The Signature, March 18, 2016

Dynamic Manta: NAS Sigonella Participates

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Sicily:

Boots 2 Business:

Exploring Local Treasures

Mind Your Own Business

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N A S SIG O N E L L A

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March 18, 2016

Vol. 33 No. 11

Rear Adm. Williamson Relieves Rear Adm. Scorby as Commander of Navy Region EURAFSWA From Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia Public Affairs

NAPLES, Italy – Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia (CNREURAFSWA) hosted an exchange of command ceremony at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples March 10.

Rear Adm. John C. “Jack” Scorby, Jr. and Rear Adm. Rick Williamson exchanged command responsibilities in a unique ceremony, with Scorby relinquishing command of CNREURAFSWA to Williamson; and Williamson relinquishing command of Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (NRMA) to Scorby. CNREURAFSWA and NRMA are the only twostar billets in the Navy Installations Command global enterprise. "I am truly honored and humbled to be taking command of Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia," said Williamson. “Admiral Scorby is handing me a high-performing team and I am excited to build upon his superb record of accomplishments.

Williamson, a Jacksonville, Fla. native, is a 1985 graduate of the United States Naval Academy where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. Williamson earned a Master of Business Administration from the Naval Postgraduate School in 1990 and is a graduate of the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Va. Scorby commanded CNREURAFSWA since October 2013. Under his leadership, he oversaw the expansion of the region’s facilities to support the European Phased Adaptive Approach to missile defense in Europe including the forward-deployment of four Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile de-

stroyers to Naval Station Rota, Spain and the establishment of Naval Support Facility (NSF) Deveselu, Romania, the first new U.S. Navy facility constructed from the ground up in more than 30 years. He managed an annual budget of approximately $600 million during fiscally challenging times, leading environmental stewardship and energy reduction projects to improve resource management. Scorby also actively engaged with government officials, community leaders and foreign allies and partners to strengthen key relationships within the Navy’s Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia operating environment.

“I am grateful to have been blessed with the opportunity to serve here in Naples and Navy Region EURAFSWA," said Scorby. "One of the many rewarding parts of this job was the opportunity to work with so many great people - U.S. service members, U.S. and Host Nation civilians, our Allies and support organizations – all of whom contributed immensely to the support of our fleet, fighters and families."

Scorby assumed command of Navy Region Mid-Atlantic. “I echo Admiral Williamson’s comments,” added Scorby. “He has done a magnificent job as the commander of MidLANT and is turning over an exceptional team of shore installation management professionals.

They have a stellar reputation and I am looking forward to working with them.”

As CNREURAFSWA, Williamson will oversee a workforce of more than 4,000 host nation, U.S. em-

Rear Adm. Rick Williamson exchanged command responsibilities with Rear Adm. John C. “Jack” Scorby, Jr. relinquishing command of CNREURAFSWA to Williamson; and Williamson relinquishing command of Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (NRMA) to Scorby during an exchange of command ceremony at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples, March 10. (U.S. Navy photo)

ployees and military members responsible for providing efficient and effective shore service support to

U.S. and allied forces in the Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia area of responsibility.

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Active Duty Fund Drive 2016 Schedule of Events March 18 - 25:

Raffle sale - Commissary, Galley and Mini-Mart - 1100 - 1300 - All week 18 - Car wash - 1100 - 1300 - NAS 1 lot near gate entrance 19 - Commissary bagging - 1100 - 1600 20 - Commissary bake sale - 1100 - 1400 21 - Breakfast burritos - 0630 - 0830 - NAS 2 gate entrance (Raffle Winners announced 0700) 22 - Car wash - 1000 - 1400 - NAS 1 near NGIS building NAS Sigonella fundraises for the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Active Duty Fund Drive 2016 with activities, sales and raffles. The Active Duty Fund Drive has two primary purposes: (1) To raise awareness of the programs and services available to active duty Sailors and Marines.

(2)To raise funds to support the programs and services offered by the NMCRS. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ramon Go/Released)

23 - Breakfast Burrito - 0630 - 0830 - NAS 2 Gate entrance 24 - Base-wide Khaki vs. Enlisted (E6 and below) Dodgeball Tournament with food and drink sale - 1200 - NAS 2 Turf Field Bar Trivia - 2000 - 2200 - Jox Pub NAS 2 with raffle 25 - Raffle sale

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March 18, 2016

Direct Line

"BROMATE" continued from Page 2 What does this mean?

Some who drink water containing bromate in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Bromate at the levels measured in the drinking water does not cause acute symptoms (i.e., stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea). However, bromate is classified by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a probable human carcinogen.

What should I do?

The levels of bromate found do not pose an immediate health risk. At this time, you can continue to drink the water. If the situation changes, you will be notified. Of note, filtration systems will not remove bromate from the water. If you have specific health concerns, consult your health care provider or the U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella Medical Home Port at +39-095-56-4622.

Lt. Elizabeth Huntoon Buongiorno Sigonella! I’m Lt. Lizz Huntoon, coordinator for this year’s Active Duty Fund Drive benefitting the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society. While many of you may have a general idea of what NMCRS is and what they do for Sailors and Marines I wanted to share a bit more information with the community to highlight their history and the importance of their services.

The Society was incorporated Jan. 23, 1904 and provided assistance to widows and families of enlisted men. The government had not yet established death benefits and until that point shipmates would “pass the hat” to provide money for grieving families. The financial assistance has grown significantly since then, from $9,500 in 1904 to $48.5 million in 2014. Over the last 112 years the Society has also grown in the number of programs they offer, changing to fit the ever changing needs of our force.

Many people know about the Quick Assist Loans, a program launched in 2007 to prevent Sailors and Marines from having to resort to the use of predatory high interest “payday loans.” However, NMCRS offers a multitude of programs to benefit service members and their families.

The Visiting Nurse Program has been around since 1922 providing in-home care for everything from answering medical questions to newborn care. In 2006 the program was expanded to include Combat Casu-

alty assistance and helps 2,100 wounded Sailors and Marines worldwide, like Medal of Honor recipient Kyle Carpenter whose nurse was such a vital part of his recovery she accompanied him to the ceremony.

There are many similar stories within our own community. In 2015 Sigonella used $178,694 in assistance for everything from car repair grants to household setup loans to help 169 Sailors, Marines, and their families. Last year Sigonella’s Visiting Nurse saw 71 babies in their homes, providing personalized and convenient care. Our NMCRS office also held 13 Budget for Baby workshops, giving away 29 Junior Seabags containing essentials such as onesies, bibs, crib sheets, and a handmade blanket. In 2015 the Thrift Store saw 3,444 customers thanks to over 2,100 hour of volunteer hours.

As I go around my own command I have come across Sailors at all points of their career who have used one or more of the NMCRS services. From a Chief who recounts needing a grant when his car broke down and he had a newborn and wife to care for early in his career, to a junior Sailor moving out of the barracks who utilized a bridge loan to cover the exorbitant costs of moving out on the economy until their OHA went into effect. All of this and we are just one small base. None of these services would be possible without the Active Duty Fund Drive. The motto of the Drive is “By our own, for our own.” This is our chance

to ensure that these programs are always available and NMCRS can continue to provide what our Sailors and Marines need so they continue meeting our missions worldwide.

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

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

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

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

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC: IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT DRINKING WATER Sample results for NAS 1, bldg. 157 and bldg. 216, have levels of bromate above drinking water standards locations on NAS II; both sample locations on Marinai; and the single sample location at Niscemi.

What happened?

This sampling event is a continuation of an investigative study into the root cause of bromate in the drinking water at Bldg. 157. Since the last public notification, additional quality control analyses were conducted to ensure the lab results we are receiving are of the highest quality. The laboratory receiving the samples performed well on each analysis.

The Sigonella community was previously notified of sampling results from the first round of samples where the bromate MCL was exceeded on Jan. 27, 2015, on Facebook and in the Jan. 30, 2015, issue of The Signature. During this first quarterly sampling event, the sample taken at Bldg. 157 tested at 34 ppb. In March samples were collected for NAS I, NAS II, Marinai, and Niscemi. Test results received April 2, 2015 showed bromate at 25 ppb for Bldg. 157, which again exceeded the MCL. Test results received June 11, 2015, showed bromate at 43.9 ppb. Test results received August 21, 2015 showed bromate at a maximum concentration of 40.5 ppb in Bldg. 157. Investigative sampling conducted in December 2015 returned a result of 32 ppb at one location within Bldg. 157. The quarterly compliance test results taken within Bldg. 157 received on January 22nd indicated a bromate level in the building of 7.85 ppb, which is below the MCL. It is common for the levels of bromate to have a small fluctuation over time.

What is being done?

While base leadership and water-quality engineers continue to seek the root cause for the presence of

For more information, please contact: Rachel Methvin, P.E. NAS Sigonella Drinking Water Program Manager NAVFAC PWD Sigonella, Environmental Division DSN 624-7220 Commercial: +39-095-86-7220 rachel.methvin@eu.navy.mil Violation Awareness Date: 7 March 2016 Date Notice Distributed: 11 March 2016 Public Notification Certification: This public notification has been provided to our community in accordance with all delivery, content, format, and deadline requirements per DoD FGS for Italy and OPNAVINST 5090.1D. To read this notice in Italian, please visit this website: http:// www.cnic.navy.mil/content/dam/cnic/cnreurafswa/pdfs/NASSIG/ Bromate/It_BROMATE_NOTICE_Q2%20Draft%20Final.pdf

Safety Spotlight: Ride Safe

Commanding Officer's Suggestion Box

Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella routinely monitors its water systems for the presence of contaminants.

Recently, samples were taken from the NAS I, NAS II, Marinai, and Niscemi water systems. Results from the NAS I "Connections" building (Bldg. 157) and the DoDDS Mid-High Cafeteria (Bldg. 216) indicated bromate levels above 10 micrograms per liter or parts per billion (ppb), which is the maximum contaminant level (MCL) allowed by Italian legislation and the DoD Final Governing Standards (FGS) for Italy. No other locations on any NAS Sigonella site exceeded these standards.

100% transparency and accountability to our public remain our commitment to you. As such, we keep the NAS Sigonella community informed of our water system status and actions to be taken when problems occur.

Quarterly compliance sample results received on March 7, 2016 indicated a level of 12.1 parts per billion (ppb) at a prep sink in the DoDDS Mid-High Cafeteria (Bldg. 216). This is the first time that bromate levels have exceeded the MCL at this location. The building was thoroughly flushed and will be resampled as soon as test bottles arrive from the lab. Flushing is expected to bring the bromate levels back below the MCL. These next results should be returned to us six to eight weeks after they arrive at the lab. The public will be notified once those results are published.

The March 7, 2016 sample results delivered also disclosed again an elevated level of bromate in NAS I Bldg. 157, this time 42.0 ppb. The remainder of the results shows bromate levels were below the MCL at: the five other sample locations on NAS I; all seven sample

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March 18, 2016

bromate in the water at bldg. 157, to ensure long term viability of the water in this building, leadership is replacing all piping in this building. The efforts should be completed this Spring. The following additional steps are being performed as well: - Performing testing to identify bromate cause and, once identified, ensure corrections achieve bromate level reductions below the MCL. - As the pipes are removed from Bldg. 157 sections will be collected for additional testing.

The DoDDS Mid-High Cafeteria and the nearest hydrant were thoroughly flushed to clear the water lines and the water will be resampled to verify these actions sufficiently reduced bromate levels. Results are expected six to eight weeks after submission and will be reported in a public notice once available.

At present, bromate exceedances in Bldg. 157 are expected to continue until the precise problem can be remediated. Signs remain posted in Bldg. 157 as a continuing reminder of this ongoing issue. The community will continue to be notified with compliance sampling results that exceed maximum contaminant levels. Moreover, we will keep the community informed about the latest developments in our efforts to identify and correct our Bldg. 157 bromate issue. For those interested in learning more about this ongoing issue, NAS Sigonella has a detailed water webpage, which can be found at: http://www.cnic.navy.mil/ regions/cnreurafswa/installations/nas_sigonella/om/ environmental_support/bromate.html.

"BROMATE" continued on Page 3

Before using your bicycle, make sure it is ready to ride. You should always inspect your bike to make sure all parts are secure and working properly. Remember to: • Wear a Properly Fitted Bicycle Helmet. Protect your brain, save your life.

For more information see the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration publication “Easy Steps to Properly Fit a Bicycle Helmet.”

• Adjust Your Bicycle to Fit. Stand over your bicycle. There should be 1 to 2 inches between you and the top tube (bar) if using a road bike and 3 to 4 inches if a mountain bicycle. The seat should be level front to back. The seat height should be adjusted to allow a slight bend at the knee when the leg is fully extended. The handlebar height should be at the same level with the seat.

• Check Your Equipment. Before riding, inflate tires properly and check that your brakes work.

• See and Be Seen. Whether daytime,

dawn, dusk, foul weather, or at night, you need to be seen by others. Wearing white has not been shown to make you more visible. Rather, always wear neon, fluorescent, or other bright colors when riding day or night. Also wear something that reflects light, such as reflective tape or markings, or flashing lights. It is recommended to wear eye protection on longer rides. Remember, just because you can see a driver doesn’t mean the driver can see you.

• Control Your Bicycle. Always ride with at least one hand on the handlebars.

Carry books and other items in a bicycle carrier or backpack.

• Watch for and Avoid Road Hazards. Be on the lookout for hazards such as potholes, broken glass, gravel, puddles, leaves, and dogs. All these hazards can cause a crash. If you are riding with friends and you are in the lead, yell out and point to the hazard to alert the riders behind you.

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THE SIGNATURE U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA Commanding Officer Capt. Chris Dennis Executive Officer Cmdr. Charles G. McKinney II Command Master Chief CMDCM Mike Kaszubowski EDITORIAL Public Affairs Officer Lt. Andriana Genualdi andriana.genualdi@eu.navy.mil Assistant Public Affairs Officer Lt. Jake Barreiro jake.barreiro@eu.navy.mil Editor Nicole Ybarra nicole.ybarra@eu.navy.mil Community Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil PAO Staff Writers \ Photographers MC1 Tony D. Curtis anthony.curtis@eu.navy.mil MC2 Ramon Go ramon.go@eu.navy.mil

• Avoid Riding at Night. It is far more dangerous to ride at night than during the day because you are harder for others to see. If you have to ride at night, wear something that makes you more easily seen by others. Make sure you have reflectors on the front and rear of your bicycle (white lights on the front and red rear reflectors are required by law in many States), in addition to reflectors on your tires, so others can see you.

Signed, Safety Sam

Name: PS2 (SW) Ralph Ablian Dept: Personnel Support Detachment Hometown: Manila, Philippines PS2 Ablian enjoys the opportunity to travel to some of the major European cities in Italy, Spain, France, Germany, and Switzerland. His favorite place, thus far, has been Munich, Germany where he saw the most beautiful and breathtaking castle he has ever seen, Neuschwanstein Castle.

He misses his family and friends back home, and homecooked meals.

He intends to make the Navy a career and hopes to make chief petty officer in eight years.

CONTACT US Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily thesig@eu.navy.mil DSN 624-5440; 095-86-5440 PSC 812 Box 7, FPO, AE 096270001 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 hand-delivered to our office no later than the close of business on the Friday proceeding the expected publication date. All articles submitted by non-staff members will be considered contributing writers.

The Signature will not publish anyanonymous articles. All advertisements in this publication are the property of Stampa Generale S.r.l.

Any reproduction of advertisements in The Signature is unauthorized without the written consent of the publisher. cnic.navy.mil/sigonella

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March 18, 2016

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NAS Sigonella Participates in Dynamic Manta 2016 By mc2 helen brown NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – NAS Sigonella recently hosted the Royal Navy air crew as they, along with ships, submarines, and aircraft from several other allied nations, participated in Dynamic Manta 2016 (DYMA 16), NATO’s submarine warfare exercise being held in the Mediterranean Sea off the Sicilian coast which concluded March 4.

During the exercise, the Royal Navy provided air support for one of the largest anti-submarine warfare exercises organized by NATO. The exercise involved coordination among France, Greece, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States at the NAS Sigonella airfield, as well as in Augusta, Sicily and the Catania harbor where host nation, Italy provided support.

The simulated multi-threat environment included nine maritime patrol aircraft and helicopters operating from NAS Sigonella under the control of personnel from NATO Maritime Air Command (COMMARAINATO).

“English is the language of NATO and the language of aviation,” said Lt. Rob Bond, a pilot in the Royal Navy. “You have a set procedure so the guys know exactly how a format will come to them, exactly how a report is meant to be, exactly what should be coming next so they can chip away at any language barriers.”

Overcoming language barriers is one of the many reasons working closely with other countries is vital. It also improves efficiency as it brings everyone back to a certain working standard.

“What we find is that we can get very lax,” said Bond. “Coming back out here helps bring everyone back to the core book that everyone works for and by doing that we are able to break down any language barriers.”

The US Navy and Royal Navy enjoy a strong partnership. “We’ve got a great relationship between the United States and the Royal Navy,” said Lt. Max Sloper, a pilot for the Royal Navy. “We speak their same language and the culture is not much different than ours.”

This exercise benefited all of the countries in-

Piano Lessons: Key to Future Success Royal Navy Pilot Lt. Rob Bond gazes down at an Astute-class nuclear fleet submarine HMS Ambush during an exercise.

The Ambush is the very latest UK submarine and cost an estimated 1 billion British pounds. (Royal Navy photo by Lt. Nick Grimmer/Released)

volved, bringing together a huge amount of machinery and skills to one location, to work as a team and accomplish a goal.

“This exercise is bringing everyone together as a nuclear asset with an extensive capability.

We are pulled out of our routine duties to come and do this training, and that goes across all nations which are putting out submarines, ships, and such,” said Bond. “This is how valuable it is to everyone to have all these assets.”

Combining assets, skills, and knowledge in one place is essential to training and gaining confidence when it is needed the most.

“Dynamic Manta has been an excellent opportunity for multiple NATO nations to develop their anti-submarine warfare (ASW) skills, interoperability, command and control and cooperation bolstering their skills for future conflicts,” said Bond.

“For me not having huge amounts of experience in ASW, this was invaluable training to gain contact with an actual submarine. This exercise was absolutely key to my job. I feel that this exercise was a success and we all walked away from it with more confidence in our ability to work together and to achieve our ultimate goal in the finding and prosecuting of enemy submarines.”

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)

By Anna Tykhova

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – Want to promote your child’s cognitive development, discipline, and patience? Learning music theory and practicing the piano can help. With just one lesson a week, your child will be able to play the piano and learn music theory and terminology while promoting enthusiasm and an appreciation for music. New research shows that piano lessons can promote children’s cognitive development in the areas of memory and attention.

What role can piano lessons play in cognitive development? We all know about the sensory and cognitive connections between the brain and the hands. Hands are our miracle ability to manipulate and create. Humans are the only species that can communicate meaningfully with the hands and even convey types of emotions. Brain development and hand use are entirely interrelated. In early childhood, we develop our hand-eye coordination by grabbing, touching, and holding objects, which are the first indicators of developmental milestones. Children succeed in learning through hands-on activities.

Playing the piano directly involves independent coordination of both hands simultaneously, so that both the right and left hemispheres of the brain activate cognitive functions. In other words, each finger plays something different, developing motor control and coordination that contribute to brain boost. Improvisation, memorization, understanding rhythm, beat, and scale enhances memory capacity that can be utilized later in life. Thus, playing the piano enhances a child’s ability to combine sensory information and strengthen brain development.

Children that take piano lessons learn to be more attentive and can focus for a long period of time. Learning music is a very detail-oriented process that involves a lot of patience, practice, and devotion. Children learn to set specific goals and work toward achieving those goals through hours, months, and even years of dedication. These techniques develop perseverance and discipline in children.

Musical training is also a powerful treatment for ADHD. According to www.additudemag.com, “Music strengthens the areas of the brain that, in a child with ADHD, are weak. Music builds and strengthens the auditory, visual/ spatial, and motor cortices of the brain. These areas are tied to speech and language, reading, reading comprehension, math, problem solving, brain organization, focusing, concentration, and attention issues…” Therefore, children who take piano lessons improve their learning abilities and concentration.

Your child might never be the next Mozart or Beethoven.

And they probably won’t like to practice every day. But you can help your child develop a love of playing the piano while at the same time setting them up for future academic success. So, capture the magic of your child being musician, even if you never dreamed you could!

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March 18, 2016

Good Friday Procession in Enna on March 25

by Alberto Lunetta, NASSIG COMREL Director

The Easter Week or Settimana Santa week, kicks off on March 21, and will culminate next weekend with the mournful procession to remember the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and all the joyful celebrations of Easter Sunday marking the resurrection. Processions and religious festivals will be held all over the island. On Good Friday, street processions featuring decorated religious floats, representing the Passion of Christ, will be carried out across the island. Elaborate statues of Jesus and the Virgin Mary, which are mounted on top of the floats, are accompanied by penitents who mourn the Passion of Christ and rejoice in his resurrection.

Another fascinating and touching commemoration takes place in Enna on March 25. “Stava Batti Matri dolorosa Iuxta Crocella lacrimòsa comu pentébbati filiu” (At the cross her station keeping, Mary stood in sorrow weeping when her son was crucified). The words of this mournful medieval chant are sung on Good Friday to remember the sorrow of Mary at the foot of the cross. Enna’s Settimana Santa celebrations come straight from the Spanish Catholic traditions. Spaniards ruled Sicily from the 14th to the 18th century. Today, just as it happens in Andalucia, processions featuring traditional costumes still show the intensity of the devotees’ mysticism. Thousands of visitors swarm Enna to see the fervent pilgrims belonging to different city’s confraternite (confraternities). They walk slowly in procession wearing colorful robes and hoods through the cobblestone streets of the historic center while town bands play mournful melodies.

Today’s brotherhoods are similar to medieval guilds, which date back to the period of the Spanish rule. They are charged with keeping the religious heritage of the city alive. Over the centuries, these associations have been tasked with organizing religious and charitable activities. In the past, they played a leading role in the social life of the town providing spiritual and material assistance to the poor and the sick or even those sentenced to death. In 1740, there were 34 confraternities.

Today, there are only 15 and they include Confrati (members of the confraternities) belonging to all ranks and classes with the only exception of women. In the past, confraternities were mainly composed of sulphur miners and farmers. The color of the robes and the mantel worn during the processions has a particular meaning that can be either related to the cult of their own patron saint or to the role that they played in the past in town.

Good Friday is undoubtedly one of the Settimana Santa highlights. It begins at 4:30 p.m. on March 25 with the Confraternity of the Passion leading once again the procession while carrying the 33 symbols and the insignia related to Jesus martyrdom that are called misteri. Some among those include the cross, the purse with 30 pieces of silver, the crown, the lantern, the rooster, the nails, and the scourges, jug of water, gloves, etc.

The procession, which leaves from the Church of Saint Leonardo, heads toward the duomo or cathedral. As the confraternity proceeds in penitence along via Roma through the narrow streets of the city, the other 14 confraternite join this mournful religious parade. The procession follows a definite order. Brotherhoods parade from the most recent to the oldest. Over 2,500 hooded and silent penitents walk towards the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows, which hosts a statue depicting the Virgin Mary.

Then, this statue is taken to the cathedral where an urna (urn) containing a life size statue of the dead Christ was placed.

At 7 p.m., the procession leaves from the cathedral and reaches the Church of St. Paolini near the cemetery, where a benediction is given with the reliquary cross, which, according to the tradition contains a thorn from the crown of Christ. Eventually, the procession returns to the Cathedral. Later, the two statues are taken back to the churches.

On March 27 (Easter Sunday), in the morning, pasqua is celebrated at the church of S. Salvatore at 10 a.m.

Later in the evening, paci (peace), a ceremony symbolizing the encounter of resurrected Christ with the Virgin Mary, begins at 6 p.m. Two statues depicting Jesus and his mother are carried on the shoulders of confraternite members and taken from the churches of S. Salvatore and S. Giuseppe to piazza Mazzini where the paci is eventually staged. As soon as Christ appears, the black veil covering the statue of the Lady of Sorrows comes down. At that point, the statues run toward each other and after that, are taken inside the Cathedral.

"GOOD FRIDAY" continued on Page 12

U.S. NAVY HEADLINES March 18, 2016

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Navy Advancement Center Adds Exam Bibliographies to Navy COOL Website

By Ed Barker Naval Education and Training Professional Development and Technology Center Public Affairs

The mournful Good Friday procession, remembering the passion of Christ, returns to Enna on March 25 in the Enna historic center featuring processions of about 2,500 members of local religious clubs. (Photo by https://murathefilm.files.wordpress.com)

PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- Sailors preparing for advancement examinations can now access their bibliographies (BIBs) without the need for a Common Access Card (CAC), as the Navy Advancement Center added the active duty and Reserve BIBs to the Navy Credentialing Opportunities Online (COOL) website March 14.

While it will still be possible to link to the BIBs through the Navy Knowledge Online (NKO) website, which requires a CAC, adding a BIB portal on Navy COOL allows access through any internet-capable computer or mobile device.

"A common theme running through the Sailor feedback we receive is that much of the preparation for advancement exams is done at home, away from work," said Master Chief Electronics Technician, Nuclear Power (SS) James Berhalter, command master chief for the Naval Education and Training Professional Development and Technology Center (NETPDTC). "Having the public-facing BIBs will make figuring out what references to use for exam preparation significantly easier."

The BIBs pages on Navy COOL will provide both active duty and reserve Sailors a link to the exam bibliography listings specific to their rating and rank, offering virtual 'onestop shopping' for Sailors to know what publications to use to get ready for exams. The BIBs reference pages list the material subject matter experts use to develop the tests during the Advancement Exam Readiness Reviews.

"It's important that Sailors review their BIBs before every exam," said Berhalter. "Each cycle's exams are different, and the BIBs listed through Navy COOL and on NKO are tailored specifically for that exam cycle.

If a Sailor is relying on BIBs from past exams, then he or she may miss some important references. Publications and instructions are also constantly being updated, so it's important to have the information that corresponds to that specific cycle's exam."

Students from the Aerospace Medical Technician School explore Naval Education Training Command (NETC) smart phone applications to find out more about advancement with the "FMS Calculator" and command recourses with "New to the Navy." NETC's newest app, NavyCOOL, provides Sailors with a set of credentialing and career tools to help make professional development decisions throughout their Navy career and beyond. Other tools within the app include in-service civilian and industry certifications, road maps to career advancement and retention, and civilian career occupations after life in the Navy.

(U.S. Navy photo by Ensign James A. Griffin/Released)

The Navy COOL links will contain the same content accessed through NKO, including BIBs for substitute exams, as well as rating-specific topics and subtopics which provide an exam content outline unique to each enlisted rating. Updates to BIBs will also be reflected simultaneously on Navy COOL. Navy COOL Program Manager Keith Boring said that adding BIBs to the website helps the popular destination become even more functional.

"The goal of Navy COOL is to help today's Sailors become a stronger, more professional workforce and assisting them in advancement exam preparation is the epitome of that goal," said Boring. "This is one more valuable tool we offer our 21st Century Sailors."

To access the Advancement Exam Bibliographies section of Navy

COOL, begin at the Department of the Navy COOL home page: www. cool.navy.mil/usn. Click on the 'Navy COOL' tab at the top right of the page, and under the 'Find and Select Related Credentials' tab, click on the 'Advancement Exam Bibliographies' dropdown on the left side page navigation. Then choose your rating and select 'Go'. The advancement exam bibliographies, topics and subtopics, FAQs and contact resources are found lower on the rating's COOL page.

The Navy COOL office is located at the Center for Information Dominance (CID) on Naval Air Station Pensacola's Corry Station. For more information on Navy COOL, visit www.cool.navy.mil/usn/.

NETPDTC, located at Saufley Field Pensacola, provides products and services that enable and enhance

education, training, career development and personnel advancement throughout the Navy. Primary elements of the command include the Voluntary Education Department, the Navy Advancement Center and the Resources Management Department.

Get the latest information on Navy enlisted advancement by visiting the Navy Advancement Center on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Navy-Advancement-Center-213190711299 Additional information about the Naval Education and Training Professional Development and Technology Center can be found at www. netc.navy.mil/netpdtc/Default.htm For more news from Naval Education And Training Professional Development And Technology Center, visit www.navy.mil/local/ NETPDTC/.

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Enjoy the Local Treasures of Sicily

By MC2 Helen Brown NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

As a reservist, I don’t usually have much time to be able to see the sights during my annual training. So every chance I get, I make the most of my free time. In my opinion, there are two ways to see the sights. 1. Plan where you are going. Know what is in that area that you want to see. Prioritize your time so you can see everything in that town. Or 2. Just get out and start driving!

I saw so many incredible sights in the short month I was in Sicily. If you love photography, as I do, know that you may at certain times feel sorely disappointed by the fact that some of the amazing sights you see are just impossible to photograph because of the infrastructure. During those times you just have to take it all in!

Only a couple of places I went were truly planned. Agrigento was one of them. Make sure you see the Greek temples from the 5th century A.D. They are a sight to behold! After that, make your way slightly north to the Scala de Turchi (The Turkish Steps). It is a rocky cliff overlooking the Sea. The cliff, however, is very unusual in that it is white and very rounded and smooth. It is very peaceful to sit on the rocks and watch the sun set.

Belpasso is a quaint, little town with a lot of character and incredible views of Mt. Etna framed by the main street. With its close proximity to NAS Sigonella, it makes a perfect afternoon trip. I made a long, but rewarding day of stopping not only in Belpasso but also Pedara and on to Aci Trezza. Close to Catania, Aci Trezza is a little treat. It is a fishing town that features beautiful hand-painted ships and incredible rock formations coming up from the sea.

Of course, the bustling city of Catania is a favorite for many being it’s also close to base. Some great deals are to be had in the flea market. Don’t forget to do some bargaining! The fish market is also a unique experience. I’ve never seen so many swordfish heads! Elephant square is a must-see and definitely eat while you’re there as there are some incredible dishes.

One of my favorite parts of Sicily, I must admit, is the gelato. I’m a sucker for gelato! The best I had was in a little café in Taormina. Honestly, I missed a lot in Taormina. I heard it was great and it was the first place I went. Once I got there, I didn’t know where to go. This is where planning would have helped! Now I know that I wouldn’t miss the chance to see the Greek Theater, Castelmola and Palazzo Corvaja if I had the chance to go again.

My biggest piece of advice is to not be afraid. I went to all of these places by myself! There were many times that I just went on random drives to see the beautiful countryside of Sicily and let myself get lost. Make sure you have GPS so that you are able to find your way back eventually. Also, wear comfortable shoes as most of these locations involve a lot of walking.

All-in-all, my time in Sicily was very well-spent. I went to all of these places and more, but it’s never enough! The rest of Sicily will have to wait for my return. In the meantime, I will live vicariously through my shipmates who have much more time available and I hope you all make the most of it! Arrivederci!!

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All Hands News Bulletin: Youth Sports now taking registrations for baseball: Youth Sports is NOW taking registrations for Baseball season! If you have a child interested in playing, now is your chance!

For ages 3-4: Start Smart This is a FREE program that teaches young children baseball fundamentals and must include parent involvement.

For Ages 5-18: Register at SAC - 0900-1200 and 1300-1700, M-F, Cost is $50.00 per child Baseball season runs through 18 Apr - 11 Jun. For more info please email eric.barge@eu.navy.mil or visit http://www. sigmwr.com/event.php?id=3850

March 18, 2016

SP 208 Restriction: A reminder that SP 208 is designated by Italian Authority as a road for local residents and customers of business on the road and through traffic is not authorized. Security is coordinating with local Law Enforcement offices for enforcement of the through-traveler. Additional reminder that driving as a sponsored member of the installation is a privilege, not a right. That privilege can be revoked. Let's do the right thing and stay safe Sigonella.

- Driving on SP-208 is not authorized by host nation laws, and the Commander's guidance on travel in the triangle does NOT include SP-208.

- If anyone is caught driving on SP208, you are violating a direct order of the Base Commander.

- If an accident occurs on SP-208, insurance companies will not pay for any damages caused or suffered.

- Utilizing this road is not what right looks like! Drive safe; for your safety and the safety of our community.

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

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

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

Weekly Traffic Reports: March 7 - 16, 2016

Ristorante Bella Etna

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

Weekend / Holiday: 7-9 a.m.

Lunch: $5.55 Dinner: $4.85 Mon - Fri: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Mon - Fri: 4:30 - 6 p.m.

Weekend / Holiday: 11 a.m. -1 p.m. Weekend / Holiday: 4:30 -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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"GOOD FRIDAY" continued from Page 6 Sunday, April 3 marks the day of the melancholic spartenza ceremony, which takes place in piazza Mazzini.

The two statues, which participated in the paci ceremony on Easter day, are taken back to the churches where they are usually kept. The statue of Christ goes back to church of SS. Salvatore, and the Virgin Mary one is taken Church of San Giuseppe.

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GAMEZONE

Human Skeleton & Organs

Officers of the Top IV pose for a photo. From left to right: MSgt. John Gerlach (7 RS); MSgt. Robert Kolbe (725 AMS); MSgt. Christopher Rounds (DCS); and MSgt. Elizabeth Sadler (7 RS). (Photo courtesy of Robert Kolbe)

Founding of NAS Sigonella Top IV

By MSgt. Robert Kolbe USAF - 725 AMS OL-C

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – With the recent growth of several Air Force units including the NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) and the 7th Reconnaissance Squadron (RS), you may have noticed an increase in Air Force personnel around NAS Sigonella. This growth in personnel is expected to continue in the near future.

Taking into account the 324th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron (ERS), the Defense Courier Service (DCS), and the 725th Air Mobility Squadron (AMS), the Air Force has quite a presence here at Sigonella accomplishing a wide variety of missions.

For instance, the 7th RS provides a broad spectrum of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) collection capabilities to support joint combatant forces worldwide in peacetime, contingency, and wartime operations.

The Airmen of DCS are part of a global courier network for the expeditious, costeffective, and secure distribution of highly classified and sensitive material. The 725th

AMS, part of the 521st Air Mobility Operations Wing is here to ensure the safe, efficient, and effective projection of Rapid Global Mobility.

Due to the growing presence of Airmen, a group of Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCO) wanted to establish an organization to give Airmen a sense of unity and purpose while further bolstering Air Force-Navy relationships. The idea became a reality through the combined efforts of a diverse group of SNCOs from each unit, including MSgt. Robert Kolbe (AMS), MSgt. John Gerlach (RS), MSgt. Elizabeth Sadler (RS), and MSgt. Christopher Rounds (DCS).

The result is the founding of the Sigonella Top IV organization. The Top IV will function as a social and professional organization to enhance the leadership, morale, esprit de corps, and cooperation of all members of the Air Force enlisted grades stationed here at NAS Sigonella.

The efforts of these SNCOs epitomize the United States Air Force core values of Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do!

Skeleton: - CARPALS - CLAVICLE - COCCYX - CRANIUM - FEMUR - FIBULA - HUMERUS - INNOMINATE - MANDIBLE - METACARPALS - METATARSALS - PATELLA

- PHALANGES - RADIUS - RIBS - SACRUM - SCAPULA - STERNUM - TARSALS - TIBIA - ULNA - VERTEBRA Organs: - APPENDIX - BLADDER

- BRAIN - GALLBLADDER - GENITALS - HEART - INTESTINES - KIDNEYS - LIVER - LUNGS - PANCREAS - SKIN - SPLEEN - STOMACH - VOICE BOX

MEDIUM

Note: TARSALS and METATARSALS are hidden separately and do not overlap. The same goes for CARPALS and METACARPALS, and BLADDER and GALLBLADDER.

DIFFICULT

Find and circle all of the skeletal parts and body organs that are hidden in the grid.

The remaining letters spell a secret message.

What to See in Enna From http://www.sicily-visitor.com Enna is one of the few tourist attractions in Sicily that is not located along its coastline. Enna is located right in the center of the island, and is also a provincial capital. Enna is popular for the breathtaking views it provides due to its hilltop location, and is one of the highest points on the island with an elevation of nearly 1,000 meters.

Enna is as rich in history as the rest of the Sicily, and offers plenty of ancient Greek and cultural attractions.

Among the most dominant structures in Enna, the Cathedral takes a central position as in the rest of the Sicily - a work of Baroque Architecture, the Cathedral was built in the 14th century and features elaborate architectural and artistic adornments that were carried out at different times over the centuries.

Another dominant landmark of Enna is the Lombardy Castle. The castle is irregular in build but impressive, and its towers are an integrated part of modern Enna. Another important structure to look forward to during your visit to Enna is the Palazzo Varisano, which has been selected as the site for the Regional Archaeological Museum of Enna.

The museum is home to some of the oldest artifacts found in the Enna province.

Apart from that, the Church of San Tommaso, the Torre di Federico, the tower which is rumored to be the summer residence of Frederick II, the campanile of the destroyed church of San Giovanni, the Municipal Library of the town in the San Francesco building and the Janniscuru Gate are important attractions.

For more information and detailed schedules visit http:// www.vivienna.it

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EASY

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EURAFSWA Commander: Shore support vital to Fleet, Fighter, and Family From Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia Public Affairs

NAPLES, Italy – Rear Adm. John C. “Jack” Scorby completed his tour as Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia (EURAFSWA) March 10, when he relinquished command to Rear Adm. Rick Williamson.

Scorby has been in command of Region EURAFSWA since October 2013.

One of eight regions that constitute the Navy’s global shore installation enterprise, EURAFSWA stretches from Portugal to Romania and from the Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf. It encompasses eight shore installations on three continents including Naval Support Activities (NSA) Bahrain, the Navy’s busiest port; Camp Lemonnier Djibouti, the only enduring U.S. military base in Africa; and Naval Support Facility (NSF) Deveselu, Romania, the first of two Aegis Ashore Ballistic Missile Defense Sites in eastern Europe; and supports U.S. joint forces conducting operations for U.S. European Command, U.S. Africa Command, and U.S. Central Command.

One of the biggest achievements Scorby realized was the implementation of the presidentially-mandated European Phased Adaptive Approach (EPAA) to ballistic missile defense. A multi-faceted initiative built upon the U.S. Navy’s expertise developed at sea, EPAA involved the forward-deployment of four Arleigh Burke-class ballistic missile defense capable guided missile destroyers to Rota, Spain as well as the construction of two Aegis Ashore Missile Defense Facilities (AAMDF) one in Deveselu, Romania and one in Redizkowo, Poland.

The Navy broke ground for NSF Deveselu in 2014. It is the first naval installation to be constructed in nearly 30 years.

“NSF Deveselu’s construction was a tremendous combined effort in Romania. The Missile Defense Agency, Department of State, Army Corps of Engineers and the Romanian military all had important roles to play in the planning and execution of the project,” said Scorby. “It was truly a joint, bi-lateral effort, and it was exciting to witness its progression; not just the construction, but also the development of our relationship with the Romanians.”

Under Scorby, the infrastructure to support the AAMDF was completed on time, having achieved every milestone laid out in the master plan. In 2016, shortly after Scorby relinquished command, the Navy will break ground on the next AAMDF in Redzikowo, Poland with the benefit of lessons learned from the success in Romania.

In Rota, the addition of the forward-deployed naval forces Europe, all of which arrived on Scorby’s watch,

required upgrades and improvements to the installation in order to accommodate the ships, the crews, and their families.

“As the shore enterprise for the Navy, we not only support and enable the fleet, we also provide quality care and services for families. In Rota, we took a lot of steps to ensure those services were in place for the arriving crews and families.” Scorby credits the successful implementation of the first critical phases of the EPAA to the entire Region team. “It was a region-wide effort to bring these destroyers into theater and build a completely new overseas facility,” Scorby said. “We received support from as far away as Bahrain, and a lot of people can claim they had a part in meeting our deadlines for this effort and setting the conditions for the follow-on effort in Poland.”

But it wasn’t just Romania and Spain that saw significant change during Scorby’s command. From Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti to the Navy’s large base of operations in Bahrain, to the installations in Spain, Italy, and Crete, the Navy grew its shore infrastructure and capabilities for supporting the fleet.

“This vast region has always been an operationally significant one for the Navy, but over the past couple of years as the other services have reduced their overseas footprints, especially in Europe, the Navy has been building,” said Scorby. “I am very proud to have been a part of that growth and to see the Navy on the leading edge of how the United States is addressing emergent security concerns both at sea and on shore.”

Sexual assault prevention was another focal point for Scorby’s efforts.

Scorby served as the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) program manager for the Naval Forces Europe/Africa area of responsibility and made a commitment to educate Sailors on the magnitude of the problem of sexual violence in the Navy and to empower them to take action.

“The SAPR program provides another opportunity to emphasize our ongoing commitment to instill a climate that does not tolerate, condone or ignore sexist behavior, sexual harassment, or sexual assault," added Scorby.

"We have accomplished a great deal in the past years, but we must remember that SAPR is an ongoing effort that requires vigilance from everyone in the chain of command."

Scorby also made responsible stewardship of resources one of his highest priorities.

“We continually compare how we’ve done business and how we will do things in the future. For instance, energy-use reduction and con-

Are you disciplined? Goaloriented? A self-starter? Most military personnel are which makes them natural entrepreneurs! Why not put those skills to good use and apply what the Navy has taught you by starting your own business? After all, no one can “mind your business” like you can!

In the next few years, it is expected that over 250,000 service members will transition annually into the private sector. As the jobless rate persistently rises and unemployment among veterans contin-

servation is one area we’ve made improvements,” he said. “Energy costs are a large portion of our budget, and with the Secretary of the Navy’s guidance, we’ve been able to institute measures to reduce those costs.”

Under his command this included solar car ports, electric vehicles, LED lighting, and other methods of conservation. Scorby also spearheaded the annual “Energy Biggest Loser” (EBL) Competition, which promoted a competitive spirit among the shore installations to reduce energy use. The EBL competition challenged each installation in Region EURAFSWA to reduce the installation’s energy consumption for a month and change the culture of energy use through education, awareness, and accountability at the individual, command, and functional levels.

Scorby adds that the Region will continue to provide quality shore support to the Fleet, Fighter, and Family which is a crucial enabler for U.S. and Allied operational success.

“The cornerstone of mission accomplishment is people, and the people who work here are why the Region is successful,” said Scorby. “We have an extremely diverse workforce of military, Department of Defense civilians, and host nation employees. I am grateful for the opportunity to have served with all of them.”

Scorby now commands Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, headquartered in Norfolk, Va., where Williamson recently served as commander.

For more information about Navy Region EURAFSWA, visit www.cnic. navy.mil/europe.

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Boots 2 Business Workshop: Mind YOUR own BUSINESS!

By MacKenzie Smith Fleet and Family Support Center

Rear Adm. John C. “Jack” Scorby completed his tour as Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia (EURAFSWA) March 10, when he relinquished command to Rear Adm. Rick Williamson. (U.S. Navy photo)

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ues to outpace the national average, training in entrepreneurship is a logical and necessary endeavor. Capitalizing on the talents of service members promotes self-employment and helps stimulate the economy.

Reports from the U.S. Small Business Administration show that Veterans are 45% more likely to be selfemployed as compared to non-veterans contributing more than $1 trillion in sales.

Fortunately, the military has responded to this increasing trend and has created resources, such as the “Boots 2 Business” Workshop, to help

service members venture into the small business workforce.

The Boots to Business (B2B) Workshop is an entrepreneurial education program offered once a quarter by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Registration is open to service members and their dependents, DoD civilians, reservists, and authorized I.D. card holders. This energizing curriculum provides assistance in exploring self-employment opportunities, key steps for evaluating business concepts and foundational knowledge for developing a business plan. Participants also learn business

fundamentals, work through an initial feasibility analysis of their business concepts and are introduced to SBA resources. These resources help access start-up capital, offer additional technical assistance and better yet, this workshop is FREE! After the B2B Workshop, participants can elect to further their study through an instructor-guided, eight-week, online course with Syracuse University. Course completion requires approximately 10 hours of weekly study and guides participants through the fundamentals of developing a business plan.

So, if you are remotely interested in the idea of owning your own business, we highly recommend that you attend our B2B Workshop on March 30-31. The workshop covers two days of class time from 0800-1600 and we respectfully ask that participants be present for both sessions. After completion of the workshop, you will have gained the tools and knowledge necessary to identify a business opportunity, draft a business plan, and launch your own enterprise… after all, who better to “mind your own business,” than you?

Please call FFSC at 6244291 to sign up today!

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