National Night Out: Crime and Drug Prevention
PAGE 4
Morocco:
Sigonella Women:
Adventures in Africa
Finding the network
PAGEs 8-9
N A S SIG O N E L L A
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July 22, 2016
Vol. 33 No. 29
Emergency Operations Center: Keeping Sigonella Safe
Sailors and civilians man the emergency operations center during a training exercise, July 19. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ramon Go/Released) By YN2 Gabrielle Milly NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – Imagine one day you are sitting at work and the AtHoc message system sends a pop-up message on your computer screen with "EMERGENCY" flashing in big bold letters throughout the command. This time it’s not an exercise. Are you prepared? The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) conducts regular training simulating realworld scenarios in order to ensure the Sigonella
community is as prepared as possible if an event should occur. ABH2 Ji Sung Hyun is the Chemical, Biological, Radiological (CBR) Equipment Manager and ensures everyone onboard NAS Sigonella is fitted for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Environment (CBRNE) gear for use in disasters and emergency situations. “The EOC does a lot of research and preparation for possible disasters and we try to train for every potential scenario that could occur,” said Ji. “The EOC is the brains of the operation where all of
the decisions are made and the events are closely monitored,” said Ji. Emergency response involves coordination and communication among several departments: Security, Fire and Emergency Services, U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella, Public Affairs Office and others. The Commanding Officer and Executive Officer are present at the EOC along with department representatives, so everyone will have a clear picture of the situation and will make decisions collectively. ABH2 Chad Cruse the EOC’s Dispatch Lead Petty Officer said, “During an emergency, Sigonella personnel and community members should stay by phones and computers to await any information or updates.” A huge part of getting through a disaster or emergency situation is planning and preparing kits for you and your family. Having a plan of action is essential in getting through any emergency situation and should be reviewed frequently. Ensuring you have an adequate amount of food, water, medicine, copies of important documents, extra cash, blankets and other essential items is key in any emergency situation especially in a shelter-inplace type of scenario where you cannot leave your home or location. “We disseminate important information via the AtHoc system which accesses your cell phone and computer to keep you up to date on information, as well as, the loud speaker system,” informed Cruse. The EOC uses multiple outlets to get the information out to the Sigonella community as soon as an incident occurs so that everyone is well informed. The EOC is activated in the event of an emergency and is manned 24 hours. During an emergency situation, there is a lot that goes on to keep the situation as controlled as possible. As a member of the Sigonella community, it is your responsibility to stay informed and to provide yourself and your family with the information and supplies that will help you through.
Carabinieri: Faithful Through the Centuries By Nicole Ybarra NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – For Americans, the carabinieri operate with a degree of mystique. Who are these police officers, smartly dressed in Armani-designed uniforms and what role do they play in ensuring the security of the base? The carabinieri boast a rich history dating back to 1814. Formed even before Italy became one unified country, the carabinieri were the police of the king. This royal force was permitted to carry a carabina (rifle) from which their name was derived, and they were placed throughout Italy to protect the people. The carabinieri became embedded with the people, and today there are more than 5,300 carabinieri stations throughout the country. Even in small towns, they are as ubiquitous as the local church, carrying an equivalent status as the priest or mayor. Aboard NAS Sigonella, the carabinieri serve as the military police of the Italian Air Force (ITAF) and handle crimes committed on base by service members, civilians or contractors. Capt. Salvatore Menta assumed
command of the carabinieri in October 2015 and oversees more than 60 carabinieri on NAS 1, NAS 2, Trapani Birgi, Lampedusa and Pantelleria. Prior to his assignment to NAS Sigonella, he worked as judiciary police in Canicattì, Province of Agrigento. While the carabinieri have authority to enforce Italian law for crimes committed within their jurisdiction, he stresses that his job is not only about fighting crime. “One of the unique aspects of the carabinieri is our proximity to the people. Since our inception, the carabinieri have been embedded with the community and we want our American friends to know that they are part of our community and that we are here to protect them, too,” said Menta. Menta stated their efforts to keep the community safe are not always visible. “Every day we are checking IDs, screening contractors and other visitors that come on to base in order to ensure that everyone is safe,” said Menta. In addition, the carabinieri conduct joint patrols and joint training with the Security Department’s Military Working Dogs to maintain
Capt. Salvatore Menta poses for a photo during an interview, July 19. Menta, who assumed command in October 2015, oversees 60 carabinieri across NAS 1, NAS 2, Trapani Birgi, Lampedusa and Pantelleria. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ramon Go/Released)
interoperability and foster positive relationships with US Security forces. “Nei secoli fedele (faithful through the centuries) has been our code for more than 200 years,” said Menta.
“We take our responsibility very seriously and strive each day, with the assistance of our American counterparts, to ensure the safety of NAS Sigonella and the community.”