The Signature, June 24, 2016

Red White & Boom: Celebrations set for July 2

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Beautiful Berlin:

Thanksgiving:

See the beautiful sights!

Fostering friendships

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June 24, 2016

Vol. 33 No. 25

Galley Goes Green to Provide Healthy Options for Sigonella

Ristorante Bella Etna provides three meals a day to U.S. service members, NATO members, contractors, and families located at NAS 2. The Navy’s new Go for Green program was established to promote awareness among service members and patrons who eat at the galley and to help them identify healthy food choices, in line with customer needs and wants. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ramon Go/Released) By yn2 gabrielle milly NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – In addition to serving delicious food, the NAS Sigonella Galley also excels at meeting customer needs and providing great customer service.

When you go to the galley, you may not know what goes on behind the scenes in the daily operations to ensure that galley patrons receive the food and products they enjoy. The entire galley team

works tirelessly to keep their customers happy and coming back every day. It is this drive towards excellence that led the galley to earn a perfect score on their Menu Review.

“The menu review is established by NAVSUP to ensure that our menu is in accordance with NAVSUP standards and Navy dietary requirements,” explained Senior Chief Culinary Specialist Chico Garcia. “Additionally, the menus also have to be in line with the new Go for Green concept. Since I’ve been here, I’ve been working on it piece by piece

trying to get it all developed and finally we came to a resolution between the Navy dietitians and myself to offer a graded menu,” said Garcia.

Menu review boards are held once a quarter and are set in place to identify the preferences and needs of galley patrons. The Navy’s new Go for Green program was established to promote awareness among service members and patrons who eat at the galley and to help them identify healthy food choices, in line with customer needs and wants.

Culinary Specialist Third Class Adam Tackett says, “The Navy Go for Green program is different from the traditional calorie counts on cards.

It provides a color coded system to label foods so one can easily distinguish 'good foods' from 'not so good foods.'”

On the spectrum, green identifies healthy options while red is less healthy. “Under this system green means that you will want to eat more of it, while red means you will want to limit how much of it you eat. There is also a sodium count on the cards that displays high, medium or low sodium content right on the card for you,” explained Tackett.

This is a big step for Navy galley from the previous system that had uniform cards with calorie counts.

The new program has been a work in progress and the galley has been working diligently to get it just right. “For me Go for Green is a fairly new concept being that I just came from a ship a few years back and it wasn’t really established then.

The Navy’s been working on (the program) and it's still in the process of being finalized as of right now. Not all Navy galleys are required to Go for Green at this point. We aren’t taking away fried foods and all the unhealthy things; it’s just making it easier for people to choose healthier things on their plate,” said Garcia.

Patrol Squadron (VP) Four Participates in BALTOPS 16

By LTJG Matthew Johnston VP-Four Public Affairs

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – Patrol Squadron (VP) FOUR participated in the NATO Exercise BALTOPS 16 from June 3-18. BALTOPS is an annual exercise designed to enhance interoperability and demonstrate the ability of partner and allied nations to defend the Baltic region. The Skinny Dragons of VP-4 deployed two Combat Aircrews, 18 aircraft maintenance professionals, and one P-3C Orion to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany and established Task Group (CTG) 67.2.

Joining the Skinny Dragons as members of CTG 67.2 was a P-8A Poseidon from VP-26, a P-3C from VP-62, and numerous aircraft maintainers from both squadrons. Combat Aircrew Seven (VP-4) also flew one mission out of Lielvārde Air Base, Latvia.

CTG 67.2 aircraft flew 18 missions during the exercise, totaling over 67 hours of on station training with NATO and partner forces. The Poseidon and Orion crews flew a diverse set of missions but their primary focus was Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW. The aircrews honed their ASW skills working with three submarines and over 40 surface combatants. The welltrained NATO submarine crews and challenging environmental condi-

tions in the Baltic Sea created excellent training opportunities for the P-3C and P-8A aircrews.

“BALTOPS provided our entire team a fantastic training opportunity. The dynamic mission scenarios challenged us and we are now better prepared for combined operations with our NATO allies and partners,” remarked Combat Aircrew Ten Mission Commander and Detachment Officer-in-Charge, Lt. Cmdr. Brian Blaschke. “Additionally, a key to our success was our hard working and talented aircraft maintainers; they put our aircrews in a mission ready aircraft every time, on time.”

The Skinny Dragons of VP-4 worked tirelessly to support BALTOPS 16 and are extremely grateful for the opportunity to train with such talented NATO forces and build interoperability. VP-4 looks forward to future operations with NATO allies and partners as we exercise our mutual commitment to Baltic Security.

Quick Facts: • BALTOPS is an annually recurring multinational exercise designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability, as well as demonstrate resolve of allied and partner forces to defend the Baltic region. This is the 44th year of the exercise.

• One P-3C Orion aircraft and two aircrews from the “Skinny Dragons” of VP-4 were assigned to participate in

Naval Air Crewman Operator 2nd Class Brandon Fregeau and Air Crewman Operator 3rd Class John Ferguson pre-flight their sensor stations before take-off. The Orion and 11-person crew are operating alongside Latvian forces in support of BALTOPS. BALTOPS is a joint, multinational, maritime-focused exercise designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability, as well as demonstrate resolve among NATO and partner forces to defend the Baltic region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Devin Menhardt/Released)

BALTOPS 2016. The crews flew AntiSubmarine Warfare (ASW) and AntiSurface Warfare (ASuW) operations.

• One P-3C from VP-62 and one P-8A Poseidon from VP-26 also participated in the exercise.

• Combined Task Group (CTG) 67.2 was formed for the exercise and is comprised of 92 Sailors from three squadrons. CTG 67.2 was commanded by VP-4 Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Christopher Smith.

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June 24, 2016

Direct Line

Executive Officer Cmdr. Charles G. McKinney II Buongiorno Sigonella, We have recently celebrated the anniversaries of several patriotic hallmarks: Memorial Day, the Battle of Midway, D-Day, and Flag Day. However, it all began July 4, 1776 when the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, declaring 13 American colonies a new nation – The United States of America.

Many of us are looking forward to partaking in NAS Sigonella’s annual Red, White and Boom celebration being held at NAS 1 on July 2. However, I encourage you to also reflect upon the finer points and deeper meanings associated with, as John Adams put it, our nation’s “great anniversary festival.” While I fully expect you to enjoy the parades, shows, festivities and, of course, fireworks, please take time and reflect on all the history associated with the birth of our nation, form of government and way of life. Consider what you would give your life to ensure or preserve for subsequent generations. Ask yourself, “What have I done to earn (and maintain) my citizenship?” By the way, if you are looking for a good book from the Navy recommended reading list for “Warfighting First” highlighting citizenship, discipline, loyalty and courage try Starship Troopers, a military science fiction novel by Robert A. Heinlein.

We are again facing a significant election year.

The right to vote is a much too often underestimated privilege of U.S. citizenship. And too often voting contests are decided without representation of all eligible voters. Therefore, if you are eligible and haven’t done so already, I strongly encourage you to exercise your privilege and duty as a U.S. citizen and vote in every election you possibly can. If you need assistance with registering or filing your request for absentee ballots, please contact your command Voting Assistance Officer today!

More than half of June 2016 is in the history books, which means we are ever closer to the month of the year made famous (or infamous) by the annual “Energy Biggest Loser” competition. Each year, every installation in our Region is pitted against each other to see which can reduce the most energy consumption from the previous year during the month of July. Our Building Energy Monitors (BEMs) are energized and ready to help lead the installation and community in “deenergizing” unnecessary fixtures and appliances.

We’ve been through this twice before. In 2014, NAS Sigonella competed well, but fell short of victory. In 2015, our victory was a landslide, garnering our base bragging rights and a $70,000 prize!

This year we are in the crosshairs of other bases to de-throne. Don’t allow this to happen! Maintain a

persistent culture of Resource Conservation, one of our Sig’ Citizenship virtues and the deciding factor if we are to maintain our “Biggest Loser” status.

As always, I appreciate the universal dedication to mission, service and community throughout NAS Sigonella. You are truly the best in the Region. Thank you!

Red, White, and BOOM! Celebration Slated for July 2

By LT ANDRIANA GENUALDI NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – Morale, Welfare, and Recreation’s (MWR) annual Red, White, and BOOM! celebration will take place this year on July 2 at 1700 in the Midtown area on NAS 1.

The event is open to all base ID holders who may sponsor up to five guests. For more information specific to the event check the FAQ section adjacent to this article.

Aside from the smorgasbord of all-American eats available to guests, this year’s whirlwind of events will feature a Corn Hole tournament, the annual John Paul Jones cardboard boat race, a food eating competition, lip sync contest, and plenty of activities for the kids to enjoy. The Kelly Bell Band will provide live music.

“We are very excited about this year’s event and all the activities we have planned for our great community,” said Bill Gatlin, MWR Recreation Event Supervisor. “It is one of my favorite events MWR puts on because we get to bring a bit of the States to our community. The event takes months of planning within MWR and with many NASSIG departments and volunteers to make it all come together, and I would like to sincerely thank each for all their support.”

Of course, no Independence Day celebration is complete without fireworks. Starting at 10 p.m. the Sigonella skies will be aglow with what organizers have assured will be a dazzling spectacle of exploding color. For fire safety precautions, at 9:30 p.m. the Annex Gate will be secured and will remain closed until the fireworks have ended. While the Annex Gate is closed the Main Gate will be open to traffic.

Shortly after the fireworks have ended so too will the Red, White, and Boom event.

For more event information, please visit www. sigmwr.com or call 624-4777 (+39-095-56-4777).

Red, White, and BOOM! Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Q: As a base employee, how many guests can I bring to Red, White, and Boom?

A: All adult U.S. ID card holders are allowed to sponsor up to five (5) guests whom do not have Department of Defense (DOD) Identification. In addition, base employees (both U.S. and Local National) are also extended authorization to sponsor up to five (5) guests whom do not have Department of Defense (DOD) Identification.

Q: How do my guests gain access to the base?

A: Sponsors and all guests must bring valid photo

identification to the Annex Gate, which will open at 1700. The Main Gate will be closed to all without DOD ID cards. Any guest who does not provide photo identification will not be allowed access to Red, White, and Boom. Guests will also not be allowed access without their sponsors.

Q: Will parking be provided inside the base?

A: Yes. There will be limited parking near the stone lot adjacent to the sports field and Annex Gate. All guests are strongly encouraged to car pool. Once parking is filled, attendees will need to find parking outside the base.

Q: Do base employees have to stay with their sponsored guests during the event?

A: Yes. Sponsors, both U.S. and local nationals, will be held responsible for the conduct and general whereabouts of their guests. Sponsors should also personally know the guests they are bringing to the Red, White, and Boom event. Base employees should not agree to sponsor people they don't know well.

Q: Where can guests find event parking outside the base?

A: For a small fee business owners directly across the NAS 1 Main Entrance have agreed to provide parking in their lots. We kindly ask that guests do not park on SS-192, the street that runs in front of the NAS 1 installation.

Q: Last year the Annex Gate was secured during the Fireworks Show. What about this year?

A: For your safety the Annex Gate will again be secured from 2130 until the conclusion of the fireworks display. During those hours, all guests may exit through the Main Gate. After the conclusion of the fireworks, the Main Gate will be secured once again and the Annex Gate will re-open. In addition, NAS Sigonella reserves the right to secure base access at the discretion of the command.

Q: Will there be a guest list so my guests can access the base without their sponsor?

A: No. Guests must be accompanied by their sponsor.

If the sponsor is not present, guests will be turned away at the Annex Gate. Assuring that guests are not left stranded at the gate is another reason we strongly encourage sponsors to car pool with their guests. If for some reason this is not possible, sponsors should pre-plan a designated meeting place away from the Annex Gate.

"RWB" continued on Page 3

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June 24, 2016

"RWB" continued from Page 2 Q: Will alcohol be served?

A: Yes, and we want all guests to have a great time. However, Breathalyzers will be administered to those driving a vehicle, just as we’ve done in past base events. Anyone who plans to drive should abstain from consuming alcohol.

Legal actions will be taken against those who are driving and have exceeded the legal limit of alcohol. Also, sponsors, both U.S. and local nationals, will be held responsible for the conduct and general whereabouts of their guests.

Q: When will the parking lots on NAS 1 secure in preparation for Red, White and Boom?

A: The following is a list of NAS 1 parking lot closure dates and times in preparation for the event: - Fitness Center/Connections parking lot: June 27 at 11 p.m.

- Child Development Center (CDC) parking lot: June 30 at 11 p.m.

- ITT/Community Recreation parking lot: June 27 at 11 p.m.

To help those who rely on parking that will be closed during event preparations preferred parking on NAS 1 will be temporarily available to all. Vehicles parked in secured locations after the times listed above will be towed at owner’s expense. These areas will be secured until

after the event has concluded and the parking lots have been cleaned.

Q: What kind of bags will not be allowed on base?

A: Coolers and backpacks will not be authorized. No exceptions. Bags exceeding a 12”x 6”x 12” (30cm x 15cm x 30cm) dimension also will not be allowed to enter the base. Authorized bags will be allowed after they have been screened.

Q: What about strollers and Diaper Bags for those with small children?

A: Strollers will be allowed for caretakers of small children after screening. The same applies to Diaper Bags as long as they are not in exceedance of the 12”x 6”x 12” (30cm x 15cm x 30cm) dimensions: Q: What are the base entry restrictions?

A: The following items are STRICTLY PROHIBITED from being brought onto the base - Pets, glass bottles, containers, backpacks, and contraband (including box cutters or other sharp objects).

Q: I know contraband is prohibited. But what items are considered contraband?

A: Knives of any size, BB Guns (Air Soft), sling shots, fireworks of any kind, illegal drugs, and any other items the CO deems as contraband. We require guests to use common sense. If the item presents a potential threat to the base, do not attempt to bring it to the event.

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Q: Is smoking allowed at the event?

A: Yes, but limited to the designated area, which will be identified on the event map.

Q: Will restrooms be available at the celebration?

A: Yes, and the locations will identified on the event map.

Q: Will shuttle services run in the “Triangle?”

A: Yes. The shuttle will run between 1630 and 2330. The shuttle will pick-up and drop- off riders at NAS 1 in the loop near the DODDS School; at NAS 2 in front of the Flight Clinic; and at Marinai at the first bus stop inside of the main gate near the Youth Center.

Q: Will NEX and Commissary hours stay the same during the event?

A: Yes. The NEX and Commissary will retain normal business hours during the event. Anyone wanting to enter the NEX or Commissary will need to provide a valid ID. Q: Anything else?

A: Yes. Please use caution while transiting to and from NAS 1 as there will be increased traffic and parked vehicles outside of the installation.

For more event information, please visit www.sigmwr.com or call 624-4777 (+39-095-56-4777).

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 Ramon Go ramon.go@eu.navy.mil YN2 Gabrielle Milly gabrielle.milly@eu.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

Name: AWF2 Jaclyn Heitzman Dept: NAS Sigonella Operations Department Hometown: Eugene, Oregon Having arrived to Sigonella six months ago and with just over a year in the Navy, AWF2 Heitzman has already accomplished a milestone in her Navy career. Completing aircrew training, competitive evals for advancement, and traveling overseas, are just a few of her accomplishments. "I really enjoy being an aircrewman because I get to see a lot of interesting things and experience different cultures."

Not only is Heitzman traveling to different countries on the C-26 aircraft but she also gets to work with two female pilots, Lt. Meaghan Greany and Lt. Jenna Epifanio. "I love working with them. I get a lot of insight from their career and life experiences. There isn't much difference between female and male pilots because at the end of the day, the pilots complete the mission." But it's not every day that you see an

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all-female crew flying a plane in the Navy.

Overnight layovers in a different country are one of the perks of being an aircrewman.

"I have been to Germany during Spring Fest, Israel, Sweden, Greece, France, and Naples."

"I miss my family the most back home but Italian culture is different and that's what I like about it. It's nothing like

the U.S. At times it can be frustrating, but you just have to learn to go with the flow and step out of your comfort zone."

Heitzman is soaking in the cultural differences by taking it one day at a time, working toward her goals, and trying to make the best out of her time in Sigonella.

"My most memorable experience has been when the pilots and I were flying back from

Stuttgart, Germany and a jet did a pass by as we are cruising along at about 22,000 feet in the sky and the jet came up to our left.

It was so close that maybe about another 15 ft and the jet's wing and ours could have touched. I could wave to the jet pilot and see him clearly with all five fingers wave back.

I thought that was the coolest thing."

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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June 24, 2016

Patrol Squadron (VP) Four: A Skinny Dragon Kind of Day

By CDR Chris Smith Commanding Officer, Patrol Squadron FOUR

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – Over the course of one 24-hour period from June 13-14 the Skinny Dragons of Patrol Squadron FOUR (VP-4) launched six different aircraft spread across five different locations around the world on six very unique missions.

In Comalapa, El Salvador, a 70-person detachment launched their 35th counter-drug mission of the deployment. The men and women of this detachment work closely with several other units of the Joint Interagency Task Force, South (JIATF-S) to stop the distribution and sale of illegal drugs. Money from the sale of these drugs is often used to support international terrorist organizations and the efforts of JIATF-S have had a direct and meaningful impact on national defense. To date, VP-4 has contributed to 21 busts totaling 19,808 kilos of illegal drugs with a street value of over $501,170,000.

VP-4 also has a permanent detachment stationed in Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. This team of Skinny Dragons operates in the sweltering heat of Africa to fly overland intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions in support of counter-terrorism efforts in the Horn of Africa. Their flight on this day represented VP4’s presence on a third continent and demonstrates the P-3C’s ability to operate in extreme conditions.

Simultaneously, VP-4 participated in Exercise BALTOPS 2016 from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. With one aircraft, two aircrews, and 18 maintenance professionals, the detachment represented a small part of the large multinational maritime exercise. BALTOPS 2016 included approximately 6,100 maritime, ground, and air force troops from 17 participating nations. The exercise is designed to allow the participants to hone their maritime interdiction, anti-submarine warfare, amphibious operations, and air defense tactics, techniques, and procedures in a combined and joint environment. On this particular day, Combat Aircrew TEN conducted an anti-submarine warfare flight demonstrating the primary mission area of the P-3C Orion.

Operating out of Naval Air Station Rota, Spain, Combat Aircrew FIVE supported by several maintenance professionals provided airborne support for the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) as she made her way into the Mediterranean Sea. This kind of support to a Carrier Strike Group is another critical mission of the P-3C. An airborne P-3C gives the Strike Group Commander visibility on threats beyond the horizon and the ability to respond to those threats.

In a rare feat, VP-4 provided support to a second

Carrier Strike Group on the same day. Flying out of NAS Sigonella, Italy, Combat Aircrew EIGHT flew in support of the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) as she conducted operations in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Even in the face of all these rigorous operational demands, the Skinny Dragons of VP-4 made time to continue training for tomorrow’s fight as well. The vision of

VP-4 is to “Do right to fight, today and tomorrow.” To do that, the most experienced Sailors of this squadron must pass on the lessons they have learned to the next generation of warriors. On this day, the squadron also executed an important Pilot Training Flight to ensure that the long line of outstanding Skinny Dragon Aviators continues into the future.

Days like this are not unique to this squadron or this moment in history. Rather, they represent any given day in the long and venerable history of the mighty P-3C Orion and the entire Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Community.

Skinny Dragons… Breathe Fire.

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)

June 24, 2016

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PAGE 5

The artwork and photographs of five Sigonella youth and teens were selected as Regional Winners in their age group and art category. Winners pose for a photograph outside of the Marinai Youth Complex.

Pictured from left to right: Arianna (Michelle) Rodriguez, Leana Moreno, Allyse Laxton, Jaden Morales, and Jared Lopez.

Sigonella Youth Programs Boasts Five Regional Fine Arts/Digital Arts Winners!

BY Jennifer hodges Child and Youth Programs

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – This past February, Sigonella Child and Youth Programs participated in the Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) Fine Arts program.

Artwork and photography from youth and teens was prominently displayed and judged in the Midtown Atrium. As a result, local winners from each age group and category were selected and sent on to compete at the European Regional Fine Arts Exhib-

it, which was held at Aviano Air Force Base, Italy.

The artwork and photographs of five Sigonella youth and teens were selected as Regional Winners in their age group and art category. Leana Moreno (Watercolor, Ages 13-15), Jaden Morales (Collage, Ages 10-12), Michelle Rodriguez (Printmaking, Ages 13-15), Jared Lopez (Collage, Ages 16-18), and Allyse Laxton (Photography, Ages 10-12) were selected as Regional Fine Arts/Digital Arts winners and will move forward and compete at the BGCA National Fine Arts/ Digital Arts competition, which will be held at BGCA

Headquarters in Atlanta, Ga. Those youth and teens selected as National Fine Arts Winners for each age group and category will have their artwork professionally framed and displayed in the BGCA Headquarters gallery for one year. In addition, reproduced images of their artwork will be displayed throughout the year at various conferences, trainings, and events hosted by BGCA. On behalf of the Sigonella Child and Youth Programs, we want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to our Regional Winners and wish you the best of luck at the National competition!

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June 24, 2016

Virginia Raggi Becomes First Female Mayor of Rome Story by Al Jazeera/The Local

Virginia Raggi has been elected as Rome's first female mayor in a triumph for the populist Five Star Movement (M5S), representing a blow to Matteo Renzi, Italy's prime minister. Raggi swept into City Hall on Sunday with twothirds of the votes cast in a runoff contest with Roberto Giachetti of Renzi's centre-left Democratic Party (DP)."A new era is beginning with us," said Raggi after declaring victory.

"We'll work to bring back legality and transparency to the city's institutions."A lawyer and local councillor, Raggi has leapt from anonymity to become one of the best-known faces in Italian politics in the space of only a few months on the campaign trail.M5S has emerged as the main opposition to Renzi's coalition and success in Rome could provide a platform for a tilt at national power in general elections due in 2018.

More than nine million voters were eligible to take part in the second-round election in 126 communes, including Rome, Milan, Naples, Turin and Bologna.

The result is a blow for Renzi's bloc and makes her the rising star of the M5S, the anti-establishment party founded by comedian-turned politician Beppe Grillo.

Besides Rome, the PD also suffered a shock defeat in Turin losing to M5S, but held on to power in Italy's financial capital Milan. The coalition's defeat in Rome had been expected after widespread criticism of its management of the city over the past three years, with its mayor forced to resign in 2015 in a scandal over his expenses.

However, the loss in Turin, a centre-left stronghold, was a major shock. The incumbent, Piero Fassino, a veteran party heavyweight, was swept aside by Chiara Appendino, 31, who overturned an 11-point gap on him.

As a consolation for Renzi, the PD stayed in power in Milan, and in the northern city of Bologna, beating more traditional, centre-right candidates.

The prime minister took office in 2014 promising to revitalise Italy, but he has struggled to boost economic growth and create jobs after years of stagnation. He has also been hurt by repeated scandals in the banking sector.

Renzi has said he would not step down whatever the results on Sunday.

Instead, he has pinned his political future on an October referendum that, he says, will bring stability to Italy and end its tradition of revolving-door governments.

Prime Minister Matteo Renzi's party on Monday said the outcome of municipal elections was a "painful" blow after Italy's populist movement notched up spectacular gains. "It's definitely a defeat for us. Losing Rome and Turin is a blow, it's painful," Matteo Orfini, president of the Democratic Party (PD), said in an interview with La Stampa daily.

The city elections have been a closely-watched barometer of Italian politics.

Renzi's political strength has weakened in recent months.

Rome in particular is seen by some analysts as a springboard for general elections due in 2018.

Sunday's polls saw the populist Five Star Movement (M5S) sweep to power in the capital and in the northern industrial city of Turin.

Virginia Raggi, 37, was elected as Rome's first female mayor, trouncing the PD candidate, Roberto Giachetti, in a 67-to-33 percent share of the vote.

The anti-establishment M5S also claimed control of Turin, where another woman, Chiara Appendino, 31, took 54.56 percent, ousting the long-serving mayor, Piero Fassino, a PD heavyweight.

The PD had some satisfaction by winning in Milan, Italy's principal economic hub, against a centre-right opponent.

Orfini said the results from the various cities bore out M5S's tactics, of forging local alliances with rightwing or far-right candidates to gain the votes of their supporters for the second round of voting.

The PD's leadership is to meet on Friday to analyse the outcome of the elections, Orfini said.

"FOREST FIRES" continued on Page 15

Raggi, the newly-elected mayor of Rome has quickly become one of the best-known faces in Italian politics. [PHOTO BY EPA]

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June 24, 2016

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Navy Celebrates 2016 LGBT Pride Month From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy joins the nation in recognizing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride month during the month of June.

Established by Presidential Proclamation in 2000, LGBT Pride Month is held annually and recognizes the importance of diversity within our society as well as the many achievements of LGBT individuals. This year's theme is celebration, and calls Americans to eliminate prejudice and celebrate our diversity.

"Americans have always worked to fulfill that exceptional promise made at our founding," said Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus. "We have continually broken down artificial barriers to equal opportunity ... Our military forces have followed that same history and made themselves stronger and better and more effective because of it."

This June, the Navy recognizes LGBT service members and civilians for their dedicated service to our country.

"Diversity is a source of strength for the Navy, and is [a] key component to maintaining our highest state of readiness," said a Navy spokesperson.

"Diversity encompasses more than race and gender -- we seek to include diversity of thought, background, language, culture and skills as well. Our force comes from a diverse populous, and we are simply better at what we do when we are more diverse. We want individuals to serve who are right for the job regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, and creed. Our goal is to ensure that the mission is carried out by the best-qualified and the most capable service members."

For service members, repeal of Don't Ask, Don't

Sailors and Marines attend a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender pride month celebration on the mess decks of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex, part of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group and the embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (15th MEU), is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christopher A. Veloicaza/Released)

Tell in 2011 allowed gay, lesbian and bisexuals to serve openly in the United States Armed Forces.

Currently, the Department of Defense is reviewing its transgender policy for the armed forces.

For more information about LGBT Pride Month, visit: http://www.deomi.org/contribute/SpecialOb-

servance/Pride.cfm/.

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

For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/cnp/.

Three New NavyTraining Apps Now Available From Naval Service Training Command Public Affairs

GREAT LAKES, Ill. (NNS) -Three mobile apps designed for Navy basic military training became available for public download, June 16.

The three mobile training apps U.S. Military Rank & Reference, U.S. Navy Ratings & Reference, and Ships & Aircraft Training are part of the eSailor Initiative, and are presently being used by recruits on electronic tablets at Recruit Training Command (RTC), the Navy's only boot camp.

These training apps help today's recruits transform from civilian to Sailor. Available through the iTunes and Google Play stores, now fleet Sailors will be able to utilize these to continue their training throughout their career.

"This will provide an excellent opportunity for fleet Sailors to brush up on their Navy knowledge as well as for the public to learn about America's Navy," said Rear Adm. Stephen

C. Evans, commander, Naval Service Training Command (NSTC). "We are continuing to build on our mobile training technology and as we build more apps, they will continue to benefit present and future Sailors for years to come."

According to John Drake, director of NSTC's Strategy and Analysis (N5) directorate, the training apps will be beneficial to fleet Sailors looking to download and install apps on their personal devices.

"We thought the apps would be a big benefit to anyone wanting to know more about Navy ships and aircraft, military ranks and the 56 Navy ratings, or jobs," Drake said after seeing the success of mobile technology for new recruits.

Dave Driegert, the PMW 240 Mobility Team assistant program manager, believes these training apps will prove valuable to how Sailors learn the skills and knowledge required in their jobs.

"It's a great education tool and

ultimately in a medium that most young Sailors today would prefer to consume information in -- their phone or tablet," he said. "And the great thing about these apps is you don't need a Navy device to use them.

You can download to any iOS or Android device."

The apps are a bring your own device (BYOD) tool designed to work on personal devices outside of the NMCI domain. Users can download the apps from the iTunes or Google Play at no cost.

The U.S. Navy eSailor Team produced the apps through Booz Allen Hamilton, in partnership with the U.S. Navy Sea Warrior Program and Tracen Technologies Inc., a company that specializes in integrated mobile and web solutions, who provided logistics and app hosting support.

To find the free Navy apps, search "U.S. Military Rank & Reference" "U.S. Navy Ratings & Reference" and "Ships & Aircraft Training" in app stores or your web browser.

Seaman Recruit Donald Shrupp uses an electronic tablet during a study period in his barracks, USS Hopper, at Recruit Training Command (RTC). Part of the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy's eSailor initiative, Naval Service Training Command launched the second cycle of the pre-pilot with recruit Division 947. (U.S. Navy photo by Scott A. Thornbloom/Released)

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Berlin's Historical Landmarks Sure to Leave You Astonished

BY MC2 RAMON GO

For someone who did not invest too much time in learning history in school, such as myself, I was still able to grasp the historically significant events that occurred in Germany during WWII. I was able to see the historical landmark of the remains of the Berlin Wall, Charlie Checkpoint, the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag Building, and a more modern building, the television tower. From the tower, you're able to see the entire city as you walk around in a circular direction or if you are accompanied by a date, you can have dinner at the top. I was told that Berlin is the international city of Germany and if you are craving different cuisines, I am sure you will find your heart's desire.

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All Hands News Bulletin: Speed Limits on Base As a reminder school will be letting children out for summer break this week. Starting Friday 17 June the community will see a lot more children around during the day on Marinai and NAS 1. Speed limits for Marinai and NAS 1 are 20 km/12 mi. Please be attentive and prepared to stop at a moment's notice as children are unpredictable and could wander out into the street. The speed limit for NAS 2 is 30 km/18 mi. Speed limits are set for the safety of our community members, those caught breaking the speed limits can face administrative punishment.

NAS 1 Splashers Pool Scheduled to Re-Open 27 June UPDATE--The opening of Splashers Pool on NAS 1 has changed from the anticipated date of 16 June to Monday, 27 June, due to a change in the timeline of repairs. However, we will continue to operate the NAS II Flight Line Pool.

Starting Thursday, 16 June, NAS II will open during the week for

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recreation swim from 1200 - 1730. It will remain open for recreation swim until the Midtown Splashers Pool on NAS 1 resumes normal operations.

Because of the repair delay, all scheduled swim lessons will be set back 1 week. Please visit http://www.sigmwr.com/event.php?id=4551 for the updated Swim Lessons schedule.

Patrons who registered for the lessons will be notified via email or phone call to confirm their availability and refunds will be issued as requested. **Temporary NAS II Flight Line Pool Operating Hours (NOW - 26 June) Monday - Friday 0530 - 0800 Lap Swim 1100 - 1200 Lap Swim 1200 - 1730 Recreation Swim -- During Recreation Swim hours, 1 lane will remain available for lap swimming.

Saturday & Sunday 1100 – 1730 Recreation Swim For more details please call 624-0504 or email beth.sweely@eu.navy.mil.

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: June 13 - 20, 2016

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. - 1:30 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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Thanksgiving in June: Fostering Intercultural Relations

By ET1 Ryan Deckard

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – What started out as an off-roading competition turned into an American history lesson and taste of a traditional American Thanksgiving meal—complete with men dressed as Pilgrims and Native Americans.

On the weekend of June 3, off-roading clubs from across Sicily came together for a threeday event known as Sicily Fest. Located at Lago Pozzillo in Enna, off-roaders meet for competitions ranging from hand-winching a vehicle up a hill to preparing a themed meal. For a group of local Americans this was an experience unlike any other.

ET1 Ryan Deckard and MA1 Philip Wells enjoy off-roading their Jeeps through Sicilian terrain with Italian friends. As the first American members of Sportland 4x4, an off-roading club, they and their families were able to enjoy a once in a lifetime experience—camping, food, dancing, zip lining, and of course off-roading were the highlights of the weekend.

Sportland 4x4 wanted to incorporate the Sicilian and American relationship that has developed over the last two years. It was important to show the significance between the Sicilians and Americans despite being so different. That is when the idea of Thanksgiving came into play.

After a vote, Sportland agreed that Thanksgiving would be a great way to symbolize how Sicilians and Americans have embraced one another’s culture.

The culinary aspect of Sicily Fest involved the presentation of the theme and food, along with the overall taste. Sicilians and Americans worked together to create a beautiful table-setting, a

PowerPoint presentation, and an unforgettable meal. As stated by Fabrizio Rubino, member of Sportland and employee of Pizzarotti, “This is a wonderful way to come together and show our friendship that has turned into family through our passions and differences.”

While Wells competed in the off-road aspect of the competition, the Deckard family took to creating a memorable Thanksgiving meal. This wasn’t an easy task in an outdoor venue. Using infrared-cookers, two 15-pound turkeys were slow-cooked all day while other traditional foods such as homemade dressing, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes were prepared.

Days of preparation, hours of hard work, and an incredible amount of nerves made this an unforgettable event for everyone involved. It was just getting dark when the panel of seven judges arrived to Sportland’s booth. Both Sicilian and American children of Sportland 4x4 members acted as ushers, seating the judges. Behind the scenes, Americans and Sicilian families worked together to prepare plates for tasting. Sicilians Claudio Esposito, Vito Pollino, Pietro Sparacino, and American Ryan Deckard, dressed as Native Americans and Pilgrims for this event.

Once the judges, a few of whom had never eaten turkey, were finished with their portion of the meal and presentation, others were able to taste the Thanksgiving meal. It was so well received that the turkeys were cleaned to the bone!

In the end, Sportland placed 3rd in the culinary competition with a great lesson to be had— whether it’s 1621 or 2016, people from different cultures can come together to celebrate their differences while being thankful for the friendships that have become like family.

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GAMEZONE HERSHEY KISSES HUBBA BUBBA GUM JAW BREAKERS JUJUBES KIT KAT LEMON DROPS LICORICE PIPE LIFESAVERS LOLLIPOPS MILK DUDS MILKY WAY MOUNDS NECCO WAFERS OH HENRY

PEPPERMINT PATTY PEZ POP ROCKS PUMPKIN SEEDS RED HOTS SEN-SEN SLO-POKES SMARTIES SOUR BALLS SPEARMINT LEAVES SWEETARTS TOOTSIE ROLLS TWIX TWIZZLERS WAX LIPS

MEDIUM

ALMOND JOY BABY RUTH BAZOOKA GUM BOTTLECAPS BUBBLE YUM BUTTERFINGERS CANDY NECKLACE CHICLETS CHUCKLES CLARK BAR COFFEE CRISP CRACKER JACK DUBBLE BUBBLE GOOBERS GUMMI BEARS

EASY

Find and circle all of the Candy treats that are hidden in the grid.

The remaining letters spell a secret message.

DIFFICULT

Candy

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Water Quality Reports for 2015 Now Available The annual water quality reports, also known as the Consumer Confidence Reports, for the 2015 calendar year are now available on the Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella CNIC webpage, located here: http://cnic. navy.mil/regions/cnreurafswa/installations/nas_sigonella/om/environmental_support.html.

NAS Sigonella is proud to support the Navy’s commitment to provide high quality and reliable drinking water to our service members and their families. These annual reports include general and mandatory information to educate everyone about our water sources, treatment processes, standard requirements, and other details to assure you that our water is fit for

human consumption. A separate report is available for each water system: NAS I, NAS II, Marinai, and Niscemi.

The reports are available in both English and Italian at the link above.

The Consumer Confidence Reports will not be mailed to customers.

For more information or if you would like a copy, please contact the NAS Sigonella Drinking Water Program Manager, Rachel Methvin, at 095-867220 or by E-mail at rachel.methvin@ eu.navy.mil.

Per la versione italiana di questo annuncio si prega di consultare il seguente link: http://cnic.navy.mil/ regions/cnreurafswa/installations/ nas_sigonella/om/environmental_ support.html

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"FOREST FIRES" continued from Page 6

Mafia 'Attaching Flaming Rags to Cats' to Start Forest Fires Story by The Independent

'Not possible for the whole of Sicily to go up in flames at the same time by chance', authorities say Cats in Sicily could have had petrol-soaked rags attached to them by people linked to the Mafia before being set alight and released into forests to start huge fires, according to the island’s national park officials.

Dozens of forest fires which broke out within hours of each other in Sicily <http://www.independent.co.uk/topic/Sicily> on Thursday are believed to have been begun by mobsters or their collaborators.

Firefighters had to tackle at least 30 blazes in national parks and woodland.

Schools and homes have been evacuated and water and power supplies cut.

Several children have been treated for smoke inhalation.

The fires all broke out at around the same time on Thursday, which has led the island's national park officials to suggest a co-ordinated plan was behind the blazes.

The effects have been exacerbated by temperatures of up to 40C while the ‘sirocco’, a strong wind which comes from Africa and affects parts of Europe in the summer, has fanned the flames.

Sicilian authorities have pointed the blame at various groups they say have motives for starting the fires, including the mafia, property developers and disgruntled former forest rangers.

“We don’t yet have the proof but we suspect that there are criminal interests behind these fires,” said Rosario Crocetta, the governor of Sicily. “It horrifies me that criminals in Sicily would set fire to national parks and centuries-old woodland, but there are speculative interests behind the fires.”

The mafia recently attempted to assassinate the director of the island’s Nebrodi national park, Giuseppe Antoci, following his efforts to crackdown on the organised criminals making millions of euros through defrauding EU funds set aside for farmers in the park.

Meanwhile, much of the land affected is in areas targeted by developers looking to build homes and holiday villas. Mr Antoci believes the fires were started deliberately. He said: “It is not possible that the whole of Sicily can go up in flames at the same time simply by chance.

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“One of the mob’s arson techniques is to tie a petrol-soaked rag to the tail of a cat and set fire to it,” he added.

According to the Telegraph, there is speculation on the island that forest rangers fired after their links to the mafia were discovered could be responsible.

EU Tells Italy to Stop Bleaching its Seafood Story by The LocaL

The Italian government has been told to stop letting fish vendors dupe customers by bleaching seafood in a mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide (H202).

The Italian Health Ministry has long approved the use of the chemical “to wash frozen and fresh mollusks and cephalopods,” meaning squid and certain shellfish are routinely rinsed in hydrogen peroxide solution, La Stampa <http:// www.lastampa.it/2016/06/15/esteri/bruxelles-avverte-roma-vietato-sbiancarei-calamari-con-lacqua-ossigenata-eYHagX33Tgj4QZ17UO9b1J/pagina.html> reported.

Although hydrogen peroxide solutions are perfectly safe for human consumption, the chemical acts as a bleaching agent which makes certain fish seem whiter and more attractive to the customer.

The EU has told Italy to end the bleaching, which is in flagrant violation of EU law.

“Hydrogen peroxide is not a substance which the EU authorizes for use with certain foodstuffs,” read a note sent to the Italian Health Ministry.

“We therefore ask Italy to provide producers with clear information about which solutions can and can't be used to wash seafood.”

For the EU, the ban on hydrogen peroxide is to prevent producers from exploiting its bleaching action to make older seafood seem much fresher than it is - a trick it is almost impossible for consumers to detect.

The ban on the use of peroxide aims at combating the growing phenomenon of seafood fraud, which sees consumers duped into paying over the odds for falsely labelled fish.

A recent survey by international ocean advocacy group, Oceana, revealed that one in three fish <http://it.euronews.com/2015/11/03/frodi-nei-ristorantidi-pesce-di-bruxelles-un-piatto-su-tre-e-diverso-da-quello/> dishes sold in the restaurants of the Belgian capital Brussels, which hosts the European Commision, were fraudulently labelled on the menu.

"We need to make sure these rules are implemented in Italy and across all EUmember states to stop H202 from reaching our fridges," Renata Briano, an MEP from Italy's Democratic Party, told the paper.

Italy Hikes Up Fines For 'Deceptive' Olive Oil Labels Story by The Local

In the latest move to protect one of its most famous exports, Italy has increased fines for misleading packaging on olive oil to up to €18,000.

Sanctions for manufacturers who flout the country's strict olive oil packaging rules have been significantly increased in a new government decree.

The move aims to protect the quality and status of Made in Italy oils, as well as protecting consumers' rights.

One of the most significant changes is a sixfold increase in the fine for 'country sounding' - reference to a geographical location which is not the actual origin of the oil.

Manufacturers falling foul of this rule could be fined €18,000, up from €2,000 - and the fine applies even if the label correctly states the origin.

So for example, packaging featuring the Italian flag prominently could be seen as misleading if the oil is not from Italy, even if the label states the correct origin. Incorrect or missing information regarding the category of olive used could see manufacturers hit with fines of up to €15,000, compared to €2,500 previously.

But it's not just deceptive labelling that could get manufacturers in hot water; packaging which does not conform to the rules, for example the wrong kind of bottle-tops, could land oil makers fines of €4,800 rather than the current maximum of €150.

The decree was published in the Gazzetta Ufficiale <http:// www.gazzettaufficiale.it/eli/id/2016/06/16/16G00117/sg> - the Italian government's official journal of record - and will come into force from July 1st 2016. Italy takes its olive oil seriously and has been battling against counterfeit oils for years.

Seven major Italian olive oil producers were investigated in 2015 after allegations they failed to abide by the rules on how olive oil should be produced and labelled.

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