American Red Cross: We need your help!
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Frozen Fun
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April 28, 2017
Vol. 34 No. 16
USO Sigonella Recognizes Volunteers during National Volunteer Week By Stacey Geddings USO Sigonella
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – At USO Sigonella, volunteers play a special role in serving those who serve. Whether it is welcoming visitors to our center, easing their journey with a cup of coffee, or providing a free phone call to a loved one, volunteers lead with their hearts and serve with integrity. While we recognize the commitment of our volunteers regularly throughout the year, during National Volunteer Week which runs from April 23 – 29, USO Sigonella is paying a special tribute to the men and women who support our mission to strengthen America’s military service members by keeping them connected
to family, home and country throughout their service to the nation. USO Sigonella opened its doors Oct. 19, 2016 with a ribbon cutting ceremony and hosted a Grand Opening BBQ in front of the Air Terminal. More than 300 service members stopped by to enjoy the ceremony and BBQ. Patrick Russel, Tamara Thomas, Anel Montero, Olga Perozo Carrero, Thalia Malave Ortiz, Miranda Umfress, Victoria Castro, and Wendy Stemac volunteered for this wonderful event. Combined they provided more than 30 hours of volunteer work enabling the USO to host a fantastic Grand Opening BBQ. Without the support of USO Sigonella’s first volunteers this event would not have been possible. As the year came to a close, USO volunteers were busy spreading holiday cheer around the community. Throughout the month of December USO Sigonella supported MWR’s Tree Lighting ceremony providing cookies, hot chocolate, and cider; hosted holiday cookie drops, stopping by many of the commands on NAS 1 and NAS 2 delivering delicious holiday cookies; as well as hosting the holiday troop luncheon BBQ. Together, USO Sigonella vol-
unteers totaled over 100 hours of support and reached more than 1,000 members of the Sigonella community. After the New Year, USO volunteers continued to support key USO programs and events. Eager volunteers supported USO’s Tuesday’s Troop Luncheon providing between 40 to 70 service members every week a delicious meal. Flight support for the Patriot Express has rarely seen an empty volunteer opportunity, even with a 0330 show time. “I am proud to volunteer
with the USO to support the Sigonella community and military,” said Anel Montero, a USO volunteer. Through the first quarter of 2017 dedicated USO volunteers like Montero have given more than 400 man-hours enabling the start of new programs such as United through Reading, Taste of Home Night, and the Teddy Bear Club. These new programs, along with many more to come, would not be possible without the wonderful support of USO Sigonella’s volunteers!
Earth Day 2017: Building Strength through Stewardship By Crystal St. Clair-Canaii NAS Sigonella Environmental Department
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily –Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella held a base-wide cleanup on April 21 in honor of Earth Day which is held annually on April 22. The base beautification event was a part of NAS Sigonella’s focus on energy and resource conservation. Earth Day was founded in 1970 as a grassroots effort to increase awareness of environmental issues. Since the 1990s the Department of the Navy and other military services have celebrated Earth Day with themes geared toward recognizing the symbiotic nature between the military mission, the lands entrusted to us, and the communities we serve. This year’s theme was “Building Strength through Stewardship” promoting the message that effective environmental initiatives ultimately support and empower the mission by creating trust with regulatory agencies and the public, preserving the ecosystems in which we operate, and developing science to enable sound decision making for future planning. So, what does this mean? Everything we do has an impact on something else. Everything we use must be disposed of; every time we flip a light switch, energy is consumed; vehicle exhaust emits pollution to the air, and contaminants (oil/paint/grease) that end up on the ground can eventually impact our waterways. What can you do? REDUCE, REUSE, AND RECYCLE as much and as often as you can. REDUCE: One person’s trash is another’s treasure.
Instead of discarding unwanted appliances tools or clothes, try selling or donating them. Not only will you be reducing waste, you’ll be helping others. REUSE: Buy reusable over disposable items. Look
for items that can be reused; the little things can add up. RECYCLE: Make sure you know how to recycle in your neighborhood.
SIGONELLA, Sicily (April 21, 2017) - Aviation Support Equipment Technician 2nd Class Cody Schiffman participates in a base clean up aboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella in observance of Earth Day 2017. NAS Sigonella is an operational ashore base that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where they are needed and when they are needed to ensure security and stability in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Gordon/Released)
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Direct Line
Command Master Chief Mike Kaszubowski Saluti Sigonella, As we wrap up SAPR month and head into May I would like to say THANK YOU to everyone who helped make SAPR month a success. Our SARC, Shannon Harden, is AWESOME and she really went above and beyond to ensure everyone received a little more education about sexual assault prevention. BRAVO ZULU to Shannon and her team. Looking ahead, May is shaping up to be a busy month with lots of celebrations. Below are a few things that are going on! May 1: Loyalty Day Loyalty Day is as simple as it sounds: a day set aside for U.S. citizens to reaffirm their loyalty to their country and to remember their heritage. It started in 1921 and a few communities still celebrate with parades and other ceremonies. It is a legal holiday, but not federal in nature. May 4: National Day of Prayer The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. May 8: Victory in Europe Day The unconditional surrender of Germany in World War II came on May 8th, 1945. Sweeping celebrations seized Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, and New York City. May 12: Military Spouse Appreciation Day Celebrated the Friday before Mother's Day, Military Spouse Appreciation Day celebrates the
sacrifice and support of military spouses. The holiday began in 1984 under Ronald Reagan, and subsequent presidents have begun the day with speeches or proclamations. May 13: Children of Fallen Patriots Day. A day to honor the families our Fallen Heroes have left behind – especially their children. It’s a reminder to the community that we have an obligation to support the families of our Fallen Patriots. May 14: Mother's Day May 20: Armed Forces Day Celebrated on the third Saturday of every May, Armed Forces Day honors Americans serving in the military. It was originally designed to replace the days celebrating each individual service, but those days are still observed. The longest running celebration sponsored by a city is held in Bremerton, Wash. May 29: Memorial Day Landing on the final Monday of May, Memorial Day is the most widely recognized holiday out of the May military-themed observances. It began after the Civil War to remember the soldiers who fell on both sides during the war, but grew to commemorate all Americans who died serving in the military. As summer approaches please take time and ensure you and your families are ready. Summers in Sicily can get warm so hydration, sun block and proper clothing are a must. Lastly, please ensure everyone is following the rules when it comes to driving in Sicily. Accidents have risen and we all must
ensure we are following the rules and regulations. Life is to short and too precious. As always Sigonella, Lead yourself exceptionally well, Create opportunities for others to succeed and Have a positive attitude. See you around the base.
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 MWR”:
I would like to thank Josh, Mike McNab, the maintenance crew, and any other employees I may have missed, for taking care of the MWR field (old paintball field) behind the NEX. I walked down to the field last month and the grass had not been mowed and the infield was riddled with weeds and uneven. When we descended upon the field Monday, March 6th, for the Sigonella Jaguars softball team's first practice, it looked like a professional grade softball field. On behalf of the Sigonella Lady Jaguar softball team, I'd like to commend the MWR staff for their hard work preparing the field. Sincerely, Steven Larson
Response:
Dear Mr. Larson, thank you for taking the time to recognize the great work of our MWR team. I have shared your appreciation with them for a job well done. Best of luck to the Sigonella Jaguars softball team!
Comment regarding “Speeding on NAS 1 and NAS 2”:
I have a constructive criticism regarding the rules of the road onboard NAS Sigonella. I know we are guests on this base, but why is it that only the Americans
are subject to the slow speed limits on base? I never see the Italian drivers pulled over for speeding. I’ve oftentimes walked into the road and asked them to slow down and am usually met with no response. We are reminded constantly about safe driving on the installation and inside the triangle, but almost every day I see people speeding on NASII and it appears our Security forces are unable to do anything about it. This isn't my first overseas tour so I have seen and lived in other countries where driving laws were enforced for all hands on base, not just Americans. Safe driving can only benefit us all.
Response:
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to answer your question regarding driving regulations onboard our installation. As you stated, we are guests in Sicily and as such we must respect our Host Nation laws, to include posted speed limits onboard the installation. The purpose of the low speed limits is to allow vehicles to safely navigate throughout the installation in consideration of runners and the high volume of traffic within these constricted roads. The Naval Security Force (NSF) are unable to issue Local Nationals traffic tickets due to jurisdictional
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"ICE" continued from Page 2 boundaries. Traffic stops are conducted on all personnel who aren't compliant with traffic laws. However, when the NSF member identifies the driver as a Local National, the Local National is released due to the jurisdictional boundary. I am committed to the safety of our community and as such the NSF will continue to conduct traffic stops for those who are not in compliance. To address the issue of jurisdictional boundaries, I have requested for Caribinieri to accompany the NSF on traffic patrol so we can enforce driving regulations for everybody. Additionally, I have asked the Italian Commander to remind everyone about following the traffic regulations and if someone is driving in an extremely unsafe manner I will give their ID to him for possible punishment. As always, please exercise due regard while driving on and off the installation as well as following all traffic laws. I thank you for your comment and if you have any additional questions/concerns regarding this issue, please contact the Security Officer, LCDR Richmond at 624-6392.
Comment regarding “BZ for the XO”:
I want to give a BRAVO ZULU to CDR McKinney for his ninja-like presence on NAS 1 in the morning to record traffic violators. I would say the worst location is the road leading to the NEX on NAS 1. I had a close call on this road because a driver was pulling out of the NEX parking lot while talking on her phone, didn't stop at the stop sign, and had no blinker. I almost slammed into her. So praise be to CDR McKinney for identifying these violators. I wish there was a live feed with monitor in his office so he could know the best time of day to spring into action. Thank you CDR McKinney for making the base safer!
Response:
Thank you for taking the time to submit your comment.
I echo your gratitude to CDR McKinney for his dedication to ensuring the safety of our community and remind all Sig’ Citizens that driving safety is a shared responsibility.
Comment regarding “Reenlisting during DV Visits”:
I've heard over the next two or three months NAS Sigonella will be hosting several DVs. I understand that during their time here, DVs are often very busy, but would there be an opportunity to be reenlisted by one of these DVs? When I was stationed in Japan it was common practice, but I've never seen it done in Sigonella even though we host a high number of DVs. I am not up for reenlistment, I just thought I'd ask to create an opportunity.
Response:
Thank you for taking the time to submit your suggestion. I agree it would be a wonderful opportunity for our Sailors and will inquire during our next DV visit.
Comment regarding “Tour of Augusta Bay Ships”:
Having joined the Navy a short while ago, I thought my first command would be a ship, but it ended up being NAS Sigonella. No complaints, but I'd sure like to see the inside of a ship. Is there a possibility that the NASSIG CO could request a tour the next time a ship moors in Augusta Bay? It would be so cool to tour a ship especially since I won't be on a ship for the next two or three years. Thank you!
Response:
Thank you for raising the question. It is definitely possible. The next time a U.S. Navy ship is moored in Augusta Bay, base leadership will work with Port Ops to determine if a tour can be arranged.
Name: Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Alejandro Castillo Hometown: Modesto, Calif. Department: Housing With two barracks and around 350400 rooms, keeping them clean, maintained and responding to trouble calls is just part of Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Alejandro Castillo’s day. As a building supervisor for the Housing Department, Castillo also spends some of his time at the Housing front desk assisting customers. “I really like working at the front desk,” said Castillo. “You’re meeting everyone that’s coming through here either when they’re first arriving or as they’re leaving, and usually they’re excited on both ends.” Going to Housing can also be stressful for some people, and Castillo is there to ensure things go smoothly. “You might be coming from a new command, finding a new place to live in a foreign country – there is a lot to deal with,” said Castillo. “I find it rewarding being able to calm people down during a stressful situation.” Castillo enjoys the travel opportunities that being stationed overseas provides.
“I’ve been to a few places but plan on going to a lot more,” Castillo. “My last duty station was Japan, so the cultural differences are like night and day, I’ve been able to appreciate the differences.” Outside of work, Castillo enjoys riding his motorcycle around Sicily and playing soccer with a team out of Sigonella. “I enjoy playing soccer with the team from Sigonella. We won the championship a couple seasons ago.
Just getting a committed team is sometimes difficult but we’re getting there,” said Castillo. Additionally, Castillo volunteers his time with the Second Class Association and the American Red Cross. “I’m in school trying to do a masters program in social work while I’m here, I actually just extended so I will try to complete it while on shore duty,” said Castillo. “No matter where I’m at I’m trying to make a difference in people’s lives and it’s rewarding to me.”
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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 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 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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Arrive Alive: Don’t Drink and Drive From NAS Sigonella Safety Office
The statistics are as familiar as they are depressing. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD), two out of three people will be affected by drunk driving in their lifetime. The U.S. economic toll for deaths and injuries from such crashes is $52 billion annually. These costs, combined with the costs of other crashes, impact consumers who pay insurance premiums. Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens, and about a quarter of those crashes involve an underage drinking driver. But the statistics don't do justice to the pain and loss suffered by drunk driving victims and their families—the parents who have lost children, husbands and wives who have lost their spouses, kids who have lost their parents. Help the fight against drunk driving with these tips: • Choose a non-drinking designated driver if you will be consuming alcohol.
• Ask for a ride. There are many alternatives to help you get home safely. • Protect others by taking their keys if they attempt to drive after consuming alcohol. They may be mad at you, but the alternative could be much worse When throwing a party: • Offer non-alcoholic beverages. Water, juice, soda—give your guests plenty of alternatives. And never pressure guests to drink alcohol. • Serve plenty of food. Serve a great meal or have plenty of appetizers on hand. • Arrange alternate transportation. Pay attention to your guests' alcohol intake and behavior. Call a cab or set up a ride with a sober driver. • Never serve minors. THE BEST WAY TO AVOID A D.U.I IS TO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE. INSTEAD HAVE A PLAN! For more information please call the safety office at 624-5630 or 624-6261.
April 28, 2017
American Red Cross Needs Your Help! From American Red Cross Sigonella
Special Projects Team Lead: Coordinate and support Red Cross events. This leadership position is our primary event planning resource, to include agency cooperation, scheduling, budgeting, and event management. They collaborate across Red Cross teams to bring the Red Cross mission to the Sigonella community. • Time Commitment: Flexible with event surges. On average, this position requires less than 5 hours per week. Events may be conducted in the evenings or on weekends. • Qualifications: Excellent customer service skills, organizational skills, and great communication skills. No previous Red Cross experience required. Please submit a resume with your qualifications to sigonella@ redcross.org. For more information, contact us at 095-86-4900 or Sigonella@redcross.org
April 28, 2017
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SIGONELLA, Sicily (April 19, 2017) – Cmdr. Charles McKinney, executive officer of Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, practices self-defense techniques with Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Kevin Smith during a self-defense class as part of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month aboard NAS Sigonella. NAS Sigonella is an operational ashore base that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where they are needed and when they are needed to ensure security and stability in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Gordon/Released)
SIGONELLA, Sicily (April 19, 2017) – Master-at-Arms 1st Class Wesley Kesterson instructs self-defense techniques during a self-defense class as part of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month aboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella. NAS Sigonella is an operational ashore base that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where they are needed and when they are needed to ensure security and stability in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Gordon/Released)
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Mayor Of Italian Town Devastated by Earthquake Declares War on Selfies Story by The Telegraph
The mayor of Amatrice, the Italian hill town which bore the brunt of last summer’s powerful earthquake, has threatened to use a witch doctor’s wand to ward off tourists who take selfies of each other amid the rubble of the devastated community. Sergio Pirozzi said he was sick and tired of Italian and foreign tourists turning up and posing for photographs in the debris. “Don’t come to Amatrice to take selfies,” Mr. Pirozzi said on Monday, in comments that were widely reported in Italy. “I’ve had to chase away people who were photographing each other next to the rubble.” He said locals had gone through enough, losing their homes and livelihoods and in many cases their loved ones, without having to endure such macabre tourism. He followed up his warning with even more strongly worded remarks on Tuesday, threatening to use a stick given to him by a witchdoctor in West Africa to chase away offending daytrippers. “A witch doctor in Burkina Faso once sent me a stick which, he said, can chase off evil spirits. Next time this happens, I’ll bring along the shaman’s wand to ward off the selfie-taking.” He did not explain when or why a West African witchdoctor had sent him the unusual artifact. “The mother of imbeciles is always pregnant,” the mayor added, using a well-known Italian saying about people’s ignorance and stupidity. The governor of the Lazio region offered his solidarity to the mayor and said he understood his frustration. “The tragedies of these past months should not be turned into curiosities or souvenirs,” Nicola Zingaretti wrote on Twitter. Amatrice, in the central region of Lazio, was the epicenter of last August’s devastating earthquake, which killed around 300 people. The historic center of the town, which is famous as the birthplace of the cherished pasta all’Amatriciana, a rich sauce of tomato and pig jowl, was almost completely obliterated by the quake. Prince Charles visited Amatrice earlier this month as part of a six-day tour of Italy, telling the mayor: “The people of Britain mind very much what's happened to you all here.” Wearing a hard hat, he walked amid the smashed streets of the town, before laying a wreath at a monument to victims of the disaster. Among the fatalities were three Britons – 14-year-old Marcos Burnett, and Maria, 51, and William Henniker-Gotley, 55, family friends of the teenager's parents. They were on holiday with their families in a restored farmhouse in the hamlet of Sommati, a couple of miles from Amatrice, when the 6.1 magnitude quake struck in the early hours. Mrs. Henniker-Gotley worked for Children & the Arts, a charity which was founded by the Prince of Wales.
Court Blames Marriage Break-up on “Demonic Possession” Story by Corriere A ruling of a Milan court in separation proceedings mentions “happenings which even doctors and exorcists are unable to explain.” For the court, “The woman is not conscious of her actions, but in the grip of an external power.” It’s official: the Devil exists. At least according to the Civil Court of Milan. While acknowledging that a husband filing for separation was justified in complaining that his marriage had become unbearable due to his wife’s unexplainable obsessive behavior, which he attributed to demonic possession, the court did not feel it could blame the separation on his wife. The reason for the ruling was that doctors failed to find any medical explanation for her behavior, and that she “is not conscious of her actions, but in the grip of an external power.” If you could do with a laugh, have a look at the grounds for the judgment issued by Milan’s 9th Civil Division. Initially, it reads like any other separation case, with husband and wife at loggerheads, and two children in the middle. However, at a certain point the husband asks the court to attribute blame for the separation to his wife, whose “religious obsession” since 2007 had resulted in “violent, compulsive behavior” caused by “demonic possession.”
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Sicily, Italy (April 23, 2017) Sailors and Marines from NAS Sigonella take part in the annual Catania seafront cleanup as part of a NASSIG PAO community service project. About 40 Sigonella service members joined forces with over 60 local volunteers from non-profit groups, consumer associations, disaster relief volunteers, environmental organizations and students to collect litter and raise awareness about environmental preservation. (Photo by NASSIG COMREL Director Alberto Lunetta)
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Navy Installations Underway with Transitioning to Defense Biometric Identification System to Enhance Base Security From Commander, Navy Installations Command Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- In 2015 Navy installations began transitioning to the Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) to enhance base access control security. On April 17, the Navy began transitioning all vendors, contractors, sub-contractors, suppliers and service providers seeking base access who currently use or qualify for the Navy Commercial Access Control System (NCACS) from NCACS to DBIDS. The transition applies to installations in the continental United States, Hawaii and Guam. The transition that is currently underway from NCACS to DBIDS applies to all eligible vendors, contractors, sub-contractors, suppliers, and service providers. Those individuals with Department of Defense (DoD) approved sponsorship to conduct business with the Navy and/or tenant
commands aboard a Navy installation, who are not eligible for a common access card (CAC) also may apply for a DBIDS card. Current NCACS cardholders will have until July 15 to obtain a DBIDS credential at the local base Visitor Control Center. NCACS cards will no longer be accepted after July 15. Contractors, sub-contractors, vendors and suppliers who do not have an NCACS card will have up to 180 days to obtain their DBIDS credential. For information on how to obtain a DBIDS credential, go to www.cnic.navy.mil/om/dbids.html DBIDS increases installation security and communications by receiving frequent database updates on changes to personnel/credential status,
law enforcement warrants, lost/stolen cards, and force protection conditions. The system provides a continuous vetting anytime the DBIDS card is scanned at an installation entry point. For additional questions, please contact the local base Visitor Control Center. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/ usnavy. For more news from Commander, Navy Installations Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cni/.
Theodore Roosevelt hosts "Bridge Talks" PACFLT Initiative By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Rachael Treon USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Public Affairs
PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) (TR) held the first ever "Bridge Talks" to kick off U.S. Pacific Fleet's (PACFLT) new program "The Bridge," April 12. The Bridge is a program designed to give all Sailors, regardless of rank or experience, an opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas for improving the Navy. According to PACFLT, "The Bridge is a belief and a commitment. The belief that the best idea can come from anywhere, and a commitment that no Sailor is ever alone in pursuing a solution." Rear Adm. Jay Bynum, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9, addressed the Theodore Roosevelt crew following the event. "If you read the Navy design for maintaining maritime superiority, this is an urgency," said Bynum. "An existential urgency for the United States Navy that we accelerate our
learning, that we innovate, and that we create a culture where we hear from the people closest to the problem. They are poised to help us solve problems." Bridge Talks, a relaxed, open-discussion format presented and implemented by Cmdr. Jeremy Vellon, allows Sailors to share their ideas and missions in a non-judgmental environment. "I'm thrilled with the Sailors' reactions to the event," said Vellon. "I hope Sailors feel more comfortable engaging across ranks, across ships and across commands. I have a feeling the innovators aboard the TR will continue to grow with this program. As The Bridge finds its way around the fleet, it may take on different forms, but I think it's important to allow for that." Ideas could not only change life aboard the Theodore Roosevelt but could potentially impact the entire Navy. If selected, participants may earn
PACIFIC OCEAN (April 13, 2017) The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) transits the Pacific Ocean while conducting a tailored ship's training availability off the coast of Southern California. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Paul L. Archer/Released)
a trip to PACFLT, headquartered in Pearl Harbor, to present their idea during a Commander Conference Pitchfest. Four ideas pitched at Pitchfest during the pilot program are currently in the process of becoming operational. Those ideas included a pilot internship program, polar plot whiz wheel, cyber impact assessment and expeditionary maintenance capability.
Operations Specialist 1st Class Thomas Bauer, assigned to CSG9, presented his concept for better mentorship and individual treatment of Sailors in the Navy. "I believe in making Sailors the best they can be, not the best we think they should be," said Bauer. "We have the most technologically advanced and brightest Sailors the Navy has ever seen, but with that comes
new challenges that affect the way we, as a Navy, must operate moving forward. Sailors are not things we can impose our past or predispositions on. We must strive to reinforce the Navy's mission while also acknowledging the different leadership styles that will be necessary for the future."
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Frozen Fun in France By LT Andriana Genualdi
This past February I took a ski vacation with a group of friends to the ski resort area of Chamonix in the French Alps. We decided that since our group was large enough it would be economical for us to rent a private ski chalet that came with catering. Boy, are we glad we did! Not only was the skiing great, as there are five or six different ski resorts to choose from, but having a chef come in and prepare breakfast and dinner for us and a host to pick us up and drop us off at different resorts each day really made it a stress-free vacation. We started off skiing on a beautiful sunny day where we were actually quite warm on the slopes. The ski resorts offer a range of different ski runs for skiers of all skill levels. After spending some time on the bunny slopes getting our bearings we moved on to some more intermediate and advanced runs. Luckily for us our chalet had a hot tub and a sauna, so when we came home with sore legs after the first day out on the slopes
we were really able to relax and recover. After that first day the weather did get a little dicey. It ended up snowing every day after that, and because of the height of the mountains that meant that we were skiing in a cloud. That really affected our visibility when we were on the slopes, though the orange goggles we had helped. The weather conditions really made us appreciate our host at the chalet, because she was able to look up information about all of the resorts and recommend the best options for the day depending on which side of the mountain they were located on. Even with the recommendations we were skiing in near white-out conditions so we stayed together in groups and followed other skiers and snowboarders as they went down the runs. Unfortunately the weather conditions prevented us from going up to the lookout point on Mount Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps, due to high winds which shut down the cable car. They didn’t prevent us from going dogsledding though! We arranged for a dogsledding tour where we
each got to drive our own team of sled dogs through the snow. You could tell that the dogs loved the snow and were eager to run because we had to keep slowing them down to not catch up to the sled in front of them! I will say that it was quite a workout staying on the sled and leaning through the turns (and occasionally running behind the sled when you tipped over). We also got the opportunity to ski on the Italian side of the Alps one day after driving through the Mont Blanc Tunnel. We went to the Italian ski resort of Courmayeur and spent the day on the slopes and at the ski lodges doing après-ski, which is a kind of aperitivo on the slopes in all of your ski gear. Following that we took snowmobiles up to a mountain top restaurant for a full dinner followed by dancing, and then came back down on the snowmobiles in the dark! In all we were able to get quite a few days of skiing in, despite the weather, and really enjoy ourselves while partaking in all of the alpine activities available in the winter. I can’t wait to go back next year!
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April 28, 2017
NAS SIGONELLA COMMUNITY PAGE All Hands News Bulletin:
ANNUAL GRADUATION RECOGNITION CEREMONY
Command, Department or Organization: Navy College Office Date of Event: 13 June 2017 Time of Event: 1100 Location of Event: NAS I Chapel Point of Contact Name: Lou D'Angelo Point of Contact Phone Number: 624-4492 Point of Contact Email Address: lou.dangelo@umuc.edu Additional Information: Navy College Office Sigonella together with the on base universities and colleges will host a Graduation Recognition Ceremony on 13 June 2017 at the NAS I chapel. This ceremony is open to all graduates from all accredited institutions, base or stateside, who have received or will earn their degree (AA/AS, BA/BS, MA/MS, PhD, GED, CCAF) between Dec 2016 to Dec 2017. Please contact us to capture your information, order the cap and gown, get rehearsal info, and more. We sincerely welcome the Sigonella Community to witness and support our proud graduates on this very special day.
U.S. NAVY PROHIBITS ELECTRONIC NICOTINE DELIVERY SYSTEMS (ENDS)
Command, Department or Organization: Health Promotion Point of Contact Name: LT Katrina Lutfy Point of Contact Phone Number: 624-4950 Point of Contact Email Address: katrina.e.lutfy.mil@mail.mil
Sigonella Religious Ministries Department Worship Services
Additional Information: "Effective 14 May 2017, the USE, POSSESSION, STOWAGE, or CHARGING of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (electronic cigarettes, vaporizers, vapes, and mods), and all associated ENDS components, is TEMPORARILY PROHIBITED aboard ships, submarines, aircraft, boats, craft, and heavy machinery." This applies to Sailors, Marines, Military Sealift Command personnel and ANY people working on or visiting those units. ENDS may continue to be used at shore commands but ONLY in OUTDOOR, DESIGNATED SMOKING AREAS. Action steps: Please REMOVE all ENDS and ENDS components from all ships, submarines, aircraft, boats, craft, and heavy machinery upon return to homeport. Please ensure that all staff, family members, contractors and visitors are AWARE of this policy. Please SEPARATE BATTERIES from ENDS and properly store those batteries individually according to manufacturers' recommendations or by storing those batteries in one of the following containers: 1. ENDS manufacturers' original packaging. 2. Plastic wrap. 3. Plastic bag. 4. Any other electrically non-conductive storage container. More information can be found at: http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=99913. In 2016, ENDS explosions caused 23 mishaps in the Navy, resulting in 166 days of lost work time, 26 days of ho-
spitalization, and 250 days of light or restricted duty. Thank you for embracing this new policy to keep our community healthy and complete the mission safely. For tobacco cessation resources, contact Health Promotion at 624-4710 or visit us in Midtown on NAS I Monday-Friday, from 0730-1600.
Weekly Traffic Report: April 17 - April 24, 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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You’ve Got Mail!
By Tia Nichole McMillen NAVSUP Public Affairs
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – The Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Sigonella is in charge of all postal operations at NAS 1 and NAS 2. Many of you are familiar with the postal process and are excited to hear, “You’ve got mail!” To keep the process running smoothly, there are a few things you should remember: • The Military Postal System (MPS) is for personal use and the use of sponsored family members only. Use of the MPS to conduct a business or act on behalf of others not entitled to privileges is strictly prohibited. • Goods received duty free and/or tax free through the MPS may not be transferred to any person not authorized to use MPS. • Italian customs officials may conduct random, occasional customs inspections at U.S. military mail facilities. All goods are subject to customs inspection. Italian Law prohibits the shipment & receipt of certain items through the mail. Below are some of the more common items customs authorities are concerned with and will confiscate and/or destroy.
Prohibited Items: Hazardous material: A hazardous material is any article or substance capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety, or property during transportation. This includes articles such as corrosives, flammable or combustible items, poison, and radioactive material. Alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, and controlled substances: These items include intoxicating liquids and alcohol, tobacco and tobacco products, illegal drugs, and drug paraphernalia. Weapons: Illegal shipment of weapons, all types of firearms, and their spare parts through the mail will result in the initiation of criminal proceedings and seizures of the illegal items or firearms. These include weapons parts, ammunition, imitation arms, paint ball guns, replica weapons, and inert weapons. Perishable items and foodstuffs: These items include fruits, vegetables, plants and soil, salted, smoked, dried, or canned meats. Please note that some items, such as olive oil, may be shipped but must be packed in a particular way. Please ask the post office staff for information on shipping such items. Coffee and spices: These items include roasted or ground coffee; nutmeg, vanilla, salt, mineral salt, and saffron; saccharin and saccharin products. Stolen and counterfeit goods: Goods infringing the rights of a trademark holder by displaying a trademark which is either identical to a protected trademark, or by using an identification mark which cannot be distinguished in its essential aspects from such trademark are prohibited. Obscene Articles: These items include prints, paintings, cards, films, videotapes and other articles depicting obscene, nude or seminude persons are prohibited. If the pornographic literature deals with violence, sexual abuse of children or sexual activities of humans with animals, the possible criminal charges shall increase. The very possession of pornographic literature dealing with sexual abuse of children is prohibited. Remember, MPS privileges can be revoked if these rules are violated. BLUF: If you have a question about a good you would like to send or have sent, ask your local postal team. Contact information: James McCaffrey, Regional Postal Manager, james.mccaffrey@ eu.navy.mil, 624-2545.
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GAMEZONE
Find and circle all of the Hockey words that are hidden in the grid. The words may be hidden in any direction.
NORTH
AHEAD
REVERSE
BACKWARD
SIDEWAYS
RIGHT
BEHIND
SKYWARD
DOWN
TOWARD
FORWARD
WEST
BELOW EAST
LEFT
SOUTH UP
MEDIUM
AWAY
EASY
ABOVE
DIFFICULT
Directions
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SIGONELLA, Sicily (April 21, 2017) - Service members and civilians aboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella take off from the start line of the annual Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM) 5K run. NAS Sigonella is an operational ashore base that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where they are needed and when they are needed to ensure security and stability in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Gordon/Released)
SIGONELLA, Sicily (April 21, 2017) - Service members and civilians aboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella pose in a teal ribbon-shaped formation to signify the end of the Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. NAS Sigonella is an operational ashore base that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where they are needed and when they are needed to ensure security and stability in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Gordon/Released)
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"DEMONIC" cont'd from Pg. 6 Evidence filed during the preliminary phase of the proceedings in effect “basically confirmed the occurrence of the unexplained phenomena” reported by her husband (himself a practicing Catholic) and confirmed by many other parishioners, the parish priest, and a Capuchin monk. These include accounts of the woman suddenly becoming rigid or shaken by bodily convulsions, “requiring physical intervention to hold her down.” Other witnesses talk of her writhing and crawling across the church floor, and of lifting a heavy church pew with one hand and then flinging it against the altar, despite her slight build. She has even been reported as levitating and “flying through the air” for a considerable distance. When interviewed by the judges, she simply whispered that she “did not want to speak about” the events, which are being investigated by “an exorcist from the Diocese of Milan.” Her sister also “confirmed that in 2007” the woman “had started to feel troubled, and that her suffering was manifested in external phenomena beyond her control,” whose cause “no one
could explain.” A Capuchin monk said he was “shocked by the ‘poltergeist phenomena’ involving the woman, which he saw with his own eyes.” He added that she had been “assisted for several years by priests officially authorized to perform exorcisms.” The Court, clearly embarrassed by its own ruling, had a legal conundrum on its hands. “All the evidence confirms paroxysmal behavior on the part of the woman,” “bizarre events” and “phenomena that could not even be explained by a doctor,” who subjected the woman to “a thorough psychiatric assessment” and various clinical tests, only to conclude that “she is apparently not affected by any medical condition which can explain the phenomena.” Nevertheless, the court ruled that “the separation cannot be blamed on the wife, since she is not subjectively responsible for her behavior”: she shows no sign of intent, but neither is she acting a part or insane. “She is not conscious of her actions,” but at the same time is clearly “in the grip of an external power.” For the court, the “torments” and “unexplained phenomena suffered
by the woman are the cause rather than the consequence of her excessive religious fervor,” through which “she tries to find a cure for her ills.” The court thus ruled that no blame could be attributed for the separation. It assigned the family home to the husband, who will be obliged to pay maintenance for his wife.
Stinky Cooking Odors Constitute a Crime, Italy's Supreme Court Rules Story by The Telegraph
Cooking may be a national passion, but Italians who allow the pungent aroma of a simmering pot of pasta sauce or a vat of deep fried fish to waft into a neighbor’s home are committing a crime, the country’s highest court has ruled. In the best traditions of legalese the world over, the Court of Cassation in Rome even came up with a term for the offence – “olfactory molestation.” The ruling emerged from a long-running battle between neighbors in an apartment block in the town of Monfalcone on the Adriatic coast, close to the border with Slovenia. Residents complained about a married couple in
PAGE 15 their block cooking up vats of rich pasta sauces and “fritto misto di pesce” or mixed fried seafood, a dish that is as beloved to Italians as fish and chips are to the British. The squabble first ended up in a court in the town of Gorizia, where the couple who cooked the offending food were found guilty of anti-social behavior. They appealed to a higher court in the nearby city of Trieste, which in turn upheld the sentence. Not content with that decision, they then took the case all the way to the Court of Cassation in Rome, which after much deliberation upheld the rulings of the two lower courts. The judges in Rome said the couple’s enthusiastic cooking resulted in “the emission of odors and noises in the overhead apartment on the third floor,” owned by another couple. The smells were so strong that they were “beyond the limits of tolerability” and constituted what the court called “olfactory molestation.” One of the neighbors complained that when the couple was cooking, “The whole of my apartment became impregnated with the smell of the pasta sauce and the fried fish. It felt like their kitchen
was in my flat.” The Court of Cassation dismissed the offending couple’s earlier appeals and ordered them to pay a fine of 2,000 euros. Disputes over cooking smells are frequent in apartment blocks, said Matteo Santini, a lawyer who specializes in quarrels between neighbors. Some claim compensation for having to move residence, while others claim they suffer depression and even psychological trauma from the waft of cooking odors. “The courts have to strike the right balance (between people creating the smells and those complaining about them). There was a man who wanted to prosecute his neighbor because she cooked chicken soup at eight in the morning,” Mr. Santini told La Repubblica newspaper. One reason for the increase in complaints was Italy’s growing immigrant population, with Italians objecting to the aroma of “exotic” foods such as curries and stir fries heavy on garlic. Restaurants that produce strong cooking smells have been ordered to install better extraction fans and flues after neighbors in apartments above took them to court.
"Roosevelt" cont'd from Pg. 7 The Bridge program has no limitations on topic. The mission is to hear and consider all ideas, no matter how broad or specific. Electronics Technician 2nd Class Bethany Littlemoses, the final speaker at the event, introduced a more specific concept of a new and improved transitioning program for newly promoted petty officers. The program focuses on rate and rank specific leadership requirements to better prepare individual Sailors to serve aboard the Theodore Roosevelt. "This was absolutely phenomenal to be a part of," said Littlemoses. "I couldn't be more honored to be asked to share my idea and I hope others will share theirs. Sailors should feel empowered and unafraid. Leadership wants to hear what we have to say." Following the event, Sailors of all ranks, officer and
enlisted, came together to enjoy an ice cream social and discuss the presented topics, as well as their newly sparked ideas. "We're here to solve issues, to get better with resources, to take care of our people, and to empower them to become more capable Sailors so we can solve problems," said Bynum. Join the conversation with TR online at www,facebook. com/USSTheodoreRoosevelt and at www.Twitter.com/ TheRealCVN71 For more news from USS Theodore Roosevelt, visit www.Navy. mil/local/cvn71 For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/ usnavy, or http://www.twitter. com/usnavy.. For more news from USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn71/.
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