The Signature, October 20, 2016

Page 1

Sigonella Swordfish: Swim to win

PAGE 4

Navy Ball & USO:

Fire Prevention:

Check out the photos

Tips for the off-base community

PAGEs 8-9

N A S SIG O N E L L A

PAGE 14

October 21, 2016

Vol. 33 No. 40

NAS Sigonella Celebrates 241 Years of Naval History By Nicole Ybarra NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – Sailors aboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella reflected on the history of their service during an observance of the Navy's 241st birthday, held at the Hilton Giardini Naxos, Sicily Oct. 14. “Oct. 13, 2016 marks the 241st anniversary of the date the Continental Congress established our U.S. Navy,” said NAS Sigonella Commanding Officer Capt. Brent Trickel. During his remarks, Trickel spoke to the numerous achievements of today’s Navy and underscored the importance of the operations being performed out of NAS Sigonella. “We are about as close to the front line without actually being on the front line here at Sigonella. The missions being performed out of this base are some of the top priorities of the Department of Defense,” stated Trickel. Following his remarks, Trickel introduced the evening’s guest speaker, Rear Admiral Rick Williamson, Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia. Williams recounted watershed moments in U.S. Naval history, remarking, “It is important to reflect on these stories to remember that we are part of a long line of patriots and warriors, and a noble calling, a calling that is greater than oneself,” said Williamson. In closing he said, “We heed the call NAS Sigonella celebrated the 241st Navy Birthday at the Hilton Giardini Naxos, Sicily, of duty in a world which is constantly Oct. 14. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella) changing… We may be called upon to

defend our beliefs, freedom and our way of life and when that time comes, I know you will undertake this backbreaking work, I know you will turn into the fight. You will stand bold, ready and tough and I urge you to do so knowing you are part of the U.S. Navy, one of the mightiest navies that has ever commanded the seas.” Following Williamson’s remarks the presentation of the POW/MIA table was conducted by service members from the Navy, Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps. The ceremonial portion of the evening concluded with a cake cutting by the oldest officer, youngest enlisted Sailor and the commanding officer. The Navy Ball Committee kept the action going by holding raffles throughout the evening and even promoting a dance competition where an Airman in attendance challenged Sailors to show their dance skills. The evening concluded and the dance floor opened up, with attendees celebrating until it was time to go home. Naval Air Station Sigonella, "The Hub of the Med," is a U.S. Navy installation and an Italian Air Force base in Sicily, Italy. NAS Sigonella is the Navy's second largest security command, second only to that located at Naval Support Activity Bahrain. Because of its location near the center of the Mediterranean Sea, NASSIG is well placed to support operations by the U.S. 6th Fleet, other U.S. military units, and U.S. allies and coalition partners.

New USO Center Opens at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily By Walter Murren USO Europe

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – It’s official, USO Sigonella is now open and providing much needed support to service members and their families at its brand new home within the Air Passenger Terminal on Naval Air Station Sigonella (NAS Sigonella). The USO’s newest location will increase offerings to U.S. service members, civilian personnel and family members assigned to the military community in Sicily, Italy, provide the comforts of home to those transiting through this key southern European military air hub, and expand outreach to forces deployed to the region. The grand opening ceremony included words of gratitude from the base commander, Captain Brent Trickel, his command master chief, Mike Kaszubowski and USO Europe Regional Vice President, Walt Murren. The event culminated with a cake cutting and hometown BBQ for service members and their families. As the doors opened and community members flooded the center, you could hear the excitement and amazement in everyone’s voices. "I'm proud to see this terrific organization come to Sigonella where they can provide so much comfort and hope for our military and families of this community," said one of USO Sigonella’s first customers, Air Force Major Aaron Krizek. The installation is home to more than 4,000 U.S. service members, civilian personnel and family members and that number is likely to increase as NATO stands up a headquarters here. The area is positioned to be at the epicenter of U.S. Naval air operations in the Mediterranean and is one of the most frequently used stops for U.S. aircraft bound from the continental U.S. to Southwest Asia and the Indian Ocean. The growing population and strategic location provided a natural opportunity for the USO to deliver support and augment the resources already being offered by the local military commands. This new “compact” USO center is equipped with a high tech two station internet café, four free voice

The USO Sigonella is now open and providing much needed support to service members and their families at its brand new home within the Air Passenger Terminal on Naval Air Station Sigonella (NAS Sigonella). The USO’s newest location will increase offerings to U.S. service members, civilian personnel and family members assigned to the military community in Sicily. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Ramon Go/Released)

over internet phones to call friends and loved ones back home, and five smart TVs distributed throughout the air terminal. These will connect folks with their favorite TV programs, news and sports streamed directly from the United States using easyTV provided by our USO strategic partner TKS. TKS provides pivotal communications support to the USO across Europe and equipped this new center with more than 150 channels of free television. The location also provides high speed internet access throughout the air terminal with bandwidth capable of providing uninterrupted Skype and FaceTime capabilities for hundreds of passengers. The center will offer complimentary coffee, soft drinks and snacks to bring that important touch of home to our military and family travelers. NAS Sigonella, "The Hub of the Med," is situated

within NATO Base Sigonella and an Italian Air Force base in Sicily, Italy. Although a tenant of the Italian Air Force, NAS Sigonella acts as landlord to more than 40 other U.S. commands and activities. Among the largest are a rotating P-8 patrol squadron; a Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station; and a U.S. Naval Hospital. As the USO celebrates its 75th year, its mission of strengthening America’s service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country is as vital today as it was in 1941. With the opening of USO Sigonella, the USO will be able to increase its offering to traveling service and family members, improve outreach of our existing programs and expand our reach in support of the deployed military community transiting these important air hubs overseas.


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.
The Signature, October 20, 2016 by NAS Sigonella Signature - Issuu