The Signature | July 14, 2017

Page 1

Environmental Office Wastewater Discharges & You

PAGE 4

Navy Energy Awareness

Safety Check

Ten Ways to Save Energy

Stand Up to Falls

PAGE 5

N A S SIG O N E L L A

PAGE 12

JULY 14, 2017

Vol. 34 No. 27

NAS Sigonella Breaks Ground on New Water Lines By MC2 Christopher Gordon NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella started a two-year, two-part, $4.5 million construction project which plans to replace all water lines throughout NAS 2. “The construction started within the last two months,” said Allison Mumper, Utilities Branch Head for NAS Sigonella. “We have two projects going on, one is a raw water line going from the wells to the base, and the other is sporadic construction sights throughout the base replacing potable water lines.” The construction started due to the age of the water lines along with the amount of water the base was losing due to leakage, as high as an estimated 30% or 30 million gallons a year of leaked water. “We have vast amounts of leaks, some of the pipes are from 1954 so they’re old and its time for them to be upgraded and changed,” said Jonpaul Thomasseau, Public Works Deputy Director for NAS Sigonella. “So you’re seeing the start of that now, you’re going to see construction up and down on sections at a time, so you won’t see disruptions on the whole base at once.” Construction teams determine the specific size of the sections is due to one of two factors: the layout of the water line from connection to connection, or by the layout of the surrounding infrastructure such as roads, buildings and sidewalks. “If the base wasn't operational, we would dig the whole thing up and lay it out all at once,” said Thomasseau. “But obviously we need to live and work on here so we can’t just turn the water off forever. The way most water systems work is they are laid out in a loop, so one part can be turned off and everyone still receives water.” After the construction teams dig up and replace the water lines, they will fill the hole and repair or replace the surfaces. This means some roads on NAS 2 and the path leading out to the water source between NAS 1 and NAS 2 will have partially resurfaced asphalt. NAS Sigonella works tirelessly to maintain excellent energy conservation standards on base, consecutively

SIGONELLA, Sicily (June 21, 2017) – Construction workers from ECC install a raw water line near the public works building on Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella as part of a two-year construction project replacing all water lines on base. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Gordon/Released)

trumping all other bases in the Region by winning the Energy Biggest Loser Energy competition (now called Fuel for the Fleet) the last two years. One of the eight lines of operations at sea and ashore is “Core,” which incorporates energy, fuel, and water. “We’ve been really good at our energy conservation, but water has always been a big draw, why?” Thomasseau asks. “Because we pay to pump the water out of the well, we pay to treat the water, then some of the water leaks out. It’s like spending money to fill up your gas can that has a leak in it; it’s not wise to do. So buying a new gas can, or water lines in this situation, is the only way to fix it.” Though the water lines may be leaking some water, the base still maintains clean water due to the positive pressure in the lines. Absolutely nothing finds its way into the lines, while only some water finds its way out. “We have really good water here at NAS Sigonella,” said Thomasseau. “We’ve done a huge amount of in-

vesting and work to make sure we have really good water.” Even though NAS Sigonella invests to ensure clean and quality water throughout each facility, infrastructure always requires more and more money to be replaced. Thomasseau said replacing infrastructure is a necessary evil and pointed to cities like Detroit and Flint that have not invested as much as NAS Sigonella into their infrastructure; a problem highlighted recently in national news. By reducing energy and water costs ashore it helps improve the Navy’s war fighting capabilities at sea. Service members and civilians on board NAS Sigonella can do their part by reporting leaking or broken faucets and toilets, turning off the water while brushing ones teeth or shaving, and making an effort to take shorter showers. For more information on energy and water conservation, visit www.cnic.navy.mil/om/base_support/ facility_system_investment.html

Marines Commemorate Operation Husky Anniversary

Marines and Sailors with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Africa Logistics Combat Element salute during a parade in honor of Operation Husky at Licata, Italy, July 9, 2017. SPMAGTF–CR– AF LCE provides logistical support to the entire SPMAGTF enabling the protection of U.S. personnel, property and interests in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Samuel Guerra/Released)

Angelo Cambiano, mayor of Licata, Italy and Lt. Col. Shawn P. Grzybowski, the commanding officer for Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Africa Logistics Combat Element, unveil a monument in honor of Operation Husky at Licata, Italy, July 9, 2017. SPMAGTF–CR– AF LCE provides logistical support to the entire SPMAGTF enabling the protection of U.S. personnel, property and interests in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Samuel Guerra/Released)


THE SIGNATURE

PAGE 2

JULY 14, 2017

Direct Line

Cmdr. Charles G. McKinney II, NAS Sigonella Executive Officer Buon giorno, Sigonella! I hope everyone has been able to enjoy some leisure time over the past month. Sure, some of us are taking the opportunity to voyage away from the base, but Sigonella Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) staff have been performing brilliantly serving the community’s needs. Splasher’s Pool on NAS I has been particularly busy! Remember: take care of your equipment, and it will take care of you. MWR facilities have suffered some maintenance setbacks recently. For example, the female locker room at Midtown complex has had plumbing issues and some gym equipment is coming apart. These are results of misuse by customers, and completely preventable. Please do your part to help keep the base running smoothly. I was recently asked if my time spent learning and training to become a Naval Aviator, and subsequently my time flying in the fleet, has affected my life overall or helped me in ways outside of aviation, and in which ways. The quick answer is a resounding “Yes!” followed up with “in many ways.” Naval aviation is a precise and demanding vocational field. Anyone

who has served on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier can attest, many lives hang in the balance of strict execution of procedures (written in the blood of others). All it takes is one slight off step to create a tragic outcome. It is the recognition of these high stakes consequences which invariably shaped my professional life as well as my personal life. While many immediately think of the glamorous parts of naval aviation (water survival training, aerodynamics, flying at the controls and conducting heart-pounding military operations from the air), one of the least publicized, yet most important, things I have learned and carry with me everywhere, is Crew Resource Management (a.k.a. CRM). This important tool specifically designed for multi-crew aircraft is the foundation of safe aircraft operations and mission success. The acronym I learned is: D-A-M-C-L-A-S-S, and stands for Decision Making, Assertiveness, Mission Analysis, Communication, Leadership, Adaptability/ Flexibility, and Situational Awareness. Being able to make split-second decisions in the aircraft is extremely important. What I learned is in order

to be able to accomplish this I need to always be prepared for any situation, emergency or contingency BEFORE getting into the aircraft. The same thing applies to driving a car, taking a test, or hiking through a forest. This crosses over to Mission Analysis… gaming out your plan of attack for any task will always put you in position for success before you begin. Speaking up decisively and quickly is also imperative. Sharing information (your thoughts) instantly, vice mulling it over saves time, gets to the point, brings others into the thought process, improves your odds and saves lives. Hey, it can also save you heartache and lost opportunity when deciding to ask someone out on a date, or telling a Shipmate to disengage in a destructive behavior before it goes too far. Believe it or not, I was once a shy, soft-spoken person. Student government shook some of this off in high school and college, but what really brought me out of my shell was the process of becoming a Naval Officer and becoming a Naval Aviator. This lifestyle demands it, for the success of Shipmates and mission. On the topic of information sharing, good communication is para-

mount. There are too many examples of messages being “lost in translation.” Best practice is to send a clear, specific message in a language and tone the recipient will understand, gain a response, and provide feedback acknowledging said response to validate overall understanding. In aviation we use checklists for everything, executing them verbally with the “Challenge-Response” method, ensuring this best practice. Clear communication is something I strive to achieve in every facet of my life. Misunderstandings give birth to poor results, lost time, and in some cases tragedy…

"DIRECT LINE" continued on Page 12

Commanding Officer's Suggestion Box The ICE/CO Suggestion Box is for our community and Commanding Officer to discuss, with an eye toward constant improvement, how we are excelling* and how we can improve**. The community is strongly encouraged to leave contact information when submitting comments. This ensures that a response will come directly to you. The Signature and NASSIG Facebook Page typically publish comments and responses for the benefit of the Sigonella community. Comments/suggestions are useful when objective, constructive, and specific. ICE/CO Suggestion Box is NOT a forum for mean-spirited attacks. Anonymous comments will be published only if they benefit the greater community at large. * If you submit a "BZ" about a specific person or department, PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR NAME in order to ensure comment authenticity and therefore publicly recognize employees or organizations. ** The Commanding Officer will ensure a response to all signed comments/suggestions and the vast majority of anonymous ones but reserves the right to disregard those comments/suggestions disinterested in the spirit of the program! There are two ways to submit; go to: 1) Interactive Customer Evaluation (ICE) home page on a One-Net computer at: http://ice.disa.mil, All Sigonella services are found under the Navy Europe Listing in the scroll-down menu. – or – 2) NAS Sigonella's website www.cnic.navy.mil/Sigonella, go to the "About" drop down menu and click on "CO Suggestion Box".

Interactive Customer Evaluation Comment regarding Emergency Response Time:

In April my wife was involved in a head on collision on the 417 about five minutes from the base. She contacted me and I notified security directly at the front gate in Marinai. I then proceeded to the scene. I waited with my wife at the scene for about half an hour before security showed up and then another half an hour waiting for the base ambulance to show. She was misdiagnosed at the scene in an Italian ambulance as Mercy 1 showed up and she was taken to the Hospital in Paterno, which is not a trauma hospital. Hours later, once they finally figured out that she had internal bleeding it was far too late to move her. Thankfully there was a surgeon that was able to operate on her and stop the internal bleeding. She is doing better and will recover but I am left wondering about the response times and why she had to wait more than an hour for the ambulance that was five minutes away. I am hoping there is a way we can change procedures to make the process more efficient to lessen response possibly save lives.

Medical Response:

USNH Hospital Emergency Team wants to express that we are thankful your wife is recovering from the serious accident she was involved in. Timeliness and emergent response is paramount to our practice. We strive to provide the safest, most efficient means to get to our patients as possible. With that being said the night of your wife's accident was no different. USNH Hospital Sigonella EMS was not dispatched to respond to this accident until 2025. The EMS Team left NAS 1 at 2029 and arrived 13 minutes later by EMS dispatch times. We realize there was a delay in USNH EMS team being dispatched to the scene and this concern and issue has been addressed with the Base CO, USNH CO, Base Dispatch, and our EMS team. The appropriateness of dispatch and critical element of getting live saving personnel to the patient’s side is essential in the care we deliver. The uniqueness of our facility and the capabilities of our hospital are elements taken into consideration for the cor-

"ICE" continued on Page 3


THE SIGNATURE

JULY 14, 2017

PAGE 3

THE SIGNATURE U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA

Name: Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Aircraft Handling) 3rd Class Jennifer Cruz Department: Operations Hometown: El Paso, Texas

One of Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella’s missions is to enable U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where they are needed and when they are needed to ensure security and stability in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia. That mission can’t be done without Sailors like Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Jennifer Cruz who work on the flight line, safely taxiing critical aircraft to the correct locations. “I like my job; it’s a little different here compared to carriers or other Navy bases because it’s an Italian base,” said Cruz. “We only deal with certain aircraft while the Italians deal with everything else, so it’s an interesting dynamic.” On top of taxiing aircraft, Cruz, and the Sailors she works with, manage the airfield and ensure there isn’t any foreign object debris (FOD) on the tarmac. “We also handle the transient squadrons that come in and out for missions overseas,” said Cruz. “So when squadrons come here we take them in and house them, give them things they need so that they can work on their aircraft if they’re down or broken.”

When she’s not out on the airfield, Cruz issues people in her shop licenses they need in order to drive the different types of equipment. She coordinates the classes and handles the paperwork that goes along with it. On top of issuing out licenses, Cruz is the fire warden for her space and the building energy manager, doing regular inspections to make sure everything is up to code. “When I’m not at work I mostly spend my free time on the Rugby team, I help out a lot with that as one of the fun-

"ICE" continued from Page 2 rect dispatch. Unfortunately we do not make the decision on where the patient goes, if Italian EMS takes them, this is part of their EMS process. We are working to make sure that base dispatch and our EMS team are all on the same page regarding proper response time, and patient movement. We take our process very seriously and are striving to make sure that all measures are taken to provide the best care for our community. The Dispatch review committee is looking at all cases to make sure that we are providing this care in the safest and most time efficient manner.

Emergency Dispatch Response:

We are thankful that your wife is alive and recovering from her serious injuries as a result of this accident. We agree with you about the timeliness of Medical response and have actively been reviewing our policies and making changes to prevent this type of delay from happening again. From the first report of the accident to the arrival of the first ambulance (Italian EMS), it was approximately 22 minutes. Due to the number of involved vehicles and a fatality, the on scene EMS crew experienced a delay in assessing and treating your wife. There was a delay in dispatching a Mercy unit. Once dispatched, they responded and were on scene within 13 minutes from NAS 1. They did not arrive until 55 minutes after the initial call. We have met with all the First Responder agencies, including Security, Medical, Fire and the Emergency Dispatch Cen-

draising coordinators,” said Cruz. “Then I have school which keeps me busy.” Cruz is currently taking an Italian class and is working on her degree while she’s station on NAS Sigonella. “If I do find some free time I like to be active, I went snowboarding on Etna which was cool,” said Cruz. “I went to Ibiza and Malta with the Rugby team as well but other than that I haven’t gotten out much yet. I’m looking forward to discovering more of Sicily and doing some more travelling.”

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 Community Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil Editor MCC Jessica Vargas Jessica.Vargas@eu.navy.mil PAO Staff Writer \ Photographer MC2 Christopher Gordon Christopher.Gordon@eu.navy.mil CONTACT US Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily thesig@eu.navy.mil DSN 624-5440; 095-86-5440 PSC 812 Box 7, FPO, AE 09627-0001 PUBLISHER Stampa Generale S.r.l., Sig. Bruno Brandi, Publisher, Naval Support Activity Capodichino (Naples), Italy stampagenerale@tin.it Tel. 081-568-7884 Fax 081-568-7887

ter. Changes in policy that have occurred as a result of this incident include the NASSIG CO and USNH CO meeting to discuss off base response capability and area of response. Also, Security and Medical will be dispatched immediately once a Sigonella member has been confirmed as involved in an emergency within the off base response area. The Dispatch Center is working with USNH to identify the locations of Mercy ambulances on a real time basis to be able to dispatch the closer unit to the scene of the emergency. Thank you for your comment regarding timeliness of emergency responders. We take emergencies within our community seriously and want to make every step towards getting the correct responders to the scene as quickly as possible. We have created a Dispatch Review Committee, which includes all of the first responder agencies, to review the appropriateness and efficiency of emergency dispatch and timeliness of response from the agencies.

Security Response:

Italian Law and the Status of Forces Agreement prohibit Naval Security Forces (NSF) from responding to off installation incidents armed with firearms and running code (lights and sirens). This does not apply to routine shift changes between NAS I, Marinai Housing, and NAS II. Once Security was notified, a unit was identified and directed to the armory to download. The unit then picked up a Security Liaison to assist with coordination between NSF and Host-Nation Law Enforcement entities and responded to the scene.

This civilian enterprise (CE) newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services overseas. Contents of The Signature are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense (DoD), or the U.S. Navy. The appearance of advertising in this newspaper, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DoD or Stampa Generale S.r.l., of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factorof the purchaser, user or patron. A confirmed violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. The Signature is published weekly by Stampa Generale S.r.l., Sig. Bruno Brandi, Publisher, Naval Support Activity, Capodichino (Naples), Italy. Tel. 081-568-7884. Fax 081-568-7887. E-mail: stampagenerale@tin.it. Editorial submissions are welcomed from all Naval Air Station Sigonella departments, divisions and tenant commands. Editorial submissions should be sent to the Public Affairs Office via thesig@eu.navy. mil, guard mail stop #68 or hand-delivered to our office no later than the close of business on the Friday proceeding the expected publication date. All articles submitted by non-staff members will be considered contributing writers. The Signature will not publish 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.


PAGE 4

Wastewater Discharges & You By Crystal St. Clair-Canaii

Do you know what happens when you pour something down the sink, flush the toilet, or send the soap bubbles down the drain after a shower or bath? Any idea where it goes? Here at NAS Sigonella, our wastewater is makes its way from the drain to the Wastewater Treatment Plants, or WWTP for short, at either NAS I or NAS II. The WWTPs work to treat the wastewater for bacteria prior to discharging the treated water to the environment. Did you notice that I said bacteria and not chemicals? Our WWTP is intended to treat domestic sanitary wastewater and is not designed to remove industrial chemicals, detergents, cleaners, etc., from the wastewater. What does this mean? Chemicals, cleaners, detergents, and other potential hazardous materials go down the drain, through the treatment plant, and out to the environment without any treatment. Discharging untreated wastewater negatively impacts both the flora and fauna; and in our case agricultural crops and waterways that eventually make their way to the sea as well as impacts NASSIG’s ability to maintain a positive environmental stewardship role and compliance posture with our host nation trustees. So, how can you help? NASSIG recently issued NASSIGINST 5090.3 dated 21 Mar 2017, which establishes policy for prohibiting unauthorized discharges to the sanitary sewer system, identifies specific prohibited items, and provides guidance on proper disposal. The instructions may be found at: https://www.cnic. navy.mil/regions/cnreurafswa/installations/nas_sigonella/om/ environmental_support.html If you work with items on the list, please contact the Environmental Office with any questions and for assistance with disposal.

THE SIGNATURE

JULY 14, 2017


JULY 14, 2017

THE SIGNATURE

PAGE 5

HAPPY BIRTHDAY COMMISSARIES! 150TH anniversary marked by hot savings in July

By DeCA Corporate Communications

FORT LEE, Va. – The Defense Commissary Agency observed its 150th anniversary July 1 and is celebrating by offering commissary shoppers huge savings during the month of July. “The 150th anniversary of commissaries is a historic milestone for the military and stands as a living legacy of service to the most important patrons in the world – our service members and their families,” said DeCA Sales Director Tracie Russ. “Along with our industry partners, we are proud to continue delivering the significant savings this benefit is built on.” The 150th anniversary observance ties back to the official beginning of the modern commissary benefit on July 1, 1867. It was on that date, two years following the Civil War, that enlisted men received the same privileges available to officers since 1825 – the right to purchase goods, “at cost price,” from their post’s subsistence department warehouses. These sales could take place at any post in the United States or its territories, wherever the local commander deemed them necessary, regardless of location. As DeCA celebrates this milestone, the agency’s industry partners – vendors, suppliers and brokers – are collaborating with commissaries to offer discounts beyond everyday savings. Always check what’s on the “end of the aisle” for themed items with extra low pricing. Overseas stores may have substitute events for certain promotional programs. Customers should check with their local commissary for details on dates and times for the following sales events: • Free historic reusable bags. Coca-Cola is offering free historic WW II reusable bags with the purchase of any two Coca-Cola products when purchased in conjunction with the Commissary Rewards Card. Promotion begins July 1 until quantities run out. • The Del Monte Pallet Promotion Sale will donate up to $50,000 to the Folds of Honor Foundation, which supports spouses and children of American military service members who died in uniform. Throughout July, in commissaries worldwide, the sale will offer special coupons and gift card giveaways. • Kellogg’s “Despicable Me 3” movie launch promotion! To celebrate the commis-

saries’ 150th anniversary and the Despicable Me 3 movie, this worldwide promotion with product demonstrations and high-value coupons will run from June 19 to July 16 with chances to win $150 in commissary gift cards. Look for participating name brands and mass displays promoting Cheez-It Crackers, Club Crackers, Keebler Chips Deluxe cookies, Pringles and Eggo waffles. • The Patriot Perks Program says “thank you” to the families of our military members and their families by rewarding them for shopping at their commissary. July 1 16, in recognition of the commissaries’ 150th anniversary, patrons could win commissary shopping sprees with a grand prize of a year of free groceries at your commissary. This program will feature product displays with Patriot Perks signage in all commissaries worldwide. Visit www.patriotperksforyou.com or look for displays in your local commissary to enter. “As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of commissaries, we also want our patrons to remember to use their benefit as they prepare to enjoy their outdoor cookouts,” Russ said. “Commissaries are featuring great savings on fresh produce and meats. Look for specials on all melons, corn on the cob, cherries, and ripe tomatoes. “Our prices are also the best in town on fresh beef,” she added. “Your commissary is your destination for steaks and ground beef. Can’t find what you want? Ask your meat manager to cut it for you.” Patrons can also access the DeCA website for the following features: 1) the Commissary Rewards Card, which allows patrons to redeem coupons electronically at the commissary checkout. Patrons can pick up a card at their local commissary and register it at https://commissaries.com/rewards/index.cfm, where they can log into their account to load coupons on the card before they shop; and 2) DeCA’s new Nutrition Guide Program; go to www.commissaries.com/healthy-living/nutrition-guide.cfm to learn more about the colorcoded shelf labels that point out items with key nutrient attributes such as low sodium, whole grain, no sugar added, low fat and good source of fiber.


PAGE 6

THE SIGNATURE

JULY 14, 2017

Meet the man helping Italy's mafia children through therapy (Story by AFP/The Local)

He faced jail for smuggling Kalashnikovs, but the teenage heir to a powerful mafia clan in Italy was instead removed from his family and given a chance to break free of the criminal underworld. Help came from psychologist Enrico Interdonato, 33, who volunteers with a project that tries to free youngsters from the notoriously ruthless 'Ndrangheta in Calabria by placing them in care in secret locations across Italy. The programme, called "Liberi di Scegliere" (Free to Choose), aims to show teens they can forge a life outside the criminal underworld without feeling they have betrayed those they love. "They're raised as princes destined to inherit a dynasty, the embodiment of their town's criminal history," Interdonato told AFP. "Their fathers are almost always in prison or dead, their cousins or brothers are in jail. In the closed societies of small Calabrian towns everyone knows them and they feel it's their duty to live up to the family name," he said. "At risk" minors are removed from their Psychologist Enrico Interdonato volunteers with a pilot project aimed at taking children involved with mafia out of their normal environment to free them from criminal world. (Photo by https://www.tagesschau.de) families by the juvenile court in the southern city of Reggio Calabria and given a chance to finish their education. Those who want it also get help finding work once they turn 18. The first challenge Interdonato faces is convincing the youngsters not to see it as a punishment but an opportunity to find themselves in a place where their family names - renowned at home - hold no power over them. They also have to be convinced of the ills of a lifestyle which seduces many in a region with crippling unemployment. "Being heir to a mafia clan means obligations but it also means privileges, having access to significant economic and social power," he said.' They may wear designer clothes and command the fear or respect of locals, but "they are still the same as other teenagers in one respect: the changes in their bodies and brains are still underway". Though each case is different, all at first are "emotionally rigid" and traumatized after having seen relatives killed or taken away in the middle of the night in police raids. Once a relationship is forged, Interdonato takes them along to meetings organized by the Addiopizzo association, a grassroots movement of victims of mafia extortion who have joined forces to denounce their tormentors. "Just as police infiltrate the mafia, we infiltrate the anti-mafia!" he quips. "These are people traditionally considered the enemy of the mafia, so the kids get a chance to see the human face of their 'enemy', and see what their world does to them." The encounters can be "very emotional", he says. "In one case a victim living under police escort ended up befriending one of the lads and offered him a job." Interdonato, who sees the minors once or twice a week, says the aim is not to get the youngsters to turn on their families though the mothers of some children sent away do just that, becoming police informants. "No one wants the blood ties to be cut or for youngsters to hate their fathers. We say: 'You must love your father, but you must choose your future for yourself.'"

Eight dead in Italy building collapse Story by The Telegraph Rescuers said Saturday that they had recovered the bodies of eight people missing after an apartment block collapsed near the Italian city of Naples.

"BUILDING COLLAPSE" continued on Page 14


THE SIGNATURE

JULY 14, 2017

PAGE 7

Chaplain Corps Launches #CharacterMatters Campaign By Gloria Colon-Buzatu, Navy Chaplain Corps Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- On July 10, the Navy Chaplain Corps will launch a social media campaign called #CharacterMatters to engage service members in a conversation on the importance of character. The interactive campaign, published via the Chaplain Corps' social media accounts at Twitter (@NavyCHC) and Instagram (@NavyChaplains), will focus on character traits important in fostering healthy relationships and pro-

fessional readiness. As part of his vision for Navy leaders the Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. John Richardson, has challenged us to "actively strengthen our shipmates' integrity," so that the entire Navy team, as an institution, behaves in a way that is "consistent with the values that we profess."

Navy Announces Review of All Collateral Duties, Eliminates Seven Now

Rear Adm. Margaret Kibben, chief of chaplains of the Navy, recently explained how her social media campaign supports CNO's vision. "This campaign," she said, "is just one of the ways we actively strengthen the values of our shipmates. And no matter whether the contributions to our character

as individuals are social, moral or religious," she continued, "the bottom line is that 'character matters.'" The campaign, running from July 10 to the last week of September 2017, will offer participants a weekly opportunity to share reactions to an image depicting a selected character trait, and to provide an answer to a crossword puzzle clue. The clue will be announced Monday and the answer revealed Wednesday of each week of the campaign. To join in, follow the #CharacterMatters campaign at Twitter or Instagram.

From Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy eliminated seven shipboard collateral duties in NAVADMIN 168/17, released July 11, and tasked a working group to further review all collateral duties for the potential to be eliminated or consolidated. The seven collaterals identified for immediate elimination were selected from a review of Fleet units and will have minimal impact to mission: Ath-

letics Officer, Library Officer, Health Benefits Advisor, Community Relations Project Officer, Enlisted Safety Committee (Safety petty officers have not been eliminated, but the Committee will be combined into the Enlisted Safety Council), Knowledge Management Officer, and Voting Officer. This effort is part of a larger objective to remove unnecessary burdens and distractions from Sailors to allow them to focus on core warfighting and to better allow leadership to evaluate Sailors on performance in their primary duties. "There's this idea that without a bunch of collaterals, you're just not going to be competitive for advancement, and what that does is water down our mission focus," said Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John Richardson during an April all-hands call in Hampton Roads, Va.

PEARL HARBOR (Dec. 16, 2016) Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO) Adm. Bill Moran speaks to Pearl Harbor leadership and Sailors during an all hands call at Sharkey Theater on Joint Base Pearl HarborHickam. Moran informed the Sailors and leadership about Navy current events and then opened the floor for questions from Sailors. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Corwin M. Colbert/Released)

Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO) Adm. Bill Moran has been closely involved in the development of this NAVADMIN and signed as the releasing authority. VCNO notes the next step is to identify additional collateral duties that are trivial, have outlived their usefulness, are implicit in primary billet descriptions, or should be temporary only. "It's not just about removing collateral duties," said Moran. "It's about taking a hard look at all the demands we put on our

ships, squadrons and our Sailors, and refocusing our efforts on eliminating the unnecessary tasks that ultimately distract our Sailors from their primary duties." Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Steven Giordano will lead a working group to conduct a comprehensive review of all collateral duties and will report his findings, via Fleet leadership, directly to CNO later this summer. Navy leadership asked the entire Fleet to participate in this

effort by identifying outdated or redundant duties for the working group's consideration. "The NAVADMIN itself is just letting the Navy know that we are truly looking at this, and the way ahead will be determined by them, so their input is going to matter in this," said Giordano. "I encourage everyone to be part of it." Feedback at may be submitted at the follow web address: www.navy.mil/RAD NAVADMIN 168/17 is posted to www.npc.navy.mil.


PAGE 8

THE SIGNATURE

JULY 14, 2017

Egadi Islands: A S By Lt. Andriana Genualdi NAS Sigonella Public Affairs Officer

Recently a group of friends and I decided to go to the Egadi Islands off of Sicily's west coast over a long weekend. We packed up the cars and headed out early Friday morning to get to Trapani and catch the ferry. Trapani has a number of ferries and hydrofoils that run throughout the day, making it relatively simple to get to the island of Favignana where we would be staying. There are actually five islands in this small chain, but the major three are Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo. Favignana is the most populous island of the

group and hosts the largest city on the island chain, also called Favignana. After lunch in Trapani, we caught the hydrofoil and headed to Favignana where we were met by our hotel shuttle. We stayed at a nice hotel outside of the city with an excellent pool and a nice restaurant. After lounging by the pool for the afternoon we ate dinner at the restaurant with plans to get up early the next morning. The following day we went SCUBA diving from a boat off of the coast of Favignana, only five people from our group actually went diving and the rest of the group went snorkeling

on the surface while we wer water. The dive was great there are a lot of fish in the a lot to see off the coast of th After the dive we stopped in eat lunch and rent bicycles. very popular on the island relatively easy to get around We biked to a beach cal Rossa that was rocky but v ular, and after playing in t for a while we headed ove next beach called Bue Ma Bue Marino we explored s quarrying tunnels and jum of rocks into the water. Th in the islands are so clear, was no concern about how


JULY 14, 2017

THE SIGNATURE

PAGE 9

Sicilian Paradise

re underbecause area and he island. n town to Biking is and it is d. lled Cala very popthe water er to the arino. At some old mped off The waters so there w deep it

was at the shore because you could see right to the bottom! The following morning we packed up and biked back to town to drop off our bicycles in time to catch the hydrofoil back to Trapani. On the drive back to Catania we stopped off at the Temple of Segesta, one of the best preserved Greek temples in Sicily. They also have a large amphitheater with great views of the surrounding area. I would highly recommend the Egadi Islands to anyone who enjoys the water and being outdoors. The slow pace of life in the islands allows you to really relax and disconnect from the world.


THE SIGNATURE

PAGE 10

JULY 14, 2017

NAS SIGONELLA COMMUNITY PAGE All Hands News Bulletin:

RADON DETECTOR RETRIEVAL

UMUC SIGONELLA ITALIAN LANGUAGE COURSE

Command, Department or Organization: Environmental Point of Contact Name: Crystal St. Clair-Canaii Point of Contact Phone Number: 624-9601 Point of Contact Email: crystal.st.clair-can@eu.navy.mil Additional Information: Naval Air Station Sigonella (NASSIG) will be collecting indoor radon detectors starting 17 July. The radon detectors were replaced in January 2017 as part of an on-going Navy wide program. Personnel from NAVFAC PWD Environmental and NASSIG will remove the radon detectors that were placed in all ground contact rooms and areas that are occupied for at least 4 hours per day from enclosed, occupied residential buildings, schools, childcares, lodges and barracks at the installation. We request your cooperation in providing access to these locations. If you cannot allow them access at that time, please provide an alternate date/ time. Detector retrieval is expected to be completed by 28 July. Please contact the NASSIG Environmental Division if you have any questions.

Command, Department or Organization: UMUC Sigonella Date of Event: Fall Session 1 starting 21 August Point of Contact Name: UMUC Sigonella office staff Point of Contact Phone Number: DSN: 624-4492 Point of Contact Email Address: Sigonella-Europe@umuc.edu Additional Information: Did you know that UMUC Sigonella offers Italian Language courses? Not only you will be learning the language of your host country but also obtain college credits that you can apply to an undergraduate degree or an Italian Language Certificate To learn more about UMUC Europe programs, contact our Sigonella office. We are open Mon - Fri , from 0830 to 1630.

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

NAS 1

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

Weekly Traffic Report: July 3 - July 10, 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

NAS 2

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

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.


JULY 14, 2017

THE SIGNATURE

PAGE 11


PAGE 12

"DIRECT LINE" continued from Page 2 “Go left!” “Your left, or mine?” “Too late…” As a military child, and now a service member, I have been adapting my entire life. Combining this with the flexibility to adapt on the fly, rain or shine, has produced positive results. This is a mentality that should be cultivated in us all from birth. Humans naturally adapt, and have “flexed” from resting to running, to avoid becoming something else’s dinner. Continuing this theme means less surprises and less stress, leading to better quality of life and less complaining. Try it out. Finally, being constantly aware of my

THE SIGNATURE

surroundings (other aircraft flying nearby, political tensions at deployment sites, local threats, customs and traditions) has kept me from becoming a statistic. In the aircraft, we are taught to always keep our “head on a swivel.” Meaning, it is imperative we keep an active scan inside and outside the aircraft to stay situationally aware of instrument indications and outside conditions (Ex. traffic, weather). Again, same think when walking down the street, driving, etc. Keeping your “sensors” operating will avert mishap. Thank you for your attentiveness and being great Sig’ Citizens. It truly takes community dedication for NAS Sigonella to succeed, and you are knocking it out of the park – daily! Continue to have a wonderful and Safe Summer Season!

Safety Check: Stand Up to Falls Home is the place where we feel most safe, N A S SIG O N E L L A so it may come as a surprise to hear that falls in the home are one of the leading causes of injury-related death in the U.S., second only to poisoning. Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries, including concussions. Eliminating Tripping Hazards - Prevent falls at home-and at work-by removing the sources of tripping: - Secure electrical and phone cords away from walking areas, such as hallways or in front of your desk - Use non-skid rugs and be sure to tape them down to prevent rolling - Keep drawers and cabinets closed when you're not using them - Wear proper footwear, paying special attention to outdoor conditions - Clean up any spills immediately and include warning signage if necessary - Refrain from walking while distracted - stay focused on your surroundings - Ensure there is adequate lighting in your workspace - Don't carry more than you can handle-large loads can obstruct your vision and affect your balance Preventing Falls in your Bathroom - Falls can happen anywhere, but in your home, the bathroom is one of the most dangerous places. According to the CDC, about 235,000 people over age 15 visit the emergency room each year due to a bathroom related-injury. Older adults are especially susceptible. According to the National Institute on Aging, 80 percent of senior falls happen in the bathroom due to slippery floors and surfaces. Keep loved ones of every age safe: - Place a non-slip mat both inside and outside of the tub - Plug in nightlights in and around the bathroom for increased visibility - Clean up any condensation or puddles on the floor - Place nonslip decals on the bottom of your shower or tub - Keep shampoo, soap and other bath products higher up to avoid bending - Install grab bars by the toilet and in or near the shower and tub to assist older adults - Make sure the bathroom door swings outward in case of a fall

JULY 14, 2017


JULY 14, 2017

THE SIGNATURE

GAMEZONE Trees

PEAR PECAN PLUM PINE POPLAR REDBUD RUBBER TREE SEQUOIA SPRUCE SYCAMORE TULIPTREE WALNUT WITCHHAZEL WILLOW YELLOWWOOD

MEDIUM

COTTONWOOD ELM FIR GINKGO GOLDENRAIN HAZELNUT HEMLOCK HICKORY LARCH LINDEN LONDON PLANE MAPLE NECTARINE OAK PALM PEACH

EASY

APPLE APRICOT ASH ASPEN ARBORVITAE BALD CYPRESS BEECH BIRCH BOXWOOD BUCKEYE BUTTERNUT CATALPA CEDAR CHERRY CHESTNUT

DIFFICULT

Find and circle all of the Trees that are hidden in the grid. The remaining letters spell a secret message - a Greek Proverb.

PAGE 13


THE SIGNATURE

PAGE 14

"BUILDING COLLAPSE" cont’ from Page 6 Firefighters and volunteers have been sifting through the rubble since early Friday after two floors of the four-storey block in the town of Torre Annunziata collapsed at around 6:30 am (0430 GMT). The last body was found early Saturday after teams searched through the night, often using their bare hands. Local media reports said the victims included the municipal architect in charge of security checks for public and private buildings in the area of some 40,000 inhabitants at the foot of Mount Vesuvius. His wife and 27-year-old son were also killed in the collapse, which occurred in the part of the building where bedrooms were located. A couple with two children, aged 8 and 14, were also killed, along with a 65-year-old woman who lived alone. Witnesses said a freight train passed on the neighbouring railway track just before the building collapsed, while others noted that renovation works had been under way on the lower floors. The prosecutors' office in Torre Annunziata has opened an inquiry over suspected negligence, but no cause for the collapse has yet been determined.

Italian police raid selfproclaimed 'fascist beach club' run for guests nostalgic for Benito Mussolini Story by The Telegraph Thousands of Italians nostalgic for Benito Mussolini’s dictatorship this summer are lounging on a self-proclaimed “fascist beach club." The club, where bathing huts are decorated with pictures of Il Duce, signs praise the gas chambers and sunbathers exchange stiffarmed salutes, was brought to light by Italian newspaper La Repubblica. Police officers from Italy’s Digos anti-terrorist unit, the equivalent of Britain’s Special Branch, raided the “Punta Canna” beach club at the Adriatic resort of Chioggia on Sunday. They took photos and other evidence at the request of a Venice magistrate, who opened an inquiry after the newspaper brought the far-right enclave to light.

Judicial sources said owner Gianni Scarpa, 64, could be prosecuted for the offence of “apologia of fascism” and the beach club with space for 650 holidaymakers could be closed. A placard at the entrance to the club’s car park declares an “Anti democratic, regimerun zone. Don’t break our balls,” while another along a path to the sand says, “Rules – order, cleanliness, discipline, severity … defence of property shooting at close range, if you don’t like it I don’t give a toss!” and “service for customers only, otherwise truncheons to the teeth!” A sign for the club lavatories says: “These are the toilets for him, for her, for lesbians and gays.” “My rules are in force here,” Scarpa says, standing in front of a white cabin door decorated with the words “Gas chamber, entry forbidden.” Every 30 minutes Scarpa broadcasts “communiques” over club loudspeakers to his customers, exalting Mussolini and attacking democracy, which he tells them, “disgusts me,” while pledging to fight against “the human scum in the world, which is 50 per cent who luckily can’t come in here.” Scarpa added that drugs, the bane of many Italian beaches, have no place at his club. “I am in favour of total extermination of drug addicts.” The existence of the bizarre holiday centre was criticised by Noemi Di Segni, president of the Italian Jewish Community. “I am very disturbed … it is grave that it is left up to journalism, and not the authorities, to denounce such shameful cases,” she said. “Where are the politicians and institutions who should be vigilant? The images we have seen are an outrage to the memories of the Shoah and offence to the democratic institutions of our country.”

Torture has finally been criminalized in Italy Story by AP/ANSA Italian lawmakers on Wednesday finally passed a bill making torture a crime under national law, after years of parliamentary backand-forth.

"TORTURE" continued on Page 15

JULY 14, 2017


JULY 14, 2017

THE SIGNATURE

"TORTURE" cont’ from Page 14 Rome signed the UN Convention Against Torture in 1984 but had never transferred it into national legislation. Lawmakers on Wednesday passed a bill that makes torture punishable by four to ten years in prison - 12 for members of the security forces - with 198 backing the legislation, 35 opposing it and 104 abstaining. Torture is defined under the law as "intense physical suffering or psychological trauma verifiably caused by violence, grave threats or cruel actions". In 2015 the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) blasted Italy for police violence against anti-globalisation activists on the margins of a 2001 G8 summit in Genoa, judging that officers' actions against protesters sheltering in a school were akin to torture.

PAGE 15 Several members of the Italian security forces were convicted after the violence, but this did not include any officers who had been at the scene. The ECHR criticized this decision, saying it showed there was a "structural problem" with Italian legislation. As reported by ANSA , there were 35 votes against from members of opposition parties on the right of the political spectrum, including Silvio Berlusconi's Forza Italia (FI) party and the Northern League, who said the measure threatened to criminalise the police. Lawmakers for the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement were among 104 to abstain. Italy was required to introduce the crime of torture under the terms of the 1984 UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment, which was ratified by the Italian parliament in 1988.


PAGE 16

THE SIGNATURE

JULY 14, 2017


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.