Although Navy Chaplains are certainly advisers to the Command Triad, chaplains also act as advisers

to all members of the command. So, if you’re seeking guidance, a Navy Chaplain is a good place to start.

I look forward to seeing you out and about the base.

NAS Sigonella Becomes Part of U.S. Presidential History

By DODEA Students

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella became part of U.S. Presidential history last month when 20 eighth grade students from Sigonella Middle/High School took part in the 58th Presidential Inauguration.

The students, along with two activeduty military members, two military spouses and two teachers, traveled to Washington, D.C. from Jan. 14-21. The group represented the 73,000 Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) students who study in schools

in the United States and in 11 countries overseas.

Sigonella, along with groups from 23 states, was selected to take part in the Inaugural Parade by the Presidential Inaugural Committee. The school’s participation marked the first time in the 70-year history of DoDEA that one of its schools marched in a Presidential Inaugural Parade.

In addition to taking part in history, the students spent their week in Washington, D.C. exploring museums, honoring the military and experiencing the three branches of government.

During their time in the nation’s capital, the students visited the Smithsonian’s Air & Space Museum, Museum of American History, Udvar-Hazey Museum, Museum of Natural History and Ford’s Theater. They also read from the Constitution and Declaration of Independence when visiting the documents at the National Archives. “My favorite display was at the Museum of Natural History,” said Sandra Bradley. “It was really interesting holding a Madagascar Hissing Cockroach.”

While paying their respect to the military at Arlington National Cem-

Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella became part of U.S. Presidential history last month when 20 eighth grade students from Sigonella Middle / High School took part in the 58th Presidential Inauguration. (Photo courtesy of DODEA students)

etery, four of the students were selected to place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. “The wreath laying was an honor that I will never forget,” said Nathan Jarvis. “I got the opportunity to pay tribute to those that have given their lives to keep our country safe.”

They also honored the military by touring the Pentagon. “My favorite part about the trip was going to visit the Pentagon. I was really interested in the building and the work done there,” shared Nicole Jacobs.

In addition to saluting the military during their visit to Washington ,D.C., the group also experienced the legislative branch of government by touring the Capitol Building. While on Capitol Hill, the students received a brief by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s press secretary, and met former Senator Joe Lieberman, Rev. Jessie Jackson and Senator Bernie Sanders. “Senator Sanders was really nice and we appreciated that he took time out of his day to take a picture with us,” said Emmy McCarthy.

To learn more about the judicial branch, the group visited the Supreme Court of the United States. After having lunch in the building and meeting with DoDEA Director Mr. Tom Brady, the students were treated to a personal encounter with Chief Justice John Roberts.

“Being able to meet the Chief Justice was an unbelievable experience that inspires me to see the world of law and justice in a new perspective,” said Dean Hopkins. Addison Blair also added, “Meeting the Chief Justice was so incredible! We spent 30 minutes with him and he told us about how the court works and how he does his job.” After meeting with the Chief Justice, docents from the court took the students on a

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February 10, 2017

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"PARADE" continued from Page 2 behind the scenes tour to see the Law Library and even the basketball court located on the top floor the Supreme Court building.

Shawn McCarthy, the U.S. history teacher who coordinated the trip, was extremely grateful to both Mr. Brady and Chief Justice Roberts for spending time with the students. “It was an incredible experience for our students to meet the Chief Justice of the United States. His kindness to our group showed his appreciation for our military and DoD family members serving around the world. I really enjoyed watching the Chief Justice patiently and methodically answer the students’ questions.”

At the conclusion of the private meeting with Chief Justice Roberts, Hopkins presented the Chief with a DoD challenge coin. Active-duty member Ryan Griswold presented the Chief Justice with an NAS Sigonella hat which the Chief placed on his head and wore on his way out of the courtroom, much to the delight of the students.

Following an actionpacked week, the group spent

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their last full day in the United States participating in the 58th Presidential Inauguration.

Their day began when they took their bus to the security checkpoint at the Pentagon.

After getting off the bus and going through Secret Service screening, they were treated to lunch before being driven to another staging area on the National Mall.

Once at the National Mall, the group unfurled the 8x12 foot American flag they brought with them from NAS Sigonella. The flag, which has hung in the school for the past 10 years, represented both the United States and the thousands of kids who serve overseas with their parents each day. In addition to the United States flag, the group also carried the flags of 10 other nations in which DoDEA schools are located to honor the DoDEA students who study abroad in those countries.

The 20 students marched the 1.5-mile route which presidents have taken from the Capitol to the White House since Jefferson’s 1805 Inauguration.

After passing thousands of onlookers, the students made their way to the final stretch of

Name: Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Kristie Lewis Dept: Security Hometown: Greenville, S.C. You will probably never hear anyone speak positively of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Thankfully, Sailors like Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Kristie Lewis strive to make coming to the Mo-

U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA Commanding Officer Capt. Brent Trickel Executive Officer Cmdr. Charles G. McKinney II Command Master Chief CMDCM Mike Kaszubowski EDITORIAL Public Affairs Officer Lt. Andriana Genualdi andriana.genualdi@eu.navy.mil Assistant Public Affairs Officer Nicole Ybarra nicole.ybarra@eu.navy.mil Community Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil PAO Staff Writers \ Photographers MC2 Michelle Sabangan Michelle.Sabangan@eu.navy.mil MC2 Christopher Gordon Christopher.Gordon@eu.navy.mil

the route by marching past the Treasury building toward the White House.

As dusk had turned to evening, the Presidential Reviewing Stand was illuminated with floodlights and LEDs from the many television cameras. “The bright lights were shining while I walked past President Trump holding the American flag,” said Harrison Barnes. “He looked right at me and gave me a thumbs-up!”

tor Vehicle Registration Office (MVRO) – our version of the DMV – as pleasant and convenient as possible.

“MVRO can be such a confusing system, especially for someone new. I know I was confused whenever I had to go through it,” said Lewis. “My favorite part is helping people, answering questions, and making the process easier to navigate.”

Lewis makes sure people have updated

After acknowledging the students, the new Commanderin-Chief stood at attention and saluted the United States flag the students had brought from Sigonella.

While TV cameras broadcast images of the smiling and waving Sigonella students onto millions of screens around the world, it became apparent that the students did more than witness history on their journey, they became part of it.

licenses and ensures the correct information is in the system, in case an MA or local police have to pull the information up.

“It’s really similar to working at a DMV, especially the craziness of a DMV,” said Lewis. “It’s extremely busy every day.

And when we do have a quiet day, the next day is usually even busier.”

After work on the weekdays, Lewis is almost always found hitting the gym. On the weekends she stays active by meeting up with friends and exploring the countryside.

“I go out with a group of friends and always go with the intention of finding a popular trail,” said Lewis. “But we usually just start walking around where there aren’t any trails. It’s a lot of fun and you get to see a lot of cool things when you explore off the beaten path.”

Since arriving to Sicily in 2015, Lewis has travelled to Paris, Amsterdam, Belgium, Milan, Rome and Ireland, Belgium being her favorite spot so far. She also loves just living in Europe.

“There’s a lot of history here and it’s so different than America,” said Lewis. “The beaches are also really cool; I’m not used to living just 10 minutes away from the beach!”

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 handdelivered to our office no later than the close of business on the Friday proceeding the expected publication date. All articles submitted by non-staff members will be considered contributing writers.

The Signature will not publish any anonymous articles. All advertisements in this publication are the property of Stampa Generale S.r.l. Any reproduction of advertisements in The Signature is unauthorized without the written consent of the publisher.

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from Fleet and family support center

It's easy to stand outside an abusive relationship and offer simplistic advice like, "If you'd just do this and this, then your problems would be over!" Relationships are a complicated web of needs and perceptions and personalities. Don't fall into a judgmental mode. Instead, prepare yourself to really help a teen in an abusive relationship by getting into the correct mindset of empathy, patience and understanding. Try to adhere to the following helping guidelines: How to help someone you think might be in an abusive relationship: • Listen, believe, and validate! Tell them you care and want them to be safe.

• Do not blame. (For example, don't ask, "What did you do or say to provoke your partner to such violence?" or "Why don't you just break up with your partner?") Victims are not responsible for someone else's choices or violence and do not need more shame.

• Try not to be critical of the abusive partner. Instead make a firm statement that violence under any circumstance is unacceptable.

• Do not assume that the victim wants to leave the relationship or that you know what is best for them.

• Do not force the teens to not see each other. It may be very difficult for the victim to leave the relationship for

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many reasons, (i.e., they don't know how to be consistently assertive, they don't feel like they deserve any better, they may not recognize that abuse is wrong, the emotional bonds of love or dependency are strong with the abuser, they feel excessive hope or fear or they feel trapped.)

• Don't pressure teens to make quick decisions.

• Become a comfort zone for the teen. Assure the victim that their conversation to you will not be revealed to the abuser.

• Assist the teen in getting legal help if necessary or with other sources of protection, (i.e., protective order, restraining order, changing current phone number, etc.)

• Offer to go with the abused victim for help (either medical assistance, counseling, or to tell family.)

• Contact FFSC Family Advocacy Representative at DSN:624-4291 for ideas on how to best offer support.

• Call Security if you witness an assault.

How to help someone you think might be abusing their dating partner: • Safety first! Call Security if you witness an assault. In many cases the abuser will then be required to get counseling.

• Do not talk to both teen partners together. The victim will feel inhibited as to what they can say and such a discussion may provoke a dangerous situation.

• Tell them that violent behavior is not okay and offer to talk with the abuser about an alternative to violence

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(i.e., support groups, counseling, taking a time out to go on a walk, talking with a trusted adult about the problem.)

• Take a stand! Don't reinforce abusive behavior. Treat your friends and partners with respect.

Talk to your kids about Dating Violence • Let them know that violence in relationships is wrong and that they must seek help if ever in a situation where Teen Dating Violence occurs.

• Help them set personal limits and boundaries of respect.

• Develop an open relationship with your children.

Encourage them to talk about their feelings (especially that it's okay for boys to cry and express honest emotion beyond anger.)

• Be realistic about the stresses in their life: don't whitewash the past, be positive about the future.

• Model non-violent conflict (open communication, how to disagree and compromise, expression of feelings, respect for other's space, not abusing power, and setting boundaries in own life.)

The Family Advocacy Program helps individuals, couples families and teens develop healthy relationship skills and address common relationship and parenting challenges during every stage of life. Learn more about healthy relationships by contacting the Fleet and Family Support Center at DSN: 624-4291, Commercial: 095-86-4291.

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)

February 10, 2017

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February 10, 2017

Ten Reasons to Visit Palermo, Italy's Cultural Capital, Right Now

Palermo has just been named Italy's Capital of Culture for next year - but why wait until then to visit? There are plenty of reasons to book a trip to the Sicilian city right now. As reported by ANSA, the other finalists were Alghero, Aquileia, Comacchio, Ercolano (Herculaneum), Montebelluna, Recanati, Settimo Torinese, Trento and a group of northern Sicilian towns.

Story courtesy of THE LOCAL

According to IlSole24ore: the award, which serves to promote tourism in the chosen city, was given for the first time two years ago. Mantua won in 2016 , and this year’s champion is Pistoia. 2018 will be Palermo’s year: the Sicilian capital is organizing “Manifesta 12”, the European Biennial of Contemporary Art. One of their initiatives currently under development is promoting an Arab-Norman route that will connect Palermo with Cefalù and Monreale (the path was recently granted UNESCO Heritage status).

Palermo’s Teatro Massimo—whose façade was lit up with red-white-green lights yesterday—has already scheduled opera performances for 2018, including Verdi’s “Nabucco,” Puccini’s “Turandot,” and the ballet “Adam's Passion” (directed by Bob Wilson); it will also host the multiethnic “Arcobaleno” choir.

Their themes include migration in the Mediterranean (with the Immigrant Literature Festival) and religious traditions, starting with the Feast of Saint Rosalia.

"We have all won," the city's mayor said after the announcement. He said that the most important aspect of the city's culture was its "culture of welcome", referring to Palermo's efforts in assisting the thousands of migrants who have arrived at its port over the past few years.

But there's more to the Sicilian capital than its ports, and plenty of treasures await visitors. So here are ten reasons to head south and visit Palermo.

Rich history: This could be said of most of Italy, it's true, but what's great about Palermo is the way in which many different nations and cultures have left a mark on the city. Its strategic military and trading position attracted invaders from around the world, including the the Carthaginians, the Greeks, the Romans, the Normans, the Swabians, the French and the Spanish Bourbons, to name just a few.

Each group had an impact on the city's architecture, language and art, meaning the city's cultural sights are wonderfully varied and it's fascinating to see how each of these different cultures interacted. The Spanish invaders, for example, named one of the squares Piazza Pretoria (Square of Shame) due to the nude 16thcentury statues of mermaids and nymphs - the name also refers to perceived corruption of city authorities.

Churches: The mixture of Western, Islamic and Byzantine styles is the reason many of the region's churches have been granted Unesco World Heritage status, and many are free to visit. Make the stunning Palatine Chapel (above) the first stop on your tour to

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Navy Celebrates 2017 African American/Black History Month From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Throughout the month of February, the Navy joins our nation in celebrating the history and culture of African American and Black Sailors during National African American/Black History Month.

ALNAV 006/17 encourages participation in all the heritage celebrations and special observances throughout the year. Sailors and Navy commands are encouraged to use this month to celebrate and recognize the exceptional and distinctive contributions and the unique histories and cultures that our African American/Black shipmates bring to our Navy.

This month's observance has its origins in 1915 when historian and author Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. Dr. Woodson and the association initiated the first Negro History Week in February 1926.Every U.S. President has officially designated the month of February as National African American/Black History Month since 1976.

"The greatest strength in our Navy comes not from weapons but from the diversity of our people." said Rear Adm. Stephen Evans, commander, Naval Service Training Command. "Every day, Sailors of diverse race, gender, religion, ideas, and background work together to accomplish the extraordinary."

African American and Black Sailors and civilians are an integral part of the One Navy Team. Nineteen percent of Navy's enlisted force identifies as African American or Black, to include 17 percent of all senior and master chiefs, while seven percent of the officer force and four percent of all admirals identify as the same.

In the Navy's civilian workforce, 15 percent are African American or Black and 20 are Senior Executive Service members.

A diverse workforce positions the Navy to operate successfully around the globe by bringing together Sailors and civilians with different ideas, experiences, perspectives, capabilities and skill sets. Integrating Sailors and civilians from diverse backgrounds into the force allows the Navy to recruit and retain the nation's top talent from a wider pool of skilled personnel.

"The call to serve our great nation comes with a responsibility to push yourself to be at your best, to be ready," Evans said. "Training and education are vital to readiness, which is why we strive to attract talent from diverse pools of future leaders and provide them the highest quality naval accession training."

The Navy partners with organizations including the National Naval Officers Association, the National Society of Black Engineers, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities in support of African American service members and civilians. The navy supports Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs en-

couraging young minority students to pursue careers in science and industry.

A complete educational presentation, including a downloadable educational poster on African American/ Black History month, can be requested from the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI) by email at deomipa@us.af.mil.

For information from Chief of Naval Personnel, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/cnp/.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter. com/usnavy.

Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Nnamdi Emonogu and Seaman Bismark Gbede, both assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), perform a musical number on djembes, one of West Africa's best known instruments, during a Black History Month ceremony. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan A. Colon/Released).

U.S. – Japan Successfully Conduct First SM-3 Block IIA Intercept Test From Missile Defense Agency

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The U.S. Missile Defense Agency, the Japan Ministry of Defense, and U.S. Navy Sailors

aboard USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) successfully conducted a flight test Feb. 3 (Hawaii Standard Time), resulting in the first intercept of a ballistic missile target using the Standard Missile-3 (SM-3)

The guided-missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) departs Joint Base Pearl-Harbor-Hickam for a scheduled underway. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Nardel Gervacio/Released)

The SM-3 Block IIA is being developed cooperatively by the United States and Japan to defeat medium- and intermediaterange ballistic missiles. The SM-3 Block IIA interceptor operates as part of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense system and can be launched from Aegis-equipped ships or Aegis Ashore sites.

At approximately 10:30 p.m., Hawaii Standard Time, Feb. 3 (3:30 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Feb. 4) a medium-range ballistic missile target was launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility at Kauai, Hawaii. John Paul Jones detected and tracked the target missile with its onboard AN/SPY-1D(V) radar using the Aegis Baseline 9.C2 weapon system. Upon acquiring and tracking the target, the ship launched an SM-3 Block IIA guided missile which intercepted the target.

"Today's test demonstrates a critical milestone in the cooperative development of the SM-3 Block IIA missile," said MDA Director Vice Adm. Jim Syring. "The missile, developed jointly by a Japanese and U.S. government and industry team, is vitally important to both our nations and will ultimately improve our ability to defend against increasing ballistic missile

threats around the world."

Based on preliminary data the test met its primary objective. Program officials will continue to evaluate system performance based upon telemetry and other data obtained during the test.

The flight test, designated SM-3 Block IIA Cooperative Development (SCD) Project Flight Test, Standard Missile (SFTM)01, was the third flight test of the SM-3 Block IIA guided missile, and the first intercept test. This test also marks the first time an SM-3IIA was launched from an Aegis ship and the first intercept engagement using the Aegis Baseline 9.C2 (BMD 5.1) weapon system.

Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense is the naval component of the U.S. Ballistic Missile Defense System. The MDA and the U.S. Navy cooperatively manage the Aegis BMD program. The Missile Defense Agency's mission is to develop and deploy a layered Ballistic Missile Defense System to defend the United States, its deployed forces, allies and friends from ballistic missile attacks of all ranges in all phases of flight.

Additional information about all elements of the U.S. Ballistic Missile Defense System can be found here.

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Explore the Beauty of Palermo BY yn3 brandon boyles NAS Sigonella Base Admin

If you’ve never been to the Sicilian capital city of Palermo, you are missing out on a hidden gem. Palermo is about a two-hour drive from NAS Sigonella and an easy drive down the A19. You will drive along Sicily’s countryside and eventually see a beautiful bay. During our Thanksgiving trip, the weather report forecasted heavy fog and rain the entire weekend, but luckily it was wrong and we enjoyed mid-70s, fluffy clouds and a sky so vibrant blue it looked Photoshopped.

While in Palermo make sure to visit the Palermo Cathedral, Ballaro Street Market and the Capuchin Catacombs.

The Palermo Cathedral was built in 1185 and completed in the 18th century. The building itself is breathtaking and you will want pictures of it from every angle possible.

Venture inside and you’ll spend even more time photographing the impressive interior

and reading about the exhibits on display. If you only have a day, or few hours to spend in the city, visiting this cathedral is an absolute must!

The Ballaro Street Market is definitely worth seeing even if you don’t make a single purchase. You can find everything from batteries to freshly caught swordfish the size of a flat screen TV! Walking through the market is an experience in itself. You will hear people yelling prices of whatever they’re selling, crowds of people squeezing through the tight walking spaces between vendors, and people on Vespas driving through as if they were on the street. There is a lot going on here at any given time and depending on what you’re looking for, you’re almost guaranteed to find it here. Bring euros if you wish to shop as most vendors only accept cash.

The Capuchin Catacombs are located about a 15-20 minute drive from the Cathedral, and is home to the largest collection of

mummies in the world. With over 8,000 preserved bodies, you will see some of the creepiest corpses you can imagine. It costs around three euro to enter and they are open from 0900-1300 and 1500-1800. It’s worth a visit just to see at least once if you are ever visiting the city and find the time to venture to the outskirts. You will enter a subterranean bunker-like structure and find rooms filled with rows of preserved corpses hanging from the walls like décor in your living room.

Some of the corpses still have their hair and nails perfectly intact. The most chilling of them all is little Rosalia who died in 1920 from pneumonia at the age of two. Her father, Mario Lombardo requested Alfredo Salafia, a well-known Sicilian embalmer, to preserve her. Her body is so well preserved you will find yourself staring at her waiting for her to wake up. Many believe that she still opens and closes her eyes throughout the day.

If you find yourself looking for something to do on the weekend, give Palermo a try!

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February 10, 2017

NAS SIGONELLA COMMUNITY PAGE All Hands News Bulletin: VEHICLE SAFETY TIPS

Command, Department or Organization: Criminal Investigation Division (CID) Point of Contact Name: Inv. Christopher Knight Point of Contact Phone Number: +39-366-638-7196 Point of Contact Email Address: Christopher.knight@eu.navy.mil Additional Information: NASSIG CRIME PREVENTION NOTE: Since 04 January 2017 there have been 17 reported vehicles that have been broken into with the biggest amount being in Motta S. Anastasia/Belpasso area. If you are a victim, report the break in to Security. You will also be asked to file a denuncia with the local Carabinieri station so that the matter can be investigated further.

All residents are being asked to write down the serial numbers of your gas coupons, which is a large majority of what is being stolen. When the gas coupons are used at a gas station, they may be able to be tracked to what gas station they are 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

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Mondays AA Meeting: . . . . . . 1800-1900 Tuesdays Protestant Women of the Chapel: . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0900-1100 Daily Mass: . . . . . . . . 1130-1230 AWANA: . . . . . . . . . . 1645-1900 Youth for Christ (YFC) Youth Meeting: . . . 1200-1430 Wednesdays Protestant Men of the Chapel: . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0600-0700 Daily Mass: . . . . . . . . 1130-1230 Catholic Ladies' Guild (3rd Wednesday): .1600-1800 Thursdays Daily Mass: . . . . . . . . 1130-1230 Youth for Christ (YFC) Youth Meeting: . . . 1200-1530 Choir Practice: . . . 1630-1800 The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA): . . . . . . . . . . . . 1800-2030 Fridays Daily Mass: . . . . . . . . 1130-1230 First Friday Mass and Holy Hour: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1700-1830

being used at and from there Carabinieri can obtain surveillance footage from the gas station.

Please review the following vehicle safety tips: - Park inside the fence or garage at home and not on the street, if possible. If this is impossible, park in different areas daily.

- Vehicles should always be locked when parked. Check carefully to see windows are fully closed. Never leave packages, purses, or clothing on car seats!

- Always park your vehicle in a well-lit area. While walking to your vehicle have your keys out and ready to enter the vehicle quickly; do not fumble around trying to locate your keys in your purse or pockets.

- If you are being followed to your vehicle use your alarm system to draw attention to you. If you are being followed in your vehicle drive to a safe place as quickly as possible, example: police station or fire station. Do not drive to your home! Call base Security immediately and try to relay as much information to them as possible.

Weekly Traffic Report: Jan. 30 -Feb. 6, 2017

Saturdays First Saturday Rosary and Mass: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1100-1200 Sundays Catholic Mass: . . . . 0900-1000 Catholic Religious Education (DoDDS): . . . . . . . . . 1045-1200 Protestant Service: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1100-1200 Latter-Day Saints Service: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1330-1600

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Wednesdays Knights of Columbus (1st Wednesdays): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1700-1800 Protestant Women of the Chapel (PWOC): . 1800-2100 Thursdays AA Meeting: . . . . . . 1800-1900 Sundays Protestant Service and Fellowship: . . . 1800-2000

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 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.

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GAMEZONE CONFECTIONERY COOKIES CREAM PIE CUPCAKE DARK DECADENT DELICIOUS DESSERT DRINKS FILLING

MEDIUM

ADDICTIVE BAKING BARS BITTERSWEET BROWNIES CAKES CANDY CHIPS CHOCOLATIERS COCOA

FONDUE FOOD FUDGE ICE CREAM ICING INGREDIENT MILK MOUSSE PUDDING SEMISWEET SUGAR SWISS SYRUP TREAT TRUFFLES UNSWEETENED WHITE

EASY

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

The remaining 55 letters spell a secret message.

DIFFICULT

Chocolate

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February Monthly Safety Talk: NAS Sigonella February Newsletter In accordance with 29 CFR 1960.12(e) and service/agency directives, supervisors are required to conduct safety talks with their employees on a periodic (monthly is recommended) basis. The safety talks can be included in staff meetings or brief fiveminute safety meetings.

The NAS Sigonella Safety Department will post a different safety topic each month for supervisors to use. The safety topics will automatically be updated on the first of each month and will remain posted for the entire month.

As part of the training metrics and to document supervisor involvement, each supervisor has the ability to submit a Supervisor's Record of Completion in order to receive credit for conducting the safety training. The Record of Completion must be submitted during the month of the safety talk.

In order to assign and record monthly safety talks, please follow the steps below: a) Go to ESAMS main b) Click on Supervisor Links c) Click on record training monthly safety talk d) Safety Topic for February: February NAS Sigonella Newsletter e) Assign the monthly newsletter and have each employee sign the safety talk sign in sheet that can be printed. Final step is to open the Record Safety Talk and save. This step will automatically update each employee’s historical training record in ESAMS. For more information, please contact the Safety Office at 624-5630.

American Red Cross Sigonella Needs Your Help from american red cross sigonella

The American Red Cross Sigonella is looking for a volunteer as a Special Projects Team Lead. This position will coordinate and support Red Cross events. This leadership position is our primary event planning resource, to include agency cooperation, scheduling, budgeting and event management. They collaborate across Red Cross teams to bring the Red Cross mission to the Sigonella community.

Time Commitment: Flexible with event surges. On average, this position requires less than 5 hours per week. Events may be conducted in the evenings or on weekends.

Qualifications: Excellent customer service skills, organizational skills and great communication skills. No previous Red Cross experience required.

Please submit a resume with your qualifications to sigonella@redcross.org.

For more information, contact us at 095-86-4900 or Sigonella@redcross.org

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February 10, 2017

"PALERMO" cont'd from Pg. 6 see the ornate mosaics, and make time to stop at the cathedral (below). There's also 'the Church that isn't there', the name given by locals to the ruined Santa Maria dello Spasimo, which today is used for concerts.

Authentic Italy: Are you the kind of visitor who turns up your nose at tourist buses, or perhaps you just don't want to battle with the crowds at the Colosseum or Pantheon? Despite its beauty, Palermo is much less well

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known than the likes of Rome, Venice and Florence, meaning you'll often be forced to practise your Italian. All the more reason to visit now before it takes on the mantle of Italy's cultural capital and tourists finally dicover it.

The markets: Remember what we said about Palermo's importance as a trading centre? That spirit still lives on in the city's lively markets, Vucciria (meaning 'chatter' or 'hubbub' - just follow the noise and you'll find it), Ballarò and Capo, where you can buy cheap food, vegetables and even cheap vintage clothes, all while inhaling the scents of flowers and spices and taking in the bright colours.

Botanic gardens: Italy's largest botanic gardens can be found in Palermo.

Explore all 25 acres of the Orto Botanico - even in the chillier months of the year, the Winter Garden greenhouses are beautiful. More green spaces can be found at Villa Giulia by the seafront, a 19th-century landscaped park, the Villa Bonanno, which has striking palm trees, and the Giardino Inglese in the city centre, which is a perfect spot for people-watching as workers gather there during the long Italian lunch break.

Pastries: One delicious reason to visit the Sicilian capital is the food, so do as the locals do and start your day with a coffee and a pastry. The local specialities include both sweet and savoury treats, from cannoli (crispy cream-filled pastry shells) to sfincioni (a variation on foccaccia) to arancini (breaded rice balls), so make sure to try out a few different bakeries as you wander around the town.

Creepy catacombs: If you like your holidays with a macarbre twist, head to the Catacombe dei Cappuccini to see the mummified remains of the 16th-century Capuchin monks and other locals who asked to be buried in their crypt - it became a bit of a status symbol. Years ago, families would visit the catacombs to pray with their deceased loved ones, and there are thousands of bodies there, in different states of preservation, and some set in particular poses.

Beaches: On a brighter note, the warm weather and gorgeous coastline are the main reason most tourists flock to Sicily, and many of the island's most beautiful beaches are just a short way from Palermo. Mondello beach - which you'd never guess was a former swampland - is the closest to the city centre and the largest in the area, while the quiet Arenella beach is in the very heart of the city but rarely busy.

Great day trips: As Sicily's capital, Palermo is the island's main travel hub, and you can explore the region by hopping on a train at the central station to explore the quaint towns and villages dotted around the coast, or head to one of the island's cultural

treasure troves, Cefalu, Messina, or Taormina. Alternatively, you can take the ferry to Naples, Sardinia or Genova, or a long-distance train to mainland Italy to extend your trip.

Off the beaten track: Palermo is small enough to explore on foot, meaning you can take plenty of detours to duck down sidestreets and take a closer look at curiosities you pass on the way. There are no shortage of quirky sights in Palermo, from the firefighters' headquarters, which is a striking example of fascist-era art deco design tucked in amongst ancient buildings. Make sure you take the hike (or the bus, for a more relaxed journey) to the Sanctuary of Santa Rosilia, a church and convent carved into a cave at the top of a hill.

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