The Signature | January 26, 2018

Sigonella Swordfish

UnBEElievable

Touring Europe One Pool at a Time

School Spelling Bee Competition

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PAGES 8-9

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JANUARY 26, 2018

Vol. 35 No. 3

NCTS Holds Change of Command Ceremony

by MC2 Christopher Gordon NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – Cmdr.

Manny Cordero relieved Capt. Donald Hocutt of command of Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station (NCTS) Sicily during a change of command ceremony hosted on Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, January 18.

NCTS Sicily is located onboard NAS Sigonella and provides secure and reliable telecommunications in support of Command, Control, Computer, Communications, and Intelligence to U.S. naval, joint, inter-agency and coalition forces operating in the U.S. European Command (EUCOM), U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), and U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) theaters of operation.

“The old adage that makes the point of time flying when having fun is so true,” Hocutt said during his speech, “Especially for anyone that is blessed beyond words to have been given the opportunity to command NCTS Sicily.”

Hocutt continued his speech by commending fellow commanding officers and Sailors for their pivotal roles in his successful tour as the commanding officer of NCTS. “To the NAS Sigonella team, thank you for your daily support across the board, from administration to education, housing, medical, MWR and Fleet and Family Service Center,” said Hocutt. “You have helped create centers of excellence in your respective areas and I am so grateful for your support of NCTS Sicily.”

Hocutt concluded his speech with a heartfelt message to his wife of 31 years, stating they are finally on the road home after 17 years of overseas assignments. He then gave the oncoming commanding officer a few words of advice.

“As a dedicated professional within

SIGONELLA, Sicily (January 18, 2018) – Capt. Adam Lyons, Commander, Naval Network Warfare Command, delivers opening remarks at the Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station (NCTS) Sicily change of command ceremony onboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Gordon/Released)

the Information Warfare community, I know you will carry the torch in continuing to support new and innovative ideas as we forge ahead to meet the future challenges and demands in our community,” said Hocutt. “Remember to enjoy the ride along the journey because standing before you today; I assure you time passes by too quickly.”

Hocutt then read his orders to Navy Special Warfare Command and officially turned over his command to Cordero under the supervision of

SIGONELLA, Sicily (January 18, 2018) – Sideboys render honors to Capt.

Donald Hocutt at the conclusion of the Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station (NCTS) Sicily change of command ceremony onboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Gordon/Released)

Capt. Adam Lyons, Commander, Naval Network Warfare Command.

“I am both honored and humbled as I consider the immense responsibility inheriting this command,” said Cordero. “I will adopt Capt. Hocutt’s priorities and will be sure that we will always be ready to fight tonight.”

NCTS is strategically positioned to provide mission critical communications support to US, NATO and coalition forces operating in the AFIRCOM CENTCOM and EUCOM area

of operations.

NAS Sigonella, “The Hub of the Med”, is a U.S. Navy installation and an Italian Air Force base in Sicily, Italy. NAS Sigonella is the Navy’s second largest security command, second only to that located at Naval Support Activity Bahrain. Because of its location near the center of the Mediterranean Sea, NASSIG is well placed to support operations by the U.S. 6th Fleet, other U.S. military units, and U.S. allies and coalition partners.

SIGONELLA, Sicily (January 18, 2018) –Cmdr. Manny Cordero, commanding officer of Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station (NCTS) Sicily, delivers remarks at the NCTS change of command ceremony onboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Gordon/Released)

THE SIGNATURE

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JANUARY 26, 2018

Direct Line

Cmdr. Patrick Moran, NAS Sigonella Executive Officer Buongiorno Sigonella, In recent weeks there has been an increase in stray dog activity aboard NAS II. Several sightings as well as encounters with the animals have been reported. We, as a command, do recognize the problem and are taking active measures within our organization as well as with Italian base leadership. However, because NAS II is a host nation installation, we have far less discretion with how we may address stray animals than we do on NAS I or Marinai. Since my first sessions addressing INDOC classes I have stressed the importance of not feeding the animals. On NAS I this would apply to the feral cats mainly found near the Commissary. In the case of NAS II this would apply to any location aboard the installation in which stray cats and dogs may congregate or search for food.

However, people are still feeding the stray animals, and this only helps to exacerbate the problem.

Aboard NAS II, we operate a Bird and Animal Strike Hazard (BASH) Program with the intent to prevent animals of all types from impacting flight operations and our safety. Under the BASH Program we have contracted a local ani-

mal control expert to deal with any stray animals as required. The animal control contractor is not “on call” per se and does not have a dedicated hotline with which to receive notification from the general populace.

Instead, the Operations department will liaise with the contractor when animals are discovered and appropriate action that is both humane and in accordance with Italian law and regulations will be taken. For our community, if anyone happens to see stray animals on NAS II the appropriate action would be to notify Dispatch. When discovering stray animals, the most effective action is to avoid any and all contact and make a notification. Dispatch will liaise with Operations and follow on efforts to contain and remove the animal will be taken.

There has also been a recent change to the pet policy governing residents in Marinai. Effective immediately, residents may foster a single animal in their home for a period of up to 60 days with intent to help place the animal in a permanent home. Further, residents who already have the limit of 2 pets in their home may foster a single animal for adoption for the 60 day period. How-

ever, and this is extremely important, fostered animals in Marinai are on an individual case-by-case basis only and must only be acquired through the Sigonella Animal Welfare Society (SAWS).

SAWS has developed a comprehensive program to identify, care for, and place qualified animals in foster care while actively pursuing adoption. Each animal will be vetted by SAWS and an application will be submitted to the Commanding Officer for approval. Animals will be tracked and the 60 day foster care period will be strictly adhered to with any extension beyond 60 days on a very limited case-by-case basis. The command will not approve the fostering of any animal in Marinai outside of this process.

Additionally, the command has recently approved development of a SAWS initiative for the identification and humane capture of qualified cats aboard NAS I. Cats will be monitored and chosen based on their behavior and potential for permanent adoption. Once identified, the animals will be humanely captured according to local laws, treated by a veterinarian, and placed for adoption. In the near future you may see capture devices aboard NAS I for this pur-

pose. Devices to capture the animals will be labeled and placed in unobstructive locations and are not to be tampered with.

Again, I implore everyone not to feed these animals, and if you see others feeding them tell them it’s against base policy and ask them to stop. The efforts to solve the stray animal problem here at Sigonella will only be effective if the community works together. It doesn’t matter how many dogs or cats are caught and removed if people continue to make food available. If everyone does their part I believe that we can significantly reduce the population of all the strays that affect the installation community.

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 Sug-

gestion 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 – or – scroll-down menu.

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 “Vodafone policies/customer Service”:

This comment is not about the Navy Exchange, but specifically about Vodafone at the Navy Exchange. Every time my husband and I go to renew our monthly plan we are told something different about the price and how the expiration date of minutes works. We recently asked to change plans and were told if we waited specifically until December 10th we would not be charged some sort of extra transfer fee, so of course we waited. Upon arrival my husband was yet again told something different about the policies and prices very rudely. We don't mind the extra fees at all, but we do mind being told one thing one day and being called a liar about it another day. Is it possible to ask that the Vodafone employees be forthcoming with information upfront without a fight? It feels as if their customer service changes depending on their moods on any given day and it is really getting old. It isn't just one employee; it seems to be everyone working there.

Response:

Thank You for your comment regarding Vodafone. First, I would like to apologize for your poor experience in renewing and changing your cellular phone plan. Vodafone offers both contract plans, starting at 18 months, extending to 30 months if you add a phone to the plan, as well as "pay as you go" plans. For both plans the billing cycle is four weeks. For instance, if you chose a 15 euro plan, every four weeks, you would have to pay another 15 euro for

the service to renew. Any plan changes need to be made prior to the renewal date for your phone service. For example, if a customer would like to increase their data and their plan expires 10 December, they would need to come in to Vodafone on either 9 December or prior to change the plan. This will avoid the customer being charged for the following month's plan amount. If a customer comes in after the plan renewal date, the customer will have to pay for that month's plan. If they still choose to change their plan, they would essentially have to pay for the current month's plan, the plan change fee of 19 euro, and the new plan monthly amount. Vodafone customer service representatives consistently advise customers to come in for any changes closer to the renewal date to avoid any extra charges.

We reached out to the Vodafone contractor to address your concerns and expressed our Community's and the Navy Exchange's expectation of Premiere Customer Service. As a result, in order to improve their customer service and to aid in the communication of the policies and procedures required, Vodafone Sigonella has updated their contract forms to include these frequently asked questions with spaces for customer initials to ensure that the associates do not fail to explain these programs fully. Vodafone Sigonella is the ONLY service provider in Italy to use these forms. The cellular phone plans are a bit different in Italy, but the value is tremendous, averaging more than 60% less than a similar plan in the States would cost.

"ICE" continued on Page 3

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JANUARY 26, 2018

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THE SIGNATURE U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA

Name: Aviation Support Equipment

Technician 2nd Class Joshua Keck Hometown: Panama City, Florida Department: AIMD

One of Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella’s important roles is the direct support of the many squadrons that come and go through the flight line.

Those squadrons rely on Sailors like Aviation Support Equipment Technician 2nd Class Joshua Keck to constantly do maintenance on all of the support equipment they need.

Keck works as a supervisor and is in charge of all of the electric equipment for the Support Equipment division in Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD). That includes power generators, light carts and air conditioning units.

“I love my job; I get to turn wrenches all day and it’s definitely satisfactory work,” said Keck. “With electricity it’s hard, it’s fickle and it’s not always the same issue. If something is wrong with it you have to figure it out, and if you fix it you feel really proud of the work you’ve done.”

Keck also works as one of the Command Financial Specialists, divisional

Career Counselor and is the Sailor that issues out forklift licenses for all of AIMD. He also just recently went through the Sexual Assault Prevention Response (SAPR) Victim Advocate (VA) course.

When he isn’t working, Keck likes to volunteer at his church, the New Hope Christian Center, where he acts as a deacon.

“I just recently got ordained and even preach sometimes on Sundays,” said Keck. “I also hold bible study on Wednesdays.”

If Keck isn’t working or volunteer-

"ICE" continued from Page 2 Again, thank You for your comment and for bringing your concerns to our attention, as this has led to an overall improvement of the communication process and will aid in improved service from Vodaphone going forward.

If in the future you have any questions or concerns regarding the Navy Exchange, or any area of the Navy Exchange's contracted operations, please do not hesitate to contact me either in the Store on NAS 1 or NAS 2, via telephone at 6244379, or simply send me an email to john.sisson@nexweb.org

Comment regarding “Bravo Zulu for FCPOA COMREL”:

Sir, I just got back from our Sigonella First Class Petty Officer Association (FCPOA)COMREL event where we sponsored 25 children at Casa del Fanciullo, a foster home in San Giovanni la Punta. I felt it absolutely necessary to get my thoughts out while they are still fresh in my mind. This year, the FCPOA coordinated a Christmas event where we asked the community for donations of food and gifts and everyday necessities.

I am absolutely overwhelmed with gratitude for everything we were able to give to these 25 foster kids and 10 staff members who work at the foster home. The generosity of Sigonella is nothing short of remarkable! We were able to collect homemade goods from the Marinai Home Cooks to share a lavish dinner with the foster home. Between the funds raised by the FCPOA doing Black Friday grocery bagging and the outpouring of monetary donations from the Sigonella community, we were able to purchase a 49” smart TV and the NCTS FCPOA contributed a brand new Playstation 4! The FCPOA, FFSC, MWR Director, SCPOA and various individual Sig’ Citizens sponsored each child giving them unique and special Christmas gifts of their own. The staff members at Casa

ing, he can be found spending time with his family: a wife and three sons.

“I love getting outside and playing soccer with my sons, doing whatever they want to do,” said Keck. “We like to do a lot of stuff as a family.”

Keck has been stationed on NAS Sigonella for 2 years and has an additional 2 years until he leaves; he’s loved his time in Sicily so far.

“I love it here. Whenever you go to a restaurant you feel welcome and I like that atmosphere,” said Keck. “And also because there are really cheap flights out of Catania.”

Commanding Officer Capt. Brent Trickel Executive Officer Cmdr. Patrick J. Moran Command Master Chief CMDCM Nancy Estrada EDITORIAL Public Affairs Officer Lt. Andriana Genualdi andriana.genualdi@eu.navy.mil Community Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil Editor MCC Jessica Vargas Jessica.Vargas@eu.navy.mil PAO Staff Writer \ Photographer 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

del Fanciullo were utterly grateful for the two-year supply of necessary items such as personal and oral hygiene toiletries, undergarments, and even a vacuum cleaner!

The real heart of this message is to express my deepest, most heartfelt gratitude to all who donated from our amazing Sigonella community! The looks on the faces of the kids and the staff members were heart-warming to say the least. I have also discovered a newfound, deeper appreciation for the people of Sigonella! This event has, by far, been the best example of the charitable spirit the United States Navy embodies. I couldn’t decide on the best course of action for thanking those involved in making this event as successful as it was; it truly could not have been possible without the help of our great community! So, if you could please pass this on from all of us with the Sigonella FCPOA we would truly appreciate it.

Sincerely, MA1 Gerald Provost, FCPOA President

Response:

MA1, I appreciate you sharing the details of this occasion, and I would like to thank you and the FCPOA for coordinating such an impactful event. I would agree that the team we have here at NAS Sigonella is more like an extended family, and given the opportunity to help a neighbor (on or off base) our community rises to the challenge. I would like to personally extend my heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to the phenomenal success of this event and many others like it that may not get recognized here. Continuing to build on the already excellent relations that we have with our host nation not only enhances our experiences while stationed overseas but ensures continued positive encounters for those who come after us. Additionally, we can all feel good knowing that collectively we made a young child's Christmas a little brighter!

This civilian enterprise (CE) newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services overseas. Contents of The Signature are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense (DoD), or the U.S. Navy. The appearance of advertising in this newspaper, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DoD or Stampa Generale S.r.l., of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factorof the purchaser, user or patron.

A confirmed violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected.

The Signature is published weekly by Stampa Generale S.r.l., Sig. Bruno Brandi, Publisher, Naval Support Activity, Capodichino (Naples), Italy.

Tel. 081-568-7884. Fax 081-568-7887.

E-mail: stampagenerale@tin.it.

Editorial submissions are welcomed from all Naval Air Station Sigonella departments, divisions and tenant commands.

Editorial submissions should be sent to the Public Affairs Office via thesig@eu.navy. mil, guard mail stop #68 or hand-delivered to our office no later than the close of business on the Friday proceeding the expected publication date. All articles submitted by non-staff members will be considered contributing writers.

The Signature will not publish any anonymous articles. All advertisements in this publication are the property of Stampa Generale S.r.l. Any reproduction of advertisements in The Signature is unauthorized without the written consent of the publisher.

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JANUARY 26, 2018

Sigonella Swordfish: Touring Europe One Pool at a Time

By Brice Goodwin

The Sigonella Swordfish Swim Team checked two more pools and cities off of their list as they steadily advance to their Individual Championships later this Spring in London. Reminiscent of the World War II recruitment poster that proclaimed “Join the Navy, See the World,” the Swordfish have seen much of Europe during their sports travels since joining the team. Compared to their stateside peers who drive within a 50-mile radius to compete in events, the Swordfish can proudly claim walking the streets of Italy, Germany, Spain, The Netherlands, and United Kingdom in any given season. This year alone, they’ve strolled the shores of the chalk-teal waters of Lake Barcis in Aviano, the Christmas Markets in Berlin, the golden beaches of Lignano Sabbiadoro, the ruins of Pompeii in Naples, and the square of Piazza dei Signori made famous by Van Gogh in Vicenza. And at every destination, parents make plans to ensure a cultural immersion during their stop, while Swimmers ensure a competitive water immersion for their fellow teammates and contenders.

The Vicenza Mako Sharks were hosts for a Pentathlon Event on Saturday, January 13, followed the next day with a regular event by the Aviano Bull Sharks just a 90-minute drive away.

The Vicenza meet welcomed over 200 swimmers to their pool, which saw battles on multiple fronts as swimmers vied to maintain titles, regain titles, and most importantly, drop time as they advance to the crowning finale in London. Five Sigonella Swordfish made it known to the other teams in the European Forces Swim League that when they come to swim, they come prepared to win!

The girls literally roared with their turbo-like power that simply couldn’t be ignored. Allison Havard (Girls 13-

Allison Havard extends her lead in the 200-meter IM. (Photo by Brice Goodwin)

14 year-olds) took the lead on Saturday, leaving no doubts about her goals by the time she’d packed up her swim bag and left the pool deck in Vicenza.

Her hours of practice, combined with a laser focus during the meet, rewarded her generously with a combined total time drop of 18.27 seconds. Her magic skills in the water included 7.27 seconds disappearing off her 100-meter Breaststroke, and 5.21 seconds vanishing off her 100-meter Butterfly.

Kaitlyn Willets (Girls 11-12 yearolds) followed suit with her own display of strength and calculation skills to erase 17.59 seconds from from her times, subtracting 7.80 seconds off her 50-meter Breaststroke and 7.19 seconds from her 100-meter IM for a final tally that earned her the admiration of her challengers.

Molly Lefferts (Girls 9-10 yearolds), was not to be intimidated by her

older teammates, showing everyone she knows what it takes to be a champion. She climbed the pool ladder following her 100-meter IM with a time that was 15.73 seconds faster than her previous one, and a well-earned respect from her competitors for her performance.

Alyvia Young (Girls 11-12 yearolds) rounded out the girl’s power performance with a 10.42 second drop across three events. In a stroke many swimmers find intimidating because they’re on their back and can’t see the wall, she didn’t flinch as she stretched out for a 6.31 second improvement in this 50-meter Backstroke event.

Charlie White worked his own magic to show that the girls weren’t the only ones getting the attention from their opponents. His steadfast commitment to maximizing his potential during practices was realized as he

discarded a total time of 11.75 seconds across three events, with 7.19 seconds coming off his 100-meter IM alone.

Before the meet was over he had a final trick to showcase, and one which he pulled off with great aplomb and success. During his entry dive for the 50-meter Butterfly his goggles were forced down from the water pressure; however, without losing his rhythmic pace, he refit them during the underwater phase of his stroke and resurfaced with them secured in place, and to inspiring applause from his fan base.

It was a long day, but one filled with a heightened level of performance as the season moves to its final peak.

The Swordfish will travel to Naples next, where they have their Divisional Championships before moving on to London for the grand finale that will showcase their hard work and discipline over the swim season.

JANUARY 26, 2018

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JANUARY 26, 2018

Catania celebrates Saint Agatha (Feb. 3-5) After a year of preparation, Catania townspeople are ready to celebrate “La Festa di Sant’Agata” (Saint Agatha Festival) the third largest Catholic festival of world. The festival, which is preceded by a month of preparatory events, features with three days of massive festive processions and events that will take place from February 3 through 5 in the Catania historic heart.

“Semu divoti tutti? Cettu, Cettu, Citatini, viva Sant’Aita!”(Are we all devotees? Yes, of course, sure, Townspeople, long live St. Agata)!” Devotees will scream those passionate words over and over during the processions until they get a hoarse voice to show publicly their devotion to the beloved patroness. These celebrations, which mingle the sacred and profane, will involve hundred of thousands of Catanians who will swarm the streets of the historic center to do homage to the “Santuzza,” or young saint (St. Agata’s nickname given because of her young age).

Divoti (devotees) defy bad weather conditions just to see her while she’s brought out during then procession. It happens only once a year, so it is must-see event.

According to an ancient, tradition, Saint Agata is considered a salvatrice (saviour), which means that she rescued Catania several times over the centuries, especially during earthquakes and lava eruptions.

Legend has it that her holy purple-colored veil (named “limpia” in Sicilian) has stopped two dangerous eruptions, the first one which occurred in 251 AD, a year after her martyrdom and the second one in 1886, when the lava threatened Nicolosi.

In both cases, the veil was brought in procession to the eruption site, and the advancing lava flow miraculously stopped.

According to history, Catania cardinal Giuseppe Benedetto Dusmet, who is regarded as a saint and whose body is preserved inside the cathedral, led the 19th century procession.

The holy veil is 13 feet long by 20 inches wide. Three golden threads decorate its extremities. According to legend, the veil, which was originally white, covered the head of Saint Agata when she was rolled over live coals during her martyrdom.

As a result of this torture, the “limpia” remained miraculously undamaged by the fire and turned red. From then on, the veil has been venerated as a defense against Mt. Etna’s eruptions.

Tradition and Devotion

Catanians have been celebrating this festival since 1519. For centuries, there has been a long-running controversy between Catania and Palermo over where Saint Agata was born. But it looks like Catania got the better of Palermo.

Every year, a stream of devotees of all ages will crowd the streets of the historic center dressed in white tunics (women wear green, however it looks like many female devotees have recently been preferring to wear the white ones as well) named in Sicilian “saccu,” gloves, a handkerchief, and a black skullcap (in Sicilian, “a scuzzitta”). Giorgio Maniace, a Byzantine general, stole the relics as a war trophy and took them to Constantinople (ancient Istanbul) in 1040. According to tradition, the saccu symbolizes the nightdress that the Catanians wore when they welcomed the return of the Saint’s relics from Turkey on Aug. 17, 1126. Historic chronicles tell that it was a great feast for the Catania community whose residents waved white handkerchiefs to show their enthusiasm. Other historic accounts link the white tunic tradition to either the ancient Egyptian Goddess Isis or the penitential garment worn by priests.

Devotees take part in the festival bringing on procession the “Cannalori,” and the “Vara.” Cannalori are tall wax candles surrounded by a heavy (up to 1,500 pound) candelabrumshaped gilded wooden structure. They are decorated with statues depicting angels, saints, pennants and flowers. Scenes from Saint Agata’s martyrdom are also carved on their sides.

Each Cannalora represent a city’s guild such as butchers, greengrocers, fishmongers, pasta makers, bakers and more. In the past, they illuminated the passage of the procession. But through the centuries their dimensions became so large that one person alone could not carry their weight anymore. Today, there are 11 Cannalori that take part in the procession.

Each one is carried on the shoulders of eight to 12 people.

During the processions, Cannalori stop every once in a while and “compete” with one another by performing a kind of dance named “Annacata” consisting of a series of swaying moves.

The “Vara” is a 16-foot long richly decorated silver float on which the bust depicting Saint Agata and several crystal and

"ITALIAN NEWS" continued on Page 15

Every year, from February 3 through 5, thousands of Catanians swarm the streets of the historic center to publicly show their lifelong devotion to their beloved patron saint with a must-see international festival mingling the sacred and profane, an event featuring wearying processions during which devotees carry heavy wax candles, fireworks, music, exhibitions and arts and crafts. (Photo by Alessandro Lo Piccolo)

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USS Fitzgerald Arrives in Pascagoula for Restoration From Naval Sea Systems Command Office of Corporate Communications

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burkeclass guided missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) arrived in Pascagoula, Mississippi, Jan. 19, aboard heavy lift vessel MV Transshelf inward bound from Yokosuka, Japan.

Fitzgerald is expected to spend several days in the Port of Pascagoula as the heavy lift ship will commence the reverse operation of unfastening, lowering and guiding the ship off the platform. The ship will then be taken to its designated pier space at Huntington Ingalls Industries shipyard.

Due to the extent and complexity of the restoration, both repair and new construction procedures will be used to accomplish the restoration and modernization efforts. Various Hull Mechanical and Electrical (HM&E); Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence; and Combat System equipment, including the electronic warfare suite, radar, switchboard, gas turbine generator and air condition plant, require repair and/or replacement. Fitzgerald will also receive

PASCAGOULA, Miss. (Jan. 19, 2018) The guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) arrives at the port of Pascagoula, Miss., Friday, Jan. 19, 2018 aboard the heavy lift transport vessel MV Transshelf. Fitzgerald will begin restoration and modernization work at Huntington Ingalls' Industries shipyard in Pascagoula. (U.S. Navy photo by David L. Stoltz/Released)

HM&E; Combat System; and Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Collaboration and Intelligence; upgrades that were originally planned for installation during a fiscal year 2019 availability.

Work on the ship is expected to occur on a land level facility throughout 2018 and one to two quarters of 2019, followed by an extensive test and trials period to ensure all systems and spaces are restored to full functionality and operational capability. The

entire restoration and modernization effort is expected to complete approximately 24-months post work commencement on the ship.

Fitzgerald was involved in a collision with the Philippine-flagged ACX Crystal June 17. Seven Sailors lost their lives and the ship was damaged on the starboard side above and below the waterline.

The Navy released a comprehensive review of the incident Nov. 1.

American Connections Media Outreach Program Keeps Hometown News Mission Going

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian T. Glunt Navy Office of Community Outreach

MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- ALNAV 069/17 cancelled the Navy's Fleet Home Town News (FHTN) Program instruction, but the requirement--and the ability--to share news and information with local news media across the country lives on in the American Connections Media Outreach Program.

Since the program, which replaced and modernized the legacy FHTN Program, officially began with the release of the NAVADMIN 148/16 in June 2016, more than 9,400 stories, photos and other content has been shared with newspapers, TV and radio stations, blogs and social media nationwide, reaching more than 183 million Americans who otherwise may never have heard about their Navy.

"Although the FHTN program instruction has been cancelled, the importance of effective internal informa-

tion cannot be understated," said Capt.

Greg Hicks, acting chief of information, in a message to the Navy's Public Affairs community. "Indeed, a case can be made that this is more important today than it ever was."

The FHTN program began during World War II with a group of about 100 enlisted Sailors who wrote stories about fellow Sailors and battles in the Pacific for distribution to hometown newspapers. Today, the American Connections Media Outreach Program continues this important work.

The program leverages Sailors' local connections to communities across America as well as the relationships that exist between Navy units and their namesake cities and states, to ensure Americans throughout the country better understand their Navy, its mission and its contribution to national securi-

ty. An additional benefit of the program is the positive impact on the morale of participating Sailors and namesake units.

"My command recently released an article on two Sailors who saved a man's life and American Connections Media Outreach distributed the story to the news agencies of the Sailors' hometowns," said Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brannon Deugan, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 1. "This led to an interview with one of the Sailors by a news station in Oklahoma City. Without this program, the article on these two Sailors' efforts wouldn't have reached a larger audience and potentially never would have gotten back to their families."

The American Connections Media Outreach Program modernized and simplified the process to make it easier

to share Sailors' stories. The easiest way to use this service is to include a local connection within every news release and photo caption. This local connection could be hometown, high school, college, family ties, etc. In addition to routine stories and photos about Sailors, namesake ships, awards, promotions, retirements and changes of command stories and photos should also be included.

Commands are encouraged to send stories and photos directly to navyoutreach@navy.mil. The team of communication professionals at Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO) will share your Sailors' stories and photos with local media throughout the country and then provide a link to all media coverage.

To learn more visit www.outreach. navy.mil or contact the NAVCO Media Outreach Department at navyoutreach@navy.mil or 901-874-5806.

For more news from Navy Office of Community Outreach, visit www.navy. mil/local/navco/.

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JANUARY 26, 2018

Sigonell UnBEElievable

Photos by MC2 Ch

JANUARY 26, 2018

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la Hosts e Spelling Bee

hristopher Gordon

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JANUARY 26, 2018

NAS SIGONELLA COMMUNITY PAGE All Hands News Bulletin:

HEART HEALTHY COOKING CLASS

(DODDS SCHOOLS) COLLEGE ALUMNI VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Command, Department or Organization: Health Promotion and Wellness Center Date of Event: 23 February Time of Event: 0930-1500 Location of Event: NAS I Midtown Kitchen Point of Contact Name: Giuseppe Licari Point of Contact Phone Number: 624-4710 Point of Contact Email Address: usn.sigonella.navhospsigonellait.mesg.hp@ mail.mil Additional Information: Join U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella Health Promotion and Fleet and Family Support Center and learn how to cook a traditional Sicilian heart healthy meal.

We will take you to Catania market to buy local fresh produce and then back to NAS I Midtown Kitchen to cook a meal from scratch with your own hands.

Command: Sigonella Middle/High School Date of Event: 02 March Time of Event: 12:00-15:00 Location of Event: Sigonella Middle High School Point of Contact Name: Christopher McKibbin, School Liaison Officer Point of Contact Phone Number: 345-579-5273 Point of Contact Email Address: Christopher.mckibbin@eu.dodea.edu Additional Information: Sigonella Middle High School will be hosting a College and Career Fair on March 2, 2018 and is looking for college alumni from the following states to represent their colleges or universities: 1. Florida 2. Washington 3. California 4. Virginia 5. Texas 6. Pennsylvania We are also looking for alumni from the Naval Academy, West Point and Air Force Academy.

If you are interested please contact Mr. McKibbin. Thank you!

To sign up and for more information call Health Promotion at 624-4710.

Sigonella Religious Ministries Department Worship Services 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

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

Saturdays First Saturday Rosary and Mass: . . . . . . . . . . 1100-1200 Liturgical Protestant Service NAS I Chapel - . . . . . . . . . . . 1800 Sundays Catholic Mass: . . . . 0900-1000 Catholic Religious Education (DoDDS):.

1045-1200

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

Protestant Service: . . . . . . . 1100-1200 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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

Weekly Traffic Report: Jan. 15 - Jan. 22, 2018

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.

JANUARY 26, 2018

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Bicycle Safe Riding Tips Before using your bicycle, make sure that it is ready to ride.

You should always inspect your bike to make sure all parts are secure and working properly.

Remember to: • Wear a Properly Fitted Bicycle Helmet. Protect your brain, save your life. For more information see the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration publication “Easy Steps to Properly Fit a Bicycle Helmet.”

• Adjust Your Bicycle to Fit. Stand over your bicycle. There should be 1 to 2 inches between you and the top tube (bar) if using a road bike and 3 to 4 inches if a mountain bicycle.

The seat should be level front to back. The seat height should be adjusted to allow a slight bend at the knee when the leg is fully extended. The handlebar height should be at the same level with the seat.

• Check Your Equipment. Before riding, inflate tires properly and check that your brakes work.

• See and Be Seen. Whether daytime, dawn, dusk, foul weather, or at night, you need to be seen by others. Wearing white has not been shown to make you more visible. Rather, always wear neon, fluorescent, or other bright colors when riding day or night. Also wear something that reflects light, such as reflective tape or markings, or flashing lights. It is recommended to wear eye protection on longer rides. Remember, just because you can see a driver doesn’t mean the driver can see you.

• Watch for and Avoid Road Hazards. Be on the lookout for hazards such as potholes, broken glass, gravel, puddles, leaves, and dogs. All these hazards can cause a crash. If you are riding with friends and you are in the lead, yell out and point to the hazard to alert the riders behind you.

• Avoid Riding at Night. It is far more dangerous to ride at night than during the day because you are harder for others to see. If you have to ride at night, wear something that makes you more easily seen by others. Make sure you have reflectors on the front and rear of your bicycle (white lights on the front and red rear reflectors are required by law in many States), in addition to reflectors on your tires, so others can see you.

“In 2016 in the United States, over 1,000 bicyclists died and there were almost 467,000 bicycle-related injuries” – CDC “Children (5-14 years) and adolescents (15-19 years) have the highest rates of nonfatal bicycle-related injuries, accounting for more than one-third of all bicycle-related injuries seen in U.S. emergency departments” Traffic Safety Council For more information please contact Base Safety 624-6263

JANUARY 26, 2018

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JANUARY 26, 2018

GAMEZONE

What's the Point?

SEWING NEEDLE SHARK TOOTH SHERIFF'S BADGE SPEAR SPIKE STAPLE STAR STYLUS SWORD THORN THUMBTACK TOOTHPICK TRIANGLE TRIDENT VULCAN EAR WOODEN STAKE

MEDIUM

FORK ICE PICK ICICLE JAVELIN KNIFE NAIL NOSE PENCIL PINE NEEDLE POINTER STICK PYRAMID QUILL RHINOCEROS HORN ROCKET SCALPEL SCISSORS

EASY

ANTENNA ANTLER ARGUMENT ARROW BACKGAMMON BOARD BALLPEN BEAK BIRD TALON COMPASS CONE CORKSCREW CRAYON DART DECIMAL FINGER FISH HOOK

DIFFICULT

Find and circle all of the things with points that are hidden in the grid.

The remaining letters spell a secret message.

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JANUARY 26, 2018

JANUARY 26, 2018

"ITALIAN NEWS" continued from Page 6 silver caskets containing her relics (legs, arms and other bones) are carried in procession.

Giovanni di Bartolo, a goldsmith from Siena, made the bust in the 14th century. The bust, which also contains part of the relics (the skull and part of the thorax), is made of enameled silver. It sits on a magnificent pedestal, and it is cut just under the waist. Hundreds of precious jewels cover the statue.

Most of them come from the donations of devotees.

The magnificent golden crown studded with gems, which was donated by King Richard “The Lionhearted” in 1190 during his visit to Sicily on his way to a crusade, is undoubtedly the best piece of the collection.

One who attends the festival will be impressed by the huge candles that devotees carry on their shoulders while they perform the processions.

Every year, Catania wax shops sell hundreds of ceri (tall wax candles). Devotees carry those bulky candles “per grazia ricevuta,” which means that a saint has granted them a miracle they have been asking for.

The miracle could be invoked for a pregnancy that is in serious danger or if someone is suffering from an incurable disease or after one has survived a traffic accident. Usually, it is up to the devotee to decide how heavy the candle should be and for how long they would carry it. According to Catania wax dealers, the most requested candle is the one that weighs approximately 85 pounds. But some also request candles that can weigh up to 350 pounds. Carrying ceri in procession is usually a lifelong practice. If one devotee is too old or sick to carry a heavy candle, another person such as a son or a relative could continue to participate in the procession instead of them.

Life of Sant’Agata According to tradition, Agata came from a rich family. Her virtues and her beauty drew the attention of Quintianus, a local Roman governor who actively and brutally persecuted Christians.

Agata, who had already consecrated herself to God, refused his advances. Therefore, Quintianus decided to punish her by having her locked up in a brothel where Aphrodisia, a wicked woman, tried to corrupt Agata’s virtue and faith by means of wiles and stratagems. But Agata never wavered and resisted all of her attempts. Therefore, Quintianus, miffed by Agata’s firmness, had her undergo terrible tortures such as cutting off her breast. This detail was often depicted in the Christian medieval paintings as a peculiar characteristic of the martyrdom of Saint Agata.

Tradition also tells about prodigious events that occurred while Agata was in prison, such as the apparition of St. Peter who comforted and healed all her wounds. Eventually, after repeated tortures Quintianus had Agata condemned to the stake. But while she was burning alive a violent earthquake struck Catania. This natural disaster was welcomed by the Catanians as a sign of God who wanted the tortures inflicted on Agata to be over. Thus, a riot broke out in the city forcing Quintianus to stop the execution. Agata was then brought back to her prison where she soon died. It was Feb. 5, 251 AD. Later on

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the same day, the evil Quintianus, who was fleeing because he feared the rioters, drowned in the river Simeto.

On Feb. 3, the first day of the celebrations begins with a holy a mass celebrated at the Cathedral at 7:30 a.m. that is repeated at 10 a.m. Later at noon, the solemn “Processione per l’offerta della cera” (Offering of the wax procession) leaves from the Church of St. Agata “Alla Fornace” toward the Cathedral.

Eleven Cannalori representing some local guilds lead the procession. Parades of the city’s banners followed by the historic “Carrozzi du Sinatu” (18th century Catania Senate Carriages that are permanently on view at the city hall in Piazza Duomo) also follow the procession. All Catania civilian and military authorities take part in the procession. A half-hour later, Catania Fire Brigade officials offer a floral gift to the Saint. A religious hymn will be performed at the cathedral. The celebration day will end in the evening with a spectacular fireworks show in piazza Duomo called “I fochi do tri” or the fireworks performed on the evening of February 3rd.

Feb. 4, the second day of the festival, begins with the traditional “Messa dell’Aurora” (Dawn Holy Mass) at 6 a.m. at the Cathedral. It is one among the most intense and moments of the festival. The “Cammaredda,” the small room located inside the Cathedral, where the relics and the Saint Agata simulacrum are permanently kept, is opened before a crowd of moved and applauding devotes. Later, a procession, during which the Saint Agata bust and relics tour throughout the city, starts at 7 a.m. It leaves from Porta Uzeda (in Italian, Uzeda gate) in piazza Duomo where the Catania Archbishop performs the offering of a candle before the icon of the Madonna della Lettera. Right after, the procession proceeds through via Dusmet, via Calì, piazza Cutelli, via Vittorio Emanuele, piazza dei Martiri, via VI Aprile, piazza Giovanni XXIII (train station), viale della Libertà, piazza Iolanda, via Umberto, via Grotte Bianche, piazza Carlo Alberto (Catania outdoor market) and then piazza Stesicoro where devotees who pull the carriage show their skills performing the challenging “Capuccini slope.”

It consists of running while dragging the heavy float, up to the Church of Saint Agata “La Vetere,” located in piazza San Domenico. There, the procession stops for a couple of hours to allow devotees to rest.

In the late afternoon at 6 p.m., the tour starts again from piazza San Domenico through via Plebiscito, via Vittorio Emanuele, piazza Risorgimento, piazza Palestro, via Garibaldi, via Plebiscito, via Dusmet and eventually back again to piazza Duomo through Porta Uzeda Feb. 5 is the main festival day. A solemn holy mass is celebrated at the Cathedral at 10:15 a.m. Cardinal Renato Gualtiero Bassetti, the Archbishop of Perugia presides over the holy mass jointly with local priests and Sicily’s highest-ranking bishops. During the mass, the “Cappella Musicale del Duomo” (the Cathedral Cantata Choir) sings a magnificent High Mass. In the afternoon, the bishop of Patti

PAGE 15 celebrates a holy mass at 4 p.m. at the Cathedral.

Later, the most spectacular procession of the Saint Agata relics starts from Piazza Duomo at 5 p.m. Following via Etnea it moves along up to Piazza Cavour. The procession, which goes on all night long, reaches its climax when it arrives at the slope of via San Giuliano on its way back to Piazza Duomo on the morning on Feb. 6. Running fast, devotees pull the Saint’s float up the steep street. It is a spectacular and dangerous proof of physical strength and resistance that could only be performed by the strongest devotees as the Vara weighs several tons. Driven by pure devotion, thousands of people stay up until dawn to participate in this unique moment. At the end of the hard climb, the crowd releases the tension with a liberating thunderous applause.

Another special and moving moment of the procession is the stop at the Church of San Benedetto in via Crociferi at dawn when the Benedictine cloistered nuns sing to Saint Agata in front of a huge crowd that remains silent, enchanted by their celestial voices honoring the patron saint. Eventually, the saint is brought back to the Cathedral.

Complementing the festival, the traditional “Fiera di Sant’Agata” or Saint Agatha Fair, featuring booths selling clothes, shoes, toys and foodstuff, is set up near the historic center of the city.

Traditional Sweets During the St. Agatha festival you can also satisfy your sweet tooth. Make sure you visit the Catania pasticcerie (pastry shops) or panifici (bakeries).

You’ll get a chance to sample the delicious “Olivette di Sant’Agata”(Saint’Agata’s small olives) and torrone (nougat), which are two traditional marzipan and almond-based St.Agata-related sweets, as well as the mouthwatering Cassatine (small breast-shaped cassate pastries which remind us of the torture underwent by St. Agata) filled with ricotta cheese, covered by sugar glaze, with a candied cherry on top.

Olivette (Olive-shaped and green marzipan sweets) are related to a legend telling an episode of the saint’s life. Tradition has it that when Agata was on her way to stand trial before Quintianus, she bent to tie her sandal. As she did that, an olive three miraculously sprouted where she had stepped. After St. Agata’s death, these olives were preserved as relics.

Olivette are also available in a chocolate covered version.

For more information and festival’s details, call the Catania Tourist Information Office 0957425573 or visiting the following web sites: www. festadisantagata.it; www.circolosantagata.it and www.cattedralecatania.it.

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