The Signature, January 20, 2017

Winter Wear: Tips for staying warm

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Finland:

CREDO:

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Upcoming retreats

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January 20, 2017

Vol. 34 No. 2

Child and Youth Programs Garners Top Score

By Nicole Ybarra NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – The NAS Sigonella Child and Youth Programs (CYP) recently received a CNIC unannounced inspection of its Child Development Center (CDC), Child Home Development, School Age Care (SAC) and Youth Programs. From Dec. 12 – 16, a two-person team conducted a thorough inspection which included 100% verification of staff background checks, an audit of the Child and Youth Management System (CYMS) information and in-class observations of the programming and staff interaction. The inspectors also surveyed parents, staff and teens, as well as walked the facilities and playground areas.

The NAS Sigonella CYP garnered the highest score in the region. “The inspection team said you could just feel the camaraderie not just with the management, but with the team as a whole,” said Jennifer Hodges, Youth Programs Director. “Everybody is here because they want to be here. We have great chemistry and a shared work ethic. We all put in what we need to put in to ensure that the program is successful.”

Hodges speaks with pride in her team, noting that the oldest staff member has only been with CYP since June 2016.

“It is pretty remarkable to have such a successful program with relatively new staff. Approximately 82% of our staff were hired just last year – that speaks volumes to the

caliber of our people,” said Jennifer Hardy, Child and Youth Programs Director. “Anybody can put together paperwork, but what is really telling is the interaction amongst the teachers and the children. You

can have the most wonderful tools and toys in a classroom, but without the interaction, your program won’t succeed.”

This year the CDC will undergo accreditation by the National Asso-

ciation for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Hardy is confident in her team noting, “We work well together because no job is too big, but also not job is too insignificant. We have a really great team."

Children from the Child Development Center (CDC) play during afternoon free play time. The Child Youth Programs recently received the highest score in the region on a CNIC unannounced inspection. (U.S. Navy photo by Nicole Ybarra/Released)

U.S. Naval Hospital Welcomes First New Baby of 2017

By Lt Tammy nguyen USNH Sigonella Public Affairs

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – New baby girl, Elena Isabella Guzman, couldn’t wait to kick off 2017 by arriving a week earlier than her expected due date. Sofia and Bernardo Guzman welcomed their second child on Jan. 3 at 12:12 p.m. European Standard Time.

Commanding Officer Capt. Kim Lefebvre congratulated the family and welcomed the newborn as the first baby born at U.S. Naval Hospital (USNH) Sigonella, IT for the year. Sofia laughed that, “Elena wanted to be the first baby born!”

Hospital Corpsman Third Class Bernardo Guzman is assigned to the Radiology Department at USNH Sigonella and is a native of New York City, NY; Sofia is from California.

Sofia would like to thank everyone on the Labor and Delivery team that helped bring Elena into the world. Elena weighed five pounds, eight ounces. Both mom and baby are doing well.

Overall, USNH Sigonella recorded Commanding Officer Capt. Kim Lefebvre (right) welcomes the first baby born at U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella in 2017. Proud 94 total births in 2016, an average of ap- parents Sofia and Hospital Corpsman Third Class Bernardo Guzman are excited to bring home Elena Isabella. (U.S. Navy photo by Hospital Corpsman Third Class Charisma Forrest/Released) proximately five per month.

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January 20, 2017

Direct Line

LCDR Edward Erwin, Religious Ministries Department The old adage has abundant truth: “Time flies when you are having fun.” These last three years at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella have been fun, and they have flown by very quickly. In the next several weeks, I will PCS to Little Creek, Va. and join my family as they eagerly await my arrival. My experience has been very positive here, and I will greatly miss this wonderful place and all the incredible people who serve our country. What are three keys to success at any duty station, whether that is NASSIG or Little Creek?

First, a positive attitude makes all the difference!

When we have a positive attitude, it allows us to see the potential in any circumstance regardless of the apparent difficulties. It can be our home, our workplace, or our circle of friends, in which we are experiencing challenges, but we have the power to keep a balanced perspective and that allows us to adapt and overcome. Chuck Swindoll said that life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we choose to react to our situations. More than IQ, heredity, or even education, our attitude is crucial for success. Our attitude, whether positive or negative, is contagious to those around us. Be careful: whatever we have is spreading.

Second, our core values define our sense of duty and guide our decisions. Honor, courage, and commitment can never steer us wrong, but always help

us make the right choices. Whether we decide to study for an exam, be faithful to our spouse, or serve in the community on a COMREL, all these choices in large measure are determined by our moral values. Over the last 10 years and beyond when folks come to me for counseling, it often gets down to one very basic concept: do the right thing! And doing the right thing is at the very heart of ethics. When it comes to helping our children with their homework, or comforting our spouse, or being there for a friend, do the right thing, and you will never regret it. Ethics will either make us or break us!

Third, inspiration gives us hope and confidence for each day. My faith has given me the inspiration to achieve what I did not think possible. My family has encouraged me when I was discouraged and down. I have seen so many of you do your job with excellence and grace, and that has inspired me to persevere and do better. Whether it’s faithful MAs standing guard in the rain, whether it’s the teamwork of the Religious Ministries Department in leading worship, whether it’s the inspirational example of the Triad who get out front and lead, I am so proud that I have had the most exciting opportunity and privilege to serve at such a great command!

God bless and Godspeed in all your dreams and aspirations for the future. I wish all the traditional fair winds and following seas!

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 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 meanspirited 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".

Interactive Customer Evaluation Comment regarding “Rude NAS 1 Gym Employee”:

I am writing in regards to an incident I witnessed at NAS 1 gym. A local national, apparently a fire fighter, was approached in a mean, rude and very unprofessional way by one of the ladies at the front desk. The gentleman was stopped and verbally attacked by the employee who yelled that he had to pay to enter the facility as he wasn't on duty. Next thing I saw was this poor man leaving the facility in a very upset state. I did not see an employee explaining a policy in a courteous manner as may be expected. I only saw a man being attacked and verbally abused by an angry woman.

No one deserves to be treated that way! Better customer service, more inclusion for local nationals.

Response:

Thank you for your feedback about your experience at the NAS 1 Fitness Center.

Local national firefighters are authorized to use the MWR Fitness Centers when they are on duty to maintain physical fitness. What you say you witnessed is unacceptable and does not reflect the high levels of customer service MWR strives to provide to the Sigonella community. The management team is taking action concerning this matter. If you have any additional questions or concerns for the Fitness program, please contact the acting Fitness Director, Bill Gatlin, at DSN 624-0504 or at William.

Gatlin@eu.navy.mil.

Comment regarding “Proper Delivery of Hospital Mail”:

The Hospital Laboratory receives time sensitive items in the mail due to the nature of our work. We depend on DLA and other means of deliveries to not only service our patients, but to also help maintain our federal accreditation for the services we provide. The operations that transpired in the past few days (24-26 OCT 16) were unprofessional with the lack of courtesy and communication from DLA. We were expecting a package that included a time sensitive test. We called our accrediting organization on 24OCT16 to investigate the location of the package and received a FEDEX tracking number. The package was signed for at DLA on 14OCT16. Our Material’s Management called DLA on 24OCT16 to confirm the receipt of the package.

DLA confirmed that they had the package and it was forgotten. The member advised that the package would be delivered that afternoon or the next day at the latest.

By 25OCT16, the package was not delivered and another phone call was made to DLA to ask about the package. Another DLA member said it would be delivered the following day. On 26OCT16, the laboratory received multiple packages from DLA, but the delayed package was still not delivered. The lab called back to ask about the package and a Sailor at DLA confirmed it was forgotten again but they were not

going to make any further deliveries that day. The package was not delivered until 27OCT16, four days after the laboratory started investigation and 18 days after DLA had received the package. Our ability to perform the testing is now delayed and we can no longer complete our mandatory federal testing and will now have to seek alternative testing platforms. If this attitude and type of service continues and we cannot meet our federal guidelines, we might lose our ability to perform certain patient testing and have to refer people out to the host nation network, further delaying patient care.

Sincerely, LT Tammy Nguyen

Response:

Dear LT Nguyen, thank you for bringing this issue to my attention. DLA is committed to providing the highest level of logistics support to all units who conduct operations in the EUCOM and AFRICOM areas of responsibility. When issues arise such as those you experience, customers are encouraged to contact the call center.

Customer service hours are from 0730 to 1600, but they are on call 24/7. Based solely on the information provided in your ICE comment, it is difficult to narrow down the package in question without a document number as DLA receives thousands of packages a day. DLA recently visited with the Hospital Materials Management Department in November to determine opportunities to better support them. DLA will be engaged with their suppliers later this week to inform them of appropriate markings and classifications which will expedite delivery. Thank you again for your comment.

For future DLA-related questions, you may also contact the DLA Commanding Officer CDR Pamela Dozier at pamela.dozier@dla.mil.

Comment regarding “Taco Bell”:

Yesterday, I went to Taco Bell, and I have to say, it was the worst gastronomic experience I have ever had in my life. I know Taco Bell in general is not the healthiest option, but still. I waited for almost 20 minutes before my order was taken and then an additional 25 minutes to receive my order. During those 25 minutes I observed an understaffed crew of three employees. One employee coughed all over some of the open food containers, and then picked his inner ear. He then wiped his mouth with his hand with the same rubber glove. When my meal finally came out, the cheese on my quesadilla was not even melted. I also received an unmelted cheesy gordita crunch and a cold hard taco. I was starving so I ate the food and paid about $10 for a disgusting meal made by an inexperienced crew with unhygienic food preparation

"ICE" continued on Page 3

January 20, 2017

"ICE" continued from Page 2 practices. Someone needs to keep a tighter leash on Taco Bell or someone is bound to get ill. Thank you!

Response:

Thank you for your feedback on the NAS 1 Taco Bell. The information has been reviewed with our foodservice contractor and additional training is being administered to ensure quality standards are consistently to the NEX standard. As always we thank you for your service and patronage. For future inquiries, please contact the NEX General Manager, John Sisson at 624-4379 or john.sisson@nexweb.org.

Comment regarding “Barracks Requests”:

I have a few questions and a comment about living in the barracks. First, I've noticed the barracks - specifically Bldgs. 623 and 170 – have some really interesting wall art. It is themed and makes for a welcoming living environment. I've lived in other barracks, and all they had were some boring Thomas Kinkade-type pictures.

I appreciate the creativity of the wall art in the Sigonella barracks.

Having lived in other barracks, I have a few suggestions. Would it be possible to get a service like Go WiFi? Also, could ovens be installed in a common area for residents to use? And lastly, with the repeal of many new policies, is it possible to have coed rooms?

Response:

Thank you for the opportunity to review your concerns and to provide some feedback. First of all, thank you for the well thoughtout comments. I feel you truly have your finger on the pulse of our barracks. Regarding the wall art, we have gone to great lengths to

Name: Hospital Corpsman Austin Agnello Dept: Medical Hometown: Eerie, Pa. HM Agnello does both the job of a Corpsman and an EMT. His days are filled with direct patient care as well as working in the back of an ambulance during patient transport. However, his primary responsibility is responding to emergency calls. The calls can come from anywhere within a 30-mile radius and include the Maranai Housing Complex, NAS 1 and NAS 2.

Agnello said his job is a cross between never knowing what to expect and being ready for anything. He stressed

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expand our collection of prints. Soon, we will have more to offer.

Be on the lookout for our new additions.

To your second point, Commander Navy Installation Command (CNIC) concurs with you on Wi-Fi in all Navy barracks.

Wi-Fi has been installed in all CONUS barracks already. OCONUS barracks are awaiting contract negotiations and once all of the logistics are cleared, Wi-Fi installations will begin. We will be able to provide details when a local provider is identified. In the meantime, please contact the Navy Exchange for internet service in your barracks room. To your third point, this suggestion has been considered recently. Based on our research, our barracks are not configured for a Common Area Kitchen. Current Fire Department and Building Safety Regulations bars us from installing appliances that can generate a high amount of heat over an extended period of time in one single area that can cause extensive heat buildup. Your suggestion is not far-fetched. The Unified Facilities Criteria for new barracks construction does have a requirement for Common Area Kitchens for all new Navy Barracks. While existing barracks do not have to meet this requirement, future renovation projects will consider the addition of a Common Area Kitchen to boost the morale of our Single Sailor living in the barracks.

And finally, current Department of Defense policy does not allow “co-ed” living arrangement in military barracks. Until higher authority sets a policy for co-ed billeting, we will have to continue with the current procedure for properly assigning barracks rooms for all of our residents. Thank you for taking the time to write.

We welcome all customer feedback and use this information that our customers provide to make changes to the way we can provide ours best services. For future barracks-related questions or comments, please contact the Unaccompanied Housing Director Ralph Jackson at 624-4075 or ralph.jackson@eu.navy.mil.

the importance of attention to detail when responding to an emergency. “If someone is injured, we must determine if they’re getting enough oxygen to the brain," said Agnello. "We are the first on scene and our assessment of each emergency is vital.”

One of the things Agnello likes most about his job is the opportunity to meet people.

In his spare time, he keeps himself physically fit by playing soccer with Sailors and Marines he meets on base.

While here, Agnello makes the most of his time by traveling around Sicily as much as possible. He said the furthest from home he's been so far is Prague.

In terms of his career aspirations, he hopes to make Chief and is planning on staying in the Navy the full 20.

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THE SIGNATURE U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA Commanding Officer Capt. Brent Trickel Executive Officer Cmdr. Charles G. McKinney II Command Master Chief CMDCM Mike Kaszubowski EDITORIAL Public Affairs Officer Lt. Andriana Genualdi andriana.genualdi@eu.navy.mil Assistant Public Affairs Officer Nicole Ybarra nicole.ybarra@eu.navy.mil Community Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil PAO Staff Writers \ Photographers MC2 Michelle Sabangan Michelle.Sabangan@eu.navy.mil MC3 Bryan Tomforde Bryan.Tomforde@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 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.

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January 20, 2017

Tips for Staying Warm this Winter Season NAS Sigonella Safety Department

• Dress in layers: Use many thin, warm layers rather than a few thick layers. It will insulate better and allow you to strip off layers if the temperature climbs.

• Dress for the appropriate activity level: Dressing for an active day of skiing will be different than dressing for a sedentary day of ice fishing.

• Buy or find a pair of insulated boots: Ideally, the lining should be wool or synthetic, not cotton. Linings can be purchased separately. You can purchase boots already with the lining, or use boots two sizes larger than usual, and use a lining.

• Wear winter socks: Warm winter socks are important in keeping warm dry feet. Wool is best, although good synthetic "fleece" socks are often quite good. You can layer socks, but be careful that your feet are comfortable and the circulation isn't shut down.

• Use a good quality coat, parka, or jacket: Generally speaking, the thicker the better, whether it is a synthetic ski jacket, a wool pea coat, or a down jacket.

• Wear a base layer: A "base layer" is long johns, union suit, long underwear, or whatever can provide a warm, light base to your winter gear. Merino wool products are recognized as one of the best base layers available.

• Wear a hat: While it's a myth that most body heat escapes through the head, covering any exposed body part helps retain body heat.

• Wear gloves or mittens: Fingers and hands are very vulnerable to the cold, so keep them covered. Very thin gloves (like "magic gloves") are better than nothing, but comfortable, warm gloves are important.

• Hand warmers can be useful, especially if you don't have shelter handy: They can be pur-

chased at any outdoor or hunting store. Never use these as a substitute for dressing warmly, however.

• Keep dry: Being wet will cause chill to set in more quickly than if you're dry. Have waterproof or at least water-

resistant outer layers.

For more information please call the safety office at 624-5630 or 624-6261.

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)

January 20, 2017

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NAS Sigonella Named National Night Out 2016 Award Winner

By Nicole Ybarra NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – In December, Sigonella was named a National Night Out 2016 Award Winner, one of only two naval bases to garner the recognition. National Night out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for and participation in, local anti-crime efforts, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police community partnerships, and send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

Last summer, the Sigonella community came together for an evening of fun and education hosted by the NAS Sigonella

Security Department as part of the 33rd annual National Night Out, a worldwide initiative aimed at crime and drug prevention.

This year's campaign involved 38.5 million neighbors across 16,142 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories and military bases worldwide.

MAC Joshua Raper, who helped organize this year’s event stated, "This is important for us, not only as representatives of the US, but for our communities to see and understand that we stand as one with our host nation law enforcement entities."

MA1 Michael Leslie, MA2 Jessica Gokey, and MA1 Christopher Knight were integral to the planning of the successful event which involved coordination and partnership with several entities across base.

Servicemembers and their families participate in National Night Out at Naval Air Station Sigonella.

Sigonella was named a National Night Out 2016 Award Winner. (U.S. Navy photo by Nicole Ybarra/ Released)

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January 20, 2017

Acireale Honors San Sebastiano

The Festival of San Sebastiano returns to Acireale on Jan. 20. The statue depicting the co-patron saint is taken in procession throughout the city’s historic center during a spectacular festival featuring holy masses, arts and crafts and fireworks. (Photo by La Festa di San Sebastiano Acireale) Story by alberto lunetta

"Evviva Sam Mastianu! Evviva lu rizzareddu, Vàddatilu quant’è beddu, li miraculi ca fa” (Long live Saint Sebastian!

Long live the curly-headed, look at his beauty and the miracles he performs). This ancient prayer shows how deeply embedded the devotion toward San Sebastiano (Saint Sebastian) is in the religious history of Acireale, an elegant town in the Catania province. Every year, thousands of believers and tourists swarm the streets of the historic center to show love and respect to their celestial patron. Despite being just the town’s “compatrono” (co-patron saint) along with Santa Venera, whose festival is celebrated on July 26, Sebastiano still gets most of the attention by the Acireale’s religious community. The festival honoring him will be held today, Friday, Jan. 20 at the Saint Sebastian Basilica.

The celebration will be repeated in a smaller scale on Jan. 27 - when a new day of festivities called “Ottava” (8day period of observances beginning with a festival day) - will once again pay homage to the saint.

Life of San Sebastiano San Sebastiano is probably one of the most famous martyrs in the Christian tradition. His martyrdom was a favorite subject of Renaissance painters who depicted him as a handsome young man who kept his dignity and beauty through the pain of the terrible arrows’ wounds and eventually triumphed over physical suffering.

Sebastiano was born in northern France around 300 AD. He served as an officer in the Roman army under Diocletian, the Emperor who issued an edict in which he prohibited Christianity. As Sebastiano was discovered to be a Christian, he was martyred in 288 AD. He was tied, pierced with arrows and left for dead; but tradition holds that he survived the arrows, which miraculously failed to pierce any vital organ.

Thus, the arrow, a symbol of the plague, became his identifying attribute as well as his wounds that resemble plague boils. Tradition holds that he was eventually beaten to death.

A true hero of Catholicism, San Sebastiano is also worshipped almost everywhere in Sicily, but particularly in the province of Siracusa and in Maniace. Acireale townspeople consider him a protector against the plague

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January 20, 2017

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Nimitz CO Made Honorary Chief Petty Officer

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Ahron Arendes USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Public Affairs

Capt. John C. Ring, commanding officer of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), addresses newly promoted petty officers following a frocking ceremony on board USS Nimitz. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Samuel Bacon/Released)

BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) -- The commanding officer of aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) was named an honorary chief petty officer by the Nimitz command master chief and Chiefs Mess during a ceremony held Jan. 11.

Capt. John Ring, who has been in command of Nimitz since July 2014, was pinned by the current and previous Nimitz Chief Petty Officer Association presidents, while Command Master Chief Jimmy Hailey presented him with a certificate commemorating the event.

In addition to Ring's new anchors and certificate, the Nimitz Chiefs Mess also presented him with his own CPO charge book, inscribed by the Nimitz chiefs and vessel.

The honor comes a day prior to his change of command, when he will depart Nimitz and transfer to the chief of naval operations (OPNAV) staff.

"I have never in all of my years of doing this worked with a CO that has empowered the mess more than you have," said Hailey to Ring in

front of the Chiefs Mess. "You let us lead the way we're supposed to lead, and that's exactly what we needed as a Chiefs Mess. Thank you for that from the bottom of my heart. We tried to figure out what we could do to thank you for allowing us to be chiefs. Quite honestly, the only way I thought we could properly thank you is to make you an honorary chief."

Ring, whose career began in 1990, said he was surprised and humbled by the honor.

"There are no words for that," said Ring to the Chiefs Mess following a standing ovation.

"Wow; holy smokes. I could not imagine something more meaningful than to be an honorary chief. I'm at a loss for words. This is something that doesn't happen very often."

Other notable honorary chiefs are Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus; retired Adm. Mike Mullen, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; actor Gary Sinise; and celebrity chef Robert Irvine.

"I want to thank you for your loyalty and for taking the vision and making it happen," Ring said to the Chiefs Mess. "It was a pleasure working with you. You guys are a great and special group and I'll remember you forever. Thank you for making my tour easy, and most importantly, thank you for taking care of our Sailors."

BLAST: Greater Speed, Accuracy in Recognizing Brain Injury

By Warren Duffie Jr., Office of Naval Research

ARLINGTON, Va. (NNS) -- Modern body armor better protects warfighters against shrapnel from explosive blasts. However, they still face a hidden threat -- the resulting blast pressure and shock wave which could cause traumatic brain injury (TBI).

To fight this invisible, insidious adversary, the Office of Naval Research is sponsoring the development of a portable, three-part system which can measure blast pressure, establish injury thresholds for the brain, and analyze potential TBI symptoms. It's called Blast Load Assessment Sense and Test (BLAST).

"A system like BLAST is vitally important because it can help recognize the signs of TBI early and tell warfighters they might need medical attention," said Dr. Timothy Bentley, a program manager overseeing the research for ONR's Warfighter Performance Department. "This reduces the likelihood of someone enduring multiple blasts and suffering more serious brain injury. BLAST also is unique for its unique suite of technology."

Department of Defense doctrine requires all those within 50 meters (approximately 165 feet) of an explosion to "stand down" for 24 hours and undergo a mandatory medical checkup. Bentley said this approach presents two major challenges -- some forward operating bases are only 100 meters (approximately 330 feet) across, so half of the personnel would need to stand down after an explosion; and 24 hours isn't enough time for a regular medical exam to detect signs of even mild TBI. BLAST uses coin-sized sensors which are tough enough to survive an explosion, can be worn on helmets and body armor, and are able to record blast pressure. This pressure can be downloaded with a specialized scanner, and design possibilities include a handheld, barcode-style scanner or a stationary one modeled after airport metal detectors. By using a special algorithm to convert data into a "go or no-go" injury threshold, BLAST indicates if exposed warfighters can stay in the fight or need a TBIfocused medical exam with the third component -- a neurofunctional assessment tool.

This assessment tool is sized like a computer mouse, fits in the palm of the hand, and emits vibrations to stimulate fingertip sensations and assess brain health. By testing whether or not warfighters feel these vibrations, administered in a variety of patterns, a medic or corpsman can decide if someone exhibits TBI symptoms and needs to stand down.

"BLAST sensors can provide valuable blast pressure data that can be used to assess the possibility of TBI," said Dr. Amit Bagchi, a scientist at the Naval Research Laboratory, which is developing the physical sensors. "The more data we have, the better we can predict the presence of TBI." "Together, the components of BLAST can enable us to designate a pressure threshold number for when someone is at risk for TBI and needs to stand down for more advanced testing or medical care," said Dr. Laila Zai, a scientist with ARA, a

research and engineering company helping to develop BLAST's algorithm and neurofunctional assessment tool. "Think of a speedometer; whether you're going too fast or slow depends on road conditions, and is indicated by the speed limit. BLAST determines a safe 'speed' for the brain."

BLAST sensors currently are undergoing testing in laboratories using electrical shocks to simulate blasts of varying size and intensity. Within the next year and a half, Bentley said, the system should be tested on field mannequins and then by Marines completing breacher training -- overcoming obstacles such as walls and doors using explosives.

BLAST is part of ONR's Future Naval Capability -- a science and technology program aimed at developing and transitioning cutting-edge technology products to Navy and Marine Corps acquisition managers within a three- to five-year timeframe.

Warren Duffie Jr. is a contractor for ONR Corporate Strategic Communications.

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

For more news from Office of Naval Research, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/onr/.

Marines shield themselves from a detonated explosive charge during an urban leaders course, Jan. 29, 2016. During the course, Marines learned four different types of charges used to make a safe entrance into an objective. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Emmanuel Ramos)

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January 20, 2017

Walking in a Wi

BY Nicole ybarra NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

If you’re looking for a more traditional Christmas getaway, Finland may be the destination for you! We recently vacationed in Saariselka, Finland, about a two-hour plane ride from the capital city of Helsinki. From the moment you step off the plane into a sea of white, it feels like the holidays. We stayed at Kakslauttanen Resort, which is famous for its glass igloos. What the igloos lack in privacy, they more than make up for with a 360-degree vantage point to view the elusive Northern Lights. Our first night at the resort we stayed in a glass igloo which my kids were extremely impressed by, but not for the reasons you would think. They were fascinated by the remote control beds (they reminded me of a hospital bed) and the lack of privacy.

The next day we went tour which was one of th After a short lesson on (don’t let go!), we were wonderland of Finland. E in fresh snow and the v It got a little cold toward a hot drink and a fire la normal.

Meals are included accommodation. Picky e no chicken nuggets, no for those with an open m palate, the reindeer Rudolph!). The Finns ha mulled wine – which is Christmas markets – cal with a shot of your liquo

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inter Wonderland

t on a two-hour dog sled he highlights of the trip. n how to drive the sled e off through the winter Everything was blanketed views were breathtaking. d the end of the tour, but ater and we were back to

in the price of the eaters, beware. There are o margherita pizzas, but mind and an adventurous was delicious (sorry, ave their own version of a staple of the German lled gloggi which comes or of choice. Gloggi is a

great way to stay warm in the frigid Arctic temps.

On our final night at the resort we had heard that the Northern Lights had been appearing around midnight, so we entertained ourselves by the fire and then ran outside at 11:50 to check.

No lights. Disappointed we headed back inside and decided to give it one last chance around midnight. We stepped outside and were greeted to an indescribable light show like I have never seen before. It was like watching ocean waves overtake the sky, shifting, changing colors and then disappearing almost as quickly as they appeared. You could hear the awe of all the other people fortunate enough to be witnessing Mother Nature’s light show.

If you’re looking for a fun, festive, winter getaway, why not give Finland, the birthplace of Santa Claus, a try for your next holiday travel?

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January 20, 2017

All Hands News Bulletin: ID CARDS REQUIRED FOR ALL CHILDREN 10 AND OLDER

EVERYDAY HEROES NOMINATIONS

Command, Department or Organization: NASSIG SECURITY Additional Information: We would like to remind parents that all children 10 and older are required to have a Dependent Government Identification Card in accordance with BUPERS Instruction 175010C. As such, children 10 and older are required to have their I.D. card any time they access the installation including when riding the school bus (in addition to their bus pass) and when walking or riding in a Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) with a sponsor. Please refer to instruction: http://www.public.navy.mil/bupersnpc/reference/ instructions/BUPERSInstructions/Documents/1750.10C.pdf (page 63, Table 4.3) for details.

Command, Department or Organization: American Red Cross Date of Event: Today - Feb 13 Location of Event: Red Cross Office Bldg. 318 2nd Floor Point of Contact Name: American Red Cross Point of Contact Phone Number: 624-4900 Point of Contact Email Address: Sigonella@RedCross.Org Additional Information: Naval Air Station Sigonella has many "Everyday Heroes" who lend a hand to those in need whether in our local community or in our host nation community. Do you know someone who should be recognized? This year we would like to recognize those individuals who have provided exceptional service in three categories: Service to the Military, Families, or Host Nation. Submit by Feb 13 at https://volunteerconnection.redcross.org/?nd=vms_public_form&form_id=890.

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

Catholic Religious Education (DoDDS): .....................................................1045-1200 Protestant Service: ..............................1100-1200 Latter-Day Saints Service: .................1330-1600

NAS 2

Fridays Daily Mass: ..........................................1130-1230 First Friday Mass and Holy Hour: ....1700-1830

Wednesdays Knights of Columbus (1st Wednesdays): .....................................................1700-1800 Protestant Women of the Chapel (PWOC): ....................................................1800-2100

Saturdays First Saturday Rosary and Mass:.......1100-1200

Thursdays AA Meeting: ........................................1800-1900

Sundays Catholic Mass: .....................................0900-1000

Sundays Protestant Service and Fellowship:....1800-2000

Weekly Traffic Report: Jan. 9-16, 2017

Ristorante Bella Etna

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

Weekend / Holiday: 7-9 a.m.

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

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

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

Weekend / Holiday: 4-6 p.m.

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

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Shelter-in-Place & Lockdown: Do You Know the Difference?

Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) Jayson Kumar, training team chief for Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, yells at Meliza Torres, a school administrator, as he portrays an angry parent during an emergency response drill at W.T. Sampson Elementary School. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Keith A. Bryska/Released) By ht2 corbin cooney Emergency Management

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – Now that the holiday season is over we can begin to shift our focus back to emergency preparedness and mission readiness. There are two ways of responding to an emergency in particular: shelterin-place and lockdown. These are both life-saving, protective actions that will keep you safe indoors, but differ slightly in the way that they are implemented. The order to shelter-in-place or go into lockdown can be given while you are at home or at work and delivered via the Giant Voice announcing system, an AtHoc desktop pop-up or a telephone call. Knowing what to do, and making sure that your family and friends are aware of the necessary actions to be taken for these orders, will ensure that everyone is prepared to respond in the event of an emergency.

The instruction to shelterin-place is mainly geared towards protecting from a hazardous atmosphere such as a hazardous chemical release or attack, but can be beneficial in keeping you safe for other situations. If you receive word to shelter-in-place, you should move promptly indoors, bringing your family, co-workers or pets with you to a room that has little exposure to the outside (no or few windows) and if possible, is above ground level. As you transit to your safe spot, close and lock all windows and doors, turn off your HVAC system (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) along with any fans in the building; this will mitigate the spread of airborne hazards into your home or workplace. You can even go a step further and use duct tape to seal the cracks of any doors and windows.

If you do not know how to secure your HVAC system, you can turn off all power to your home or building, if you know how to do so. Be sure that you have a cell phone

with a charger or landline phone in the room to report life-threatening emergencies and most importantly, have a radio on-hand so that you can stay up-to-date on the current situation.

A lockdown is more appropriate when dealing with a human threat such as an active shooter that is inside or outside a building. After receiving a lockdown order, it is imperative that you avoid moving towards the threat and that you take the appropriate actions to keep the threat from getting to you. The same basics used to shelter-in-place are also used to protect you during a lockdown. Quickly check outside your office and direct personnel into a room that is out of the line-of-sight of doors and windows; if at home, do the same, prompting family or neighbors to move inside and assume a position that is out of sight from any doors or windows. Once you are gathered: close and lock any windows and doors, and close blinds on windows; turn off lights in the room; remain quiet and out-of-sight.

Do not allow ANYONE into your home or office until an official lift has been placed on the event.

The FBI reported that from 2014 to 2015 there were 40 different active shooter incidents that resulted in over 230 casualties, and these incidents are expected to rise in CONUS. Knowing what actions to take and responding in a timely manner will reduce the impacts of these events. In both situations, whether it is a shelter-in-place or full lockdown procedure, having an emergency supply kit at the ready will assist you and those around you.

At a minimum, keep your kit stocked with fresh food, plenty of water, batteries, communication devices and a radio; if a member of your family needs certain medications, ensure that you have extra. If you have a pet, don’t forget about them! They will need food, water and a place

to use the bathroom, so be sure that you have some kind of appropriate material and a place designated for this. As a precaution, have enough supplies for up to 72 hours.

In order for you or your registered dependents to be notified of any situation that is emergent or threatening, it is vital (as well as mandatory) that the contact information supplied to NAS Sigonella’s AtHoc program is current and up-to-date. If you need help or are unsure about how to update your AtHoc information, consult your chainof-command or give your Emergency Management Office a call. As always, if you have any questions you can contact your Community Preparedness CoordinatorHT2 Cooney by phone at 624-8283 or by email at corbin.cooney@eu.navy.mil.

Remember, if you are in need of emergency services call 624-1911 or 095-86-1911 if on a cell phone or off-base phone dial 624-5225 on-base or 095-86-5225 from a cell or off-base phone for non-emergency calls such as reporting suspicious activity.

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GAMEZONE Old TV Shows

MCCLOUD MONKEES NIGHT GALLERY PRETENDER QUANTUM LEAP QUINCY ROCKFORD FILES ROSEANNE STAR TREK THE SAINT TWIN PEAKS WINGS WONDER YEARS X FILES

MEDIUM

GUNSMOKE HAPPY DAYS HARRY O HIGHLANDER HOGAN'S HEROES HOTEL I LOVE LUCY KNOTS LANDING KUNG FU LONE RANGER MAGNUM P.I. MANNIX MASH

EASY

ADDAMS FAMILY AVENGERS BATMAN BEWITCHED BRADY BUNCH CHARLIE'S ANGELS COACH COLUMBO COSBY SHOW CYBILL DRAGNET FAMILY TIES GET SMART GOLDEN GIRLS

DIFFICULT

Find and circle all of the old TV shows hidden in the grid.

The remaining letters spell the name of an additional old TV show.

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"ACIREALE" continued from Page 6 as he reportedly saved the city in times of trouble several times, especially during plague epidemics. According to one tradition, the city was spared by the plague in 1466, and therefore, devotees built a church in his honor.

The church was heavily damaged as a result of a catastrophic earthquake that struck the Catania province in 1693. But the Acireale devotees did not give up and erected a new magnificent basilica dedicated to San Sebastiano in the 17th century. The Basilica Collegiata di San Sebastiano is among the most beautiful Baroque buildings in Acireale, as well as the most requested church for wedding ceremonies. Gian Battista Marino, a sculptor from Catania, decorated its façade in the second half of the 17th century in a Baroque style. The church’s interior was frescoed with some paintings by Paolo Vasta depicting scenes from the life of the saint and other masterpieces telling the story of Christ by Venerando Costanzo.

San Sebastiano is still invoked by pilgrims to help people heal from illnesses and thanked for surviving a natural disaster or accident.

If a miracle is worked, devotees offer tall waxes, money and small golden objects. Sometimes, they tape these objects on red ribbons that are tied on the branches of the stump against which the statue depicting San Sebastiano is placed. Tradition also holds that, in the past, one who would miraculously survive plague epidemics would offer white linens to the saint. At that time, an infected person was required to wear white linen around their neck to show that they carried the disease. Once the epidemic was over, these linens were taped on the pillars that support the carriage on which the statue of the saint is carried in procession. Even nowadays, devotees still wear the linen around their chest and head.

Festival Schedule The festival starts on Jan. 20 at 7:30 a.m. at the Saint Sebastian church with the “Apertura della Cappella” or opening of the little chapel that houses both the statue of the Christian martyr and the relics.

Acireale Bishop His Excellency Antonino Raspanti then performs holy mass at 9:30 a.m. All the town’s authorities will be in attendance.

Later at 11 a.m., the statue of San Sebastian begins its procession through the streets of the town’s historic heart.

The “fercolo” or float, on top of which the statue depicting the saint is placed, will be taken around by a group of 60 “divoti" (devotees) who perform spectacular maneuvers even running and going up steep climbs.

The “divoti” who carry the float around the city belong to a confraternity boasting an ancient tradition handed down for centuries from father to son.

In the afternoon at 4:30 p.m., the procession will stop at the old train station (piazza Agostino Pennisi) where the local train will make a stop to honor the saint and remember the WW1 soldiers who invoked and prayed to him for a safe return home before leaving for the front.

This spectacular procession lasts all day and ends at midnight when the statue is brought back to the San Sebastiano church.

A firework show and ringing of church bells are performed all day long and throughout the city. The Jan. 27 festival will feature Holy masses to be performed at 9:30/10:30 a.m., noon, 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. at the Saint

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Sebastian church where the statue of the Christian martyr and the relics are kept.

Later at 8:30 p.m., the statue of San Sebastian will be taken outside the church to the main square where it will be displayed for about 30 minutes.

Firework shows will end the festival around 10 p.m. The San Sebastiano church is located in piazza Leonardo Vigo next to the Acireale Cathedral.

For more information and detailed schedules, visit https://www.facebook. com/La-Festa-di-San-Sebastiano-Acireale-1505740462973806/ or contact the San Sebastian Church at 095-601313.

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Child and Youth Programs Local Fine Arts Exhibition

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January 20, 2017