The Signature, September 18, 2015

Page 1

Save Time: Fill Out Customs Online

PAGE 4

Chief Pinning

Cat Woman:

Congratulations, Chiefs!

Running for Charity!

PAGE 8

N A S SIG O N E L L A

PAGE 12

September 18, 2015

Vol. 32 No. 35

Sigonella vows "never forget" 9/11 By mc2 ramon go NAS Sigonella Public Affairs Office

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – On Sept. 11, Americans gather to remember the heinous acts of terror that forever changed our nation 14 years ago. To honor the sacrifice of the men, women and children on that infamous day, Sailors, Airmen, Soldiers and Marines at NAS Sigonella gathered to commemorate the fallen and renew their vow to continue fighting terrorism. “Though their lives were taken, their souls live in each of us,” said NAS Sigonella Commanding Officer Capt. Christopher Dennis. “May we never forget the desire of despots to rob men and women of their Freedom, the sacrifice of those who’ve gone before us defending our Inalienable Rights, and the unremitting need for brave people to shoulder the heavy burden of Liberty’s defense.” “The very date -- 9/11-- has become a symbol of our global vulnerability and a commitment to renewed strength and security,” said Robert Bethea, NAS Sigonella assistant fire chief, who spoke at the ceremony. “After 9/11, the slogan “Never Forget” became the national watchword and a solemn oath of the fire service to the 343 firefighters that made the ultimate sacrifice. I have to agree that it is appropriate to never forget some things in this life.” Bethea continued the words of “Never Forget” which reverberated in his heart and the service members around him. Never forget: that as Sig’ Citizens you are at the point of the spear for ongoing operations in the Middle East and Africa, and truly have a global mission reach. You are not here by mistake and have a mission to complete. Never forget: is exactly the right way to stand in the face of something so monstrous and so grave, but when "never forget" becomes a rallying cry, we inadvertently drag the past into the present in a vicious cycle of violence.

NAS Sigonella Commanding Officer Capt. Christopher Dennis (left) and Italian Air Force 41st Stormo Commander, Col. Vincenzo Sicuso (right) during the ceremony held on Sept. 11 to commemorate the 14th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the U.S. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ramon Go/Released)

Never forget: As an American “Liberty and Justice for all!” is contained in the pledge of allegiance and that pledge must be taken seriously. Former Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 3rd Class Roberto Vite, a Queens native stationed aboard the George Washington during 9/11, remembers what it means to serve. The USS George Washington (CVN 73) and its crew of about 5,000 Sailors had just come out of the shipyards and was

on its way for sea trials and then a deployment when the events of 9/11 unfolded. Now, Navy Counselor 1st Class Roberto Vite, recalls the morning of Sept. 11, 2001. "It was a Tuesday morning and I was helping my sponsoree do his check-ins. I remember going from personnel support department to the disbursing office when I saw

"9/11" continued on Page 14

Meet Sigonella's newest khakis

Sigonella's newest chiefs received their anchors during the Chief Petty Officer Pinning Ceremony in the gym aboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, Sept. 16. To see photos of the chiefs receiving their anchors, see page 8. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tony D. Curtis/Released)

"PINNING" continued on Page 8


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.