World Water Day: You can make a difference
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Base 2 Base:
DLA:
Running of the Leprechauns
Free course offering
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March 24, 2017
Vol. 34 No. 11
Are You Faster Than a Leprechaun? By nicole Ybarra NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – This past weekend under cloudless skies, NAS Sigonella hosted the “Running of the Leprechauns” Base 2 Base 7.6 Mile and Half Marathon, organized by MWR Fitness and facilitated by staff members and volunteers. The Base 2 Base run is the ninth and final run of the Sigonella Run Series, and attracted over 300 participants, 50 more than the previous year’s race. The run began in front of the Flight Line Fitness Center on NAS 2 and finished in Midtown on NAS 1. Spectators lined the course to offer encouragement to participants who were also cheered on by enthusiastic volunteers decked out in festive St. Patrick’s Day accoutrements—there were several leprechaun sightings as well! At the finish line, participants enjoyed live music from a local DJ, hamburgers and hot dogs, green beer, and a gelato truck. While the community awaited the 1 p.m. awards ceremony they were treated to face painting, games, bouncy houses, entertainment and food vendors. NASSIG Security and local law enforcement worked together to ensure the safety of everyone involved. MWR also received invaluable volunteer support from several Sigonella organizations. Many more volunteers came out on their own or in command delegations to make the “Running of the Leprechauns” Base 2 Base event a success. "This year's event was truly a collaborative effort which could not have been accomplished without the numerous volunteers, NAS Sigonella Security and local law enforcement. It's great to see the community come out to challenge themselves as well as enjoy some well-deserved entertainment after the race," said MWR Marketing Director Vanessa Ogletree. At this year’s event, all finishers received a finisher’s medal and runners who placed first, second, or third in their age groups were awarded lava stone medals. Free-standing lava stone plaques were awarded to the first place overall male and female finishers. The first place winner in the 7.6 mile race, men's division was Michele Larnica and Sarah Grigsby for the women's division. For the half marathon event, Jacob Keena won the men's division and Christine Logigian won the women's. Final results can be found on the Sigonella MWR Facebook page.
The Base 2 Base run is the ninth and final run of the Sigonella Run Series, and attracted over 300 participants, 50 more than the previous year’s race. The run began in front of the Flight Line Fitness Center on NAS 2 and finished in Midtown on NAS 1. At this year’s event, all finishers received a finisher’s medal and runners who placed first, second, or third in their age groups were awarded lava stone medals. Free-standing lava stone plaques were awarded to the first place overall male and female finishers. (Photo courtesy of MWR)
Active Duty Fund Drive Event Schedule for March 24 - 31 All Week Raffle at the Commissary, 7Day, & Galley Mon-Wed 1100-1300 All Month Flock a Yard with Flamingos in Marinai or NAS 1 Friday, MARCH 24 AFN Block Party NAS 1 at AFN 1200-1700 Saturday, MARCH 25 Car Wash NAS 1 parking lot near main gate 0900-1300 Commissary Bagging 1100-1600
Tuesday, MARCH 28 Final Base Pie in the Face Nominations at Commissary, 7Day, Galley raffle booths Lunch Sale AIMD/VP-45 Parking lot 1100-1300 Wednesday, MARCH 29 Base Pie in the Face NAS 2 Pavilion 1100-1300 Thursday, MARCH 30 BINGO Food Sale NAS 1 Connections 1800
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March 24, 2017
Direct Line
FFSC Director, Regina Fivella Saluti Sigonella, Piacere! It is an honor and privilege to serve you as the Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) Director. My husband, David, and I arrived here about a month ago with our Miniature Pinscher, Gidget, from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. We loved serving the Region Hawaii community, but couldn’t pass up the chance to be a part of the EURAFSWA team and contribute to Sigonella’s amazing list of accomplishments. This is our second overseas tour as a family unit, having the privilege to support the Misawa, Japan community from 2008-2011. We are excited to be here and appreciate the warm welcome we’ve received from everyone. Growing up in the military community as an “Air Force Brat” as some may say, I’ve had my share of challenges faced by most children with one or two military parents and have had my share of amazing opportunities as well. I’ve faced being the new kid in school, making new friends, saying goodbye to them, and doing it all over again. I’ve had the opportunity to live in another country, worked for a federal agency as a summer hire since I was 13, and met a lot of remarkable people. When it was time for my dad to transition out of the military, it was definitely one of our biggest challenges. My dad retired the same year I graduated, and the same year my brother was born. He worked in weapons for most of his military career and had no college education upon retirement. Needless to say, we were all a bit unprepared for the
transition ahead and were fortunate enough to have family take us in until we got back on our feet. We eventually overcame these challenges, but it would have been a lot easier had there been the programs we have now at the Fleet and Family Support Center. Our mission at FFSC is to promote selfreliance and resiliency to strengthen the military and its family members, support mission readiness, assist commanders in planning for and responding to fleet and family readiness needs, and facilitate building a strong community network of services through education and training, counseling and advocacy, community outreach and partnerships. We support readiness through a full array of programs and resources which help Navy families to be resilient, well-informed and adaptable to the Navy environment. We are organized into three functional areas to include Career Support and Retention, Crisis Response and Counseling, and Deployment and Readiness Support. Whether you are looking for tips on how to write a resume, preparing for your upcoming PCS, seeking a financial counselor to assist in creating a budget, require support from the SARC or a Clinical Counselor, or preparing to transition out of the military, we are your resource for all of this and many more. Come stop by and visit us on the first floor
of building 319. I have an incredible group of professionals who are ready and willing to support. I look forward to living and working alongside you, Sigonella. A presto! (See you soon).
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 community is strongly encouraged to leave contact information when submitting comments. This ensures that a response will come directly to you. The Signature and NASSIG Facebook Page typically publish comments and responses for the benefit of the Sigonella community. Comments/suggestions are useful when objective, constructive, and specific. ICE/CO Suggestion Box is NOT a forum for mean-spirited attacks. Anonymous comments will be published only if they benefit the greater community at large. * If you submit a "BZ" about a specific person or department, PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR NAME in order to ensure comment authenticity and therefore publicly 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 “BZ for NEX Flower Shop”:
I've been on the hunt for an Aloe Vera plant and stopped by the NEX Flower Shop not really expecting to be successful. I was welcomed by Salvo who was very funny, friendly and helpful at the same time. To my surprise, he told me that there will be one Aloe Vera plant arriving next week. I am actually going to come back and buy some flowers next time or more plants maybe since going there the first time has been great.
Response:
Thank you for sharing your positive experience at the NEX Flower Shop. I have passed your gratitude – as well as mine – along to Salvo for his dedication to providing outstanding customer service.
Comment regarding “BZ for N6”:
Communications is a field that is not usually appreciated when everything is working. It is always when they are not working, when you hear about them. I submitted a simple request to have some distribution groups updated for our
office e-mail. Despite hearing from an outside party that there would be issues, I received an e-mail from the N6 Director stating my request was completed. The turnaround time was impressive. I like the saying: "There is no task too simple for my staff to complicate." Thank you for accomplishing the opposite, and in fact, un-complicating my request.
Response:
Thank you for taking the time to acknowledge the great work of our N6 department. I never tire of hearing about the “CO’s customer service” received by our community and will ensure that your appreciation is conveyed to N6.
Comment regarding “Security Vehicles”:
How is it permissible for Security or any other department to use a government vehicle to drive to the food court or any other establishment to pick up food or run personal errands? I think personnel need a refresher on
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"ICE" continued from Page 2 the meaning of “official use” as it is a regular observation on both bases.
Response:
First, I would like to thank you for contacting us with your concern about the use of Government Owned Vehicles (GOV) for our Naval Security Force (NSF). Our NSF members are authorized to make expedient stops for the purpose of subsisting. The reference is OPNAV 5530.14E, 0901 EMERGENCY VEHICLE USE, "b. ISOs shall establish, in writing, those areas where on duty NSF may make an expedient stop for the purpose of subsisting." This requirement is fulfilled by our Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) signed by the Commanding Officer of U.S. Naval Air Station Sigonella. NASSIG Security Detachment SOP0603states: In accordance with OPNAV 5530.14E, NSF driving a motor vehicle are authorized expedient stops for the purpose of subsisting, on all installation establishments. These locations include, but are not limited to all Navy Exchange and MWR food vending locations, Commissary, Galley and any on-base funded event where food is sold. If you have any additional questions/concerns regarding this issue, please contact the Assistant Security Officer, ENS Kentzell at 624-2491 / MACS Laines at 624-7142. For emergencies, please call the Emergency Dispatch Center at 095-86-1911.
Comment regarding “MVRO Questioning Document Authenticity”:
My comment is in regards to the MVRO director. I was
told to bring a particular document to the MVRO by the director so my gas coupons could be unblocked. When my wife brought the document to the MVRO office, the director told her the document looked falsified. I was outraged by this comment. I followed up with a phone call during which the director denied that he stated this to my wife. I suggested that if there were questions regarding the validity of the document that he should contact the issuing office, but he refused. He demonstrated a total lack of understanding and was very aggressive on the phone to me and extremely rude and unprofessional as well. I told him this was unacceptable and I will take it to the next level, and he said I run this office. I did take it to the head of security, and the issue was resolved. The Security OIC was very apologetic and very professional and said he will speak to the director regarding my concerns.
Response:
Thank you for your comment and concern. MVRO is a customer service-driven office and Security takes pride in providing the best possible service we can provide. After looking into this matter further and contacting the issuing office for the documents you provided, we learned that this was the first time the issuing office provided this document as proof for the courses completed. Better communication between both offices will ensure the best possible service to the community going forward. I agree that professionalism is a must in a customer service office. We will conduct training with our entire department to reemphasize the importance of professionalism and customer service. If you have any further MVRO-related questions or concerns, please contact my Security Officer LCDR Chuck Cranston at 624-6392 or Charles.cranston@eu.navy.mil.
Name: Religious Program Specialist 2nd Class Ashley Ferguson Dept: Religious Ministries Hometown: Rochester, New York Chapels on military installations do a lot for service members by offering safe places for prayer, classes like Alcoholics Anonymous and retreats for families or couples looking to strengthen their relationship. While Chaplains offer an immeasurable amount of support through the chapel, they couldn’t do it all without the help of Sailors like Religious Program Specialist (RP) 2nd Class Ashley Ferguson. “Being an RP is being behind the scenes,” said Ferguson. “It’s not really about being involved with prayer or the bible and that’s what a lot of people get wrong about RP’s. We provide the platform for the chaplains to be able to preach. Everyone sees us setting up for service but there’s a lot more behind the scenes than that.” While helping set up for service is a small part of what an RP does, the rest of the job includes managing the calendar, keeping everything fully stocked, ensuring food and flowers are available after Sunday services, and managing the donations given at each service. “Some of the donations we gave to the Navy-Marine Crops Relief Society were used to help when there was an earthquake in mainland Italy,” said Ferguson. “The offerings go to help donations and things inside the church, and I help ensure
it reaches where it needs to go.” On top of helping with services and donations, Ferguson manages the chapel’s calendar, makes sure the right people have keys and access to the building, and is in charge of the mandatory training her and her fellow RP’s require. When she’s not at work, Ferguson sometimes volunteers with the Second Class Association, but recently focuses on staying home and spending time with her 14-year-old son. “I have a 14-year-old that takes up a lot of my free time, so I like to hang out with
him,” said Ferguson. “We’re out there playing catch so I’m planning on getting out there and helping with the high school baseball team.” Ferguson grew up in a military household and says she’s had her fill of travel, something her and her son agree on. Instead of traveling on her free time, she likes to stay local and to go to the beach. “I’m happy I came here to Sigonella and to a chapel,” said Ferguson. “My favorite part about being here is meeting all these cool people. I get to meet some nice people who sometimes become lifelong friends.”
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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 Christopher Gordon Christopher.Gordon@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 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 handdelivered 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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WORLD WATER DAY: You Can Make a Difference
By Antonino Piluso, NAS Sigonella Energy Manager
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – International World Water Day is held annually March 22 as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. This year the theme is wastewater. An international day to celebrate freshwater was recommended at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). The United Nations General Assembly responded by designating March 22, 1993 as the first World Water Day. Beyond regulations and laws, the conservation of water is imperative to the future economic, social, and physical health of our world. Water is used in every facet of life, from agriculture and industry to residential and recreational. Besides the benefit of securing the world's water supply for the future, other important benefits can be derived from water conservation. Proper water management can lead to substantial financial savings. Remember, when water is conserved, energy savings are often observed due to lessened energy demands for treating, heating, cooling, and transporting the water. Pollution prevention benefits are realized in two ways: reduced energy means reduced air pollution, and less water treatment means less chemical usage.
This is a good opportunity and an excellent time to reflect on the numerous benefits of water conservation, and how particularly important it is for Sigonella. Each year during the months of June through September our water resources are stretched to our maximum capability. Sigonella gets water from five wells that are operated by the Utility and Energy Management Branch of the Public Works Department. Each one of our wells draws water from a common aquifer utilized by local farmers for their summer irrigation needs. During the peak summer season, the water levels in the aquifers drop which reduces well production. Each summer we reach maximum water production and on occasions the base is at risk to impose water restrictions. In the next few months, the Installation is expecting to award a big project to reduce the potable water usage for irrigation in Sigonella but we still need everybody’s help to achieve our water conservation goal. In order to help Public Works Department to reduce water usage, please report any leaky faucets immediately (call 624-6013). For further information, don’t hesitate to contact the Installation Energy Manager Antonio Piluso (Antonino.piluso. it@eu.navy.mil) or the Regional Energy Manager Dan Lougen (Daniel.Lougen@ eu.navy.mil) or go to visit http://www.unwater.org/home/en/ and http://www.fao. org/home/en/
March 24, 2017
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Birth Rate at All Time Low: There are 86,000 Less Italians Story by La Stampa
On Jan. 1, 2017, the Italian population was 60,579,000 – almost 90,000 less units compared to 2016. While in 2016, + 12.5% fled the country compared to 2015. Italians are having fewer and fewer babies. In 2016, births reached an all-time low while the population aged with almost a quarter of the population over 65-years-old. In 2016, 474,000 births were registered – that is about 12,000 fewer than in the previous year (-2.4%). The decline involves the entire national territory, with the exception of the Province of Bolzano, which reported a 3.2% increase. The average number of children per woman fell for the sixth consecutive year and settled at 1.34. Compared to 2015, Istat reported, fertility rates have decreased in all age groups of mothers under 30 while they increased among women over 30. The most evident reduction is seen in the age group 25-29 years (-6 per thousand), the most significant increase is, however, in the class 35-39 (+2 per thousand). Overall, compared with an average age at birth of 31.7 years, the total fertility rate of 32-year-old women is now close to reaching that of women up to 31 years of age (0.67 children compared to 0.68 in 2016). The decline in births, coupled with an increase in life expectancy and immigration have led to an increase in the average age of the Italian population. As of Jan. 1, 2017, residents are on average 44.9 years old, two-tenths more than in 2016 (i.e. about two and a half months), and exactly two years older than in 2007. Individuals aged 65 and over exceed 13.5 million and represent 22.3% of the total population (in 2007 they were 11.7 million, equal to 20.1%). In the population pyramid, the lowest values were recorded in the 0-4 year class. To detect a birth `cohort’ with less numbers than that of 2016 one must go back to the generation born in 1936, who are octogenarians today. The highest and lowest values of age groups in the 2007 pyramid are still visible in that of 2017 with a 10-year slip up. In 2007 the top 15 birth `cohorts’ of numerical strength were the ones survived among those born between 1961 and 1975. Ten years later those same `cohorts’, who in the meantime passed from an age of 31-45 years to 41-55, are still the most consistent. “If these` cohorts’ now oversee the population in late but active age – Istat reports - in the near future they are progressively destined to become part of the older population.” As of Jan. 1, 2017, the resident population in Italy showed a slight decrease amounting to 60,579,000, i.e. 86,000 units less than 2015 (-1.4 per thousand). The natural increase (births-deaths) is at a loss of 134,000 units, while the migratory one is positive with 135,000 units.
Mafia godfathers can't be church godfathers, bishop rules Story by The Local A bishop in Sicily has banned known mafia criminals from acting as godfathers at baptisms in churches in his diocese. Michele Pennisi, bishop of Monreale, near Palermo, said last Friday he had issued a decree to that effect in a bid to challenge any notion that the bosses of organized crime have a paternalistic side to them. "The mafia has always taken the term 'Godfather' from the Church to give its bosses an air of religious respectability, whereas in fact the two worlds are completely incompatible," the bishop told AFP. Pennisi's diocese includes Corleone, a vendetta-haunted village inland from Palermo which was the birthplace of Don Corleone, the fictional Godfather in Mario Puzo's novel and Francis Coppola's films. In February, the bishop made headlines by criticizing a priest who had allowed the son of one of Sicily's most notorious mobsters, Toto Riina, to act as godfather at a baptism. That episode led to this week's decree, which he admitted would be tricky to enforce given the culture of 'omerta' the law of silence - that has hampered Italy's efforts to bring organized crime under control. "If someone has not been convicted we cannot judge
"MAFIA" continued on Page 14
LINGUAGLOSSA, Italy (March 14, 2017) A group of Sigonella SPMAGTF LCE female Marines and Linguaglossa students paint a bench of the local public gardens red to raise awareness of domestic abuse and domestic violence against women. The color red symbolizes the blood shed by victims of domestic violence. The COMREL volunteer event, which took place a few days after International Women’s Day (March 8), also featured a park cleanup that was conducted jointly by students and Marines. Similar initiatives were held throughout Italy as part of the national campaign called “panchine rosse” or red benches that was launched in November 2016 to increase public awareness of domestic violence and homicide of women killed by their husbands or male partners. (Photo and caption by NASSIG PAO COMREL Specialist Alberto Lunetta)
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Starstruck: BHR Conducts Celestial Navigation Training during Course Absence USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) Public Affairs
EAST CHINA SEA (NNS) -- Celestial navigation (CELNAV), one of the earliest forms of sea-based positioning, relies on taking angles between the horizon and a reliable celestial body like the sun, moon, or certain planets and stars. From their inception in 1798, Navy navigators and quartermasters were taught and used CELNAV until the course was completely removed from the Navy's course curriculum in 2006; however, amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard's (LHD 6) navigation department has kept the teachings alive through on-the-job training. CELNAV was officially reinstated into the Navy's navigation training in 2015. The Navy removed CELNAV inspection requirements for ships and eliminated CELNAV from questions on the quartermaster rating exams in the mid1990s, said Master Chief Quartermaster James Fox, from Moyock, North Carolina, navigation department's leading chief petty officer. "The return of CELNAV has been a long time coming," said Fox. "Our GPSs are extremely reliable, but we need to be prepared for any contingency. Imagine if our GPS was denied or spoofed; celestial navigation is a skill which could save our ship in that type of scenario."
Similarly, Ensign Kendrick AllenNelson, from Jacksonville, Florida, navigation department's divisional officer, said CELNAV is the "basis of navigation," which he is glad to see return to the Navy's classrooms. "It's good that the Navy is bringing back celestial navigation," said AllenNelson. "If our systems were to malfunction, it enables us to continue our mission. The only thing our Sailors need to do is pull out a chart and they will be able to keep us going." Fox has served in the Navy for more than 25 years, and is the only quartermaster aboard Bonhomme Richard to have learned CELNAV in a standard classroom setting. "I joined the Navy back in 1990," said Fox. "Upon graduating 'A' school in 1991, I was sent to my first ship. Back in those days we used primitive GPS to navigate the sea. The equipment we had gave us our location every 8-10 hours. Between those gaps of connectivity, we used celestial navigation and dead reckoning to estimate our position until we got the next update. Modern GPS updates [the ship's] bearing every millisecond, so we know where we are at any given time. These advancements in technology are the reason celestial navigation was ultimately removed from the curriculum." The U.S. Naval Academy's graduating class of 2017 will be the first group of
Sailors to graduate with a basic knowledge of CELNAV since its removal 11 years ago. "I'm a tad bit jealous," chuckled Allen-Nelson, as he described his thought about the 2017 graduating class. "I would have loved to learn celestial navigation. I'm excited for them; they will be well trained and will be able to keep the fleet
going in a positive direction." Although CELNAV was not taught to Bonhomme Richard's quartermasters in a conventional classroom environment, Fox explained he has passed his knowledge down the ranks through formal instruction as well as hands-on training, "because it is an extra tool in their tool bag to keep the ship combat ready."
EAST CHINA SEA (March 17, 2017) Quartermaster Seaman Daija Stella Anderson, from Houston, determines the global position of amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) using a sextant, an instrument which measures the angle between the horizon and celestial bodies. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Jesse Marquez Magallanes/Released)
Carl Vinson Strike Group Arrives in the Republic of Korea commanding officer of Carl Vinson. "The Sailors will have opportunities to go on tours, try the local food and gain an appreciation for the Republic of Korea's rich culture." BUSAN, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- Aircraft carU.S. Navy aircraft carrier strike groups patrolled the rier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), embarked Carrier Air Indo-Asia-Pacific regularly and routinely for more than Wing (CVW) 2 and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile 70 years and continue to do so. Carl Vinson deployed to destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) arrived in Buthe region and operated in the South China Sea during 16 san, Republic of Korea (ROK) for a scheduled port visit, separate deployments over its 35 year history. March 15. CSG-1 departed San Diego for a regularly scheduled The Carl Vinson Strike Group completed two weeks of deployment to the western Pacific, Jan. 5. Carl Vinson, routine operations in the South China Sea and will conCVW 2 and embarked Destroyer Squadron (CDS) 1 detinue on their regularly scheduled Western ployed with Ticonderoga-class guided-missile Pacific deployment after departing Busan. cruiser Lake Champlain and Arleigh BurkeAssets from the USS Carl Vinson Carrier class guided-missile destroyers USS Michael Strike Group and other United States forces Murphy (DDG 112) and Wayne E. Meyer. will conduct bi-lateral exercises with forces CSG-1 deployed with approximately from the ROK Navy in the waters around the 7,500 Sailors and will focus on maritime seKorean peninsula during the annual Foal Eacurity operations and theater security coopgle exercise. eration efforts. The strike group assets will "The training opportunities we have in conduct bilateral exercises in the Indo-Asiathis region are world-class and allow us to Pacific region to include anti-submarine warbuild upon our strong alliance with the Refare, maneuvering drills, gunnery exercises, public of Korea," said Rear Adm. James Kilby, and visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) commander, Carrier Strike Group 1. "For subject matter expert exchanges. more than 60 years, the United States and While deployed, CSG-1 will remain unRepublic of Korea have operated side-by-side der U.S. 3rd Fleet command and control, as partners and I couldn't be more excited to including beyond the international dateline further this relationship." SOUTH CHINA SEA (March 6, 2017) The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson which previously divided operational areas The U.S. Navy routinely works with ROK (CVN 70) transits the South China Sea. The ship and its carrier strike group are of responsibility for 3rd and 7th Fleets. Third forces to maintain interoperability and pres- on a western Pacific deployment as part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet-led initiative to Fleet operating forward offers additional opence in the area. Exercises are conducted extend the command and control functions of U.S. 3rd Fleet. (U.S. Navy photo tions to the Pacific Fleet commander by levthroughout the year including subject matter by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Devin M. Monroe/Released) eraging the capabilities of 3rd and 7th Fleets.
By Mc2 Zackary Alan Landers
expert exchanges, anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare drills, communication drills, air defense exercises, counter-mine planning and distinguished visitor embarkations. While in Busan, Team Vinson Sailors will have the opportunity to participate in multiple community relations events at local schools, tour local historic and cultural sites and sample local cuisine. "For many Sailors, myself included, this is the first time visiting the Republic of Korea and we are looking forward to all the ROK has to offer," said Capt. Douglas Verissimo,
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BASE 2 BASE
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NAS SIGONELLA COMMUNITY PAGE VEHICLE SAFETY TIPS
All Hands News Bulletin:
YOUTH BASEBALL COACHES NEEDED
Command, Department or Organization: Criminal Investigation Division (CID) Point of Contact Name: Inv. Christopher Knight Point of Contact Phone Number: +39-366-638-7196 Point of Contact Email Address: Christopher.knight@eu.navy.mil Additional Information: NASSIG CRIME PREVENTION NOTE: Since 04 January 2017 there have been 17 reported vehicles that have been broken into with the biggest amount being in Motta S. Anastasia/Belpasso area. If you are a victim, report the break in to Security. You will also be asked to file a denuncia with the local Carabinieri station so that the matter can be investigated further. All residents are being asked to write down the serial numbers of your gas coupons, which is a large majority of what is being stolen. When the gas coupons are used at a gas station, they may be able to be tracked to what gas station they are being used at and from there Carabinieri can obtain surveillance footage from the gas station.
Sigonella Religious Ministries Department Worship Services
Command, Department or Organization: MWR Date of Event: 17 APR 2017 Location of Event: Marinai and NAS 1 Point of Contact Name: Eric Barge Point of Contact Phone Number: 624-1750 Point of Contact Email Address: eric.barge@eu.navy.mil Additional Information: MWR Youth Sports is looking for energetic, dedicated, and knowledgeable volunteers to coach youth baseball teams during the upcoming season. The season will run from 17 April to 3 June 2017. Practices will take place either on NAS 1 or in Marinai twice per week in the evening with games taking place on Saturday mornings. If you or someone you know is interested in coaching or want more info, please contact Eric Barge. Background checks are required and will be conducted before the season on all potential coaches.
Weekly Traffic Report: March 13 - 20, 2017
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 Fridays Daily Mass: . . . . . . . . 1130-1230 First Friday Mass and Holy Hour: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1700-1830
Saturdays First Saturday Rosary and Mass: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1100-1200 Sundays Catholic Mass: . . . . 0900-1000 Catholic Religious Education (DoDDS): . . . . . . . . . 1045-1200 Protestant Service: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1100-1200 Latter-Day Saints Service: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1330-1600
NAS 2
Wednesdays Knights of Columbus (1st Wednesdays): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1700-1800 Protestant Women of the Chapel (PWOC): . 1800-2100 Thursdays AA Meeting: . . . . . . 1800-1900 Sundays Protestant Service and Fellowship: . . . 1800-2000
Ristorante Bella Etna
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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American, Italian Female Service Members Honored during Women’s History Month by mcc jessica vargas NAS Sigonella Public affairs
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – Female service members from NAS Sigonella joined Italian service members to be honored by local communities during three separate joint panels in celebration of Women’s History Month. The events were organized to honor the achievements and contributions of women in the military. They also provided an opportunity for female service members from both nations to share their personal experiences of serving in the military. These events allow people to learn about the differences between the U.S. and Italian militaries. NAS Sigonella was represented by three branches: the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Marine Corps. The Sigonella women were excited to participate and present a diversity of services at the event. The idea to organize a Women’s Day event first came about in 2000 when women were allowed, for the first time, to join the Italian military. Prior to this the Armed Services were the only remaining public sector in Italy that precluded women. Once the law was passed to allow women to serve, local Sicilian chapters of international organizations supporting the advancement of women across all disciplines reached out to NAS Sigonella to organize joint panels featuring the newly recruited Italian service women and their American counterparts. “The first women’s panel was so successful that ever since it has become an annual event, just like other recurring COMRELs such as
the base chapel choir performances during the Christmas season and the WWII memorial events in July,” said Dr. Alberto Lunetta, NAS Sigonella Community Relations Director. The Italian service members were represented by a range of communities, from the Carabenieri to the Guardia di Finanza. For them the experience of being female and serving in uniform has a bit more significance within the Italian culture which has traditionally been male oriented (patriarchal). “We felt honored to be side by side among the Italian women in uniform,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant Meghan Donahue. “The overall experience at all three events was a phenomenal experience among two different cultures. I feel the utmost respect for the women I was able to sit next to at each panel. I believe both U.S. and Italian service women share the same struggles when it comes to schedules, motherhood, and multitasking among the many tasks.” This year’s Department of Defense theme for Women’s History Month, Honoring Trailblazing Women, highlights women who have successfully broken down barriers and changed the role of women in not only the military but the government sector. “I think it is important for us to participate in these events because Italian service women have only been able to serve in the armed forces for a relatively short period of time,” said Lt. Andriana Genualdi, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs Officer. “The United States has a long history of women serving that we can draw from and share our experience with others.”
U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant Meghan Donahue speaks during a U.S. and Italian women's joint panel held at the auditorium of the Hospitality Management High School Istituto Professionale Alberghiero in celebration of Women's History Month. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communications Specialist Jessica Vargas/Released)
March 24, 2017
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March 24, 2017
GAMEZONE St. Patrick's Day
MARCH MISSIONARY MUSIC PARADE PATRON SAINT POTATOES SEVENTEENTH SHAMROCK SNAKES SODA BREAD TRADITION YEARLY
MEDIUM
EVENTS FEAST DAY FESTIVAL GREEN GUINNESS HERITAGE HISTORY HOLIDAY HOLY DAY IRELAND IRISH LEPRECHAUN LIMERICK
EASY
BEER BELFAST BISHOP CABBAGE CELEBRATION CELTIC CROSS CHRISTIAN CLOVER CORK CORNED BEEF DANCING DUBLIN
DIFFICULT
Find and circle all of the words that are hidden in the grid. The remaining 34 letters spell a secret message.
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"MAFIA" cont'd from Pg. 6 people on rumors without proof," he said, stressing that his decree did not close the door to mafia figures seeking to repent. "If one of them admits to having done wrong, asks to be pardoned for the bad they have done, in that case we can discuss a path of conversion." In a previous post, in 2008, Pennisi received death threats from the mob after he banned religious funerals for known gangsters.
Threefold rise in measles cases as Italy's anti-vaccine movement grows
The number of measles cases in Italy has tripled this year, largely because parents are not getting children vaccinated due to spurious health scares, the health ministry said last Friday. More than 700 cases have been registered since the start of 2017 compared with 220 in the same period last year and 844 for the whole of 2016. Over half have been among 15-39-year-olds and the outbreak has been concentrated in some of the country's wealthiest urban centres: Rome, Turin, Milan and Florence. The ministry said the surge showed a worrying number of younger Italians were not fully vaccinated against the disease. "This is largely due to the growing number of parents who refuse vaccinations despite the established scientific evidence (of their effectiveness)," it said. According to ministry data, only 85.3 percent of Italian two-year-olds had been vaccinated in 2015, well short of the 95 percent threshold recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to contain outbreaks. "We need to rapidly boost the level of vaccination cover, which has fallen dangerously over recent years," said health minister Beatrice Lorenzin. In order to raise awareness of the importance of vaccinations, and to protect children's health, some regions have banned non-vaccinated children from public daycare centres. The northern region of Emilia-Romagna became the first to introduce such a law last November, after the take-up rate slipped below 95 percent, which is considered by the World Heath Organization to be the 'safe level' to ensure good health in the population. At the time, the National Institute of Health said last year that “forgotten� diseases could re-emerge across Italy if vaccination rates continued to fall. Although it usually only triggers relatively mild symptoms, measles can cause fatal complications. In Italy's last major epidemic there were 18,000 registered cases and 15 deaths. Italy was one of the countries where discredited claims of a link between the combined measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination and autism had a significant impact on public perceptions of the safety of the jab. That was partly because a local court in Rimini awarded damages to the family of a young boy with autism in 2012 on the grounds that his condition had most likely been caused by the MMR vaccination. The ruling was overturned on appeal three years later. The notion of an MMR-autism link was first suggested by a British researcher, Andrew Wakefield, in a 1998 paper for medical journal the Lancet that was subsequently found to have been falsified. The paper was withdrawn in 2010 and Wakefield was barred from practising medicine. Numerous major studies since have found no evidence of a link.Last winter, the health ministry warned of a similar decline in take-up of the flu jab, which is offered for free to those aged over 65 or suffering from chronic illnesses including diabetes and heart disease.
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March 24, 2017