ECC Exercise:
Saint Agata:
Parents' Night Out:
Marine-Sailor Cooperation
Honoring Catania's Patron Saint
First Give Parents a Break
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January 29, 2016
Vol. 33 No. 4
CNE, 6th Fleet Master Chief visit NAS Sigonella By Nicole Ybarra NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – Adm. Mark Ferguson, Commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples, and FLTCM, Steven Giordano and their spouses paid a visit to NAS Sigonella and held an All Hands Call with Sailors, Jan. 21. During the visit, Mrs. Ferguson and Mrs. Giordano toured Housing, the Fleet and Family Support Center, the Hospital, DoDDS school and met with the NASSIG ombudsman to learn about quality of life issues aboard NAS Sigonella. Before the All Hands gathering, Ferguson visited Sailors at Patrol Squadron (VP) Nine and broke bread with others at the base galley. Opening the All Hands Call, Ferguson remarked on the increased tempo of operations in the European theater, noting the highest level of Russian submarine activity in the area in the past 20 years. He spoke to the growing strategic importance of NAS Sigonella as a central hub against a backdrop of Navy growth in Europe after years of decline. Following his remarks, Ferguson fielded questions from Sailors on topics ranging from enhanced security in light Adm. Mark Ferguson, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, speaks at a Patrol Squadron Nine (VP-9) all hands of recent terrorist attacks, particularly call during a scheduled visit to NAS Sigonella. U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, headquartered in Naples, Italy, oversees in Europe, billet-based distribution and joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests, security and stability in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Amber
"CNE" continued on Page 3 Porter/Released)
Sigonella Cub Scouts visit Catania’s World War II Museum BY JOE O’BRIEN Pack 53 Committee Member
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – Was James Bond “Agent 007” connected with the WWII liberation of Sicily? It was the creativity of British naval intelligence officer Ian Fleming (future James Bond author) who helped devise “Operation Mincemeat” to divert attention away from the planned Allied landing in Sicily. Bogus “top secret” documents planted on a corpse dressed as a British officer washed up on the coast of Spain and eventually made it into German hands. The ruse detailed Sardinia and Greece as landing spots for Allied troops rather than the obvious choice of Sicily. After seeing the documents, Hitler
Den Leader Greg Harris (right) prepares these Cub Scouts for their visit to Catania’s World War II Museum. Among the 16 parents and leaders supervising the 18 Cub Scouts and siblings, were Eagle Scout Chase Ward (rear) and his father, Dr. James Ward. (Photo by Joe O’Brien)
repositioned his troops, resulting in the success of “Operation Mincemeat.” Allied “Operation Husky,” began July 10, 1943, with 150,000 troops, 3,000 ships and 4,000 aircraft, all directed at the southern shores of Sicily. After 38 days of fighting, the U.S. and Great Britain successfully drove German and Italian troops from Sicily, creating a stronghold from which to reach the mainland. Last Saturday Pack 53 Cub Scouts Den Leader Greg Harris arranged for a field trip to Catania’s “Museo Storico dello Sbarco in Sicilia 1943” (Historical Museum of the Landing in Sicily 1943). Once inside the museum there is a full-size replica of a typical Italian town square. You can peer through doorways and windows into rooms furnished as they would have been in 1943: a tailor shop, a haberdashery, a stable, a small bedroom, and a Fascist Secretariat office. Over the balconies there is an Italian flag with the coat of arms of the Savoy family and over the Fascist headquarters is their motto: “Believe, Obey, Fight.” From there you hear the wail of a siren and are escorted down a dark corridor to the “Rifugio Antiaero” (anti-aircraft shelter). You are seated on long benches along the walls of a dark windowless concrete bunker and you begin to hear the sound of planes overhead, bombs dropping and the entire shelter shakes with each explosion. Once the “all-clear” is sounded you walk out into a bombed out version of the previous square. The effect is dramatic and sobering. The museum houses exhibits, audiovisuals and artifacts spread out over 32,000 sq. ft. and two floors. Display cases show authentic uniforms and weaponry of the Americans, British, Germans and Italians. One large room contains over 20 different types of machine guns on their turrets. The second floor features full-size wax likenesses of President Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, King Vittorio Emanuele III, Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler. There’s even a large field tent depicting the historic signing of the Armistice between Italy and the Allies on Sept. 3, 1943. The final exhibit has a mural showing rows of white headstones of the 2,135 fallen soldiers buried in Catania’s War Cemetery. In the center of the room is a stone memorial slab with a bronze likeness of a uniformed soldier lying in death. A large screen in the foreground scrolls the individual names and a voice reverently announces each one who made the ultimate sacrifice. “The Cub Scouts were fascinated by the animatronic German machine
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January 29, 2016
Direct Line Please let me take this opportunity to introduce myself as your new Safety Director. I am very pleased and lucky to join the Sigonella community and the base Safety Team. I recently arrived from my last duty station, Naval Base Kitsap, Navy Region North West. Just prior to my arrival I was TDY to CLDJ, Djibouti for nine months as the installation Explosive Safety Officer. I was born in San Pedro Sula, Honduras and raised in Los Angeles, Calif. These days I call Washington state home and yes, I am a Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Sounders fan. I have a wife and three kids that are in college back home. I have spent over 27 years working with the DOD community as a service member and civil service employee. My first tour of duty I was enlisted with the United States Navy Seabees “Can Do.” The Seabees were great; they offered me a lot of traveling
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Marlon Gomez, Safety Director Ciao Sigonella,
January 29, 2016
opportunities around the world, they took me to Okinawa, Japan; the Middle East during Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield; Puerto Rico; Panama; and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. After that, I spent three years at Naval Base Bangor, Wash. After Wash. I got out and moved back home and decided to use my G.I. Bill and go to college. After finishing college at Chapman University in Orange County, I joined the Army and commissioned as an Ordnance Officer, I spent 12 years in the Army and Army Reserves and after multiple deployments and unlimited traveling opportunities I retired and joined the Navy as a Civil Service member. I have joined a team of highly skilled and highly motivated professionals at the safety office; we are ready to serve you. I look forward to meeting every single one of you and working with you to contribute to the effectiveness and overall accomplishment of our mission here at Sigonella.
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 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. * If you submit a "BZ" about a specific person or department, PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR NAME in order to ensure comment authenticity and therefore publically 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!
the testing of biofuels in the Navy as part of the Great Green Fleet initiative. “Our ultimate goal is to get off of fossil fuels and so the entire Navy is moving in that direction as we look to save energy,” explained Ferguson. When asked about what he believes is the greatest change during his 42 years of service, Ferguson remarked on the significant role of global connectivity and the evolution of IT, as well as the professionalization of the enlisted force. In closing, he thanked Sailors for their professionalism and dedication, noting, “When the history books are written, it will be about the transformation of the all volunteer force and how well you all are doing…You are the finest military in the world,” said Ferguson. Naval Air Station 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. For more news from Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnre/.
THE SIGNATURE U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA Commanding Officer Capt. Chris Dennis Executive Officer Cmdr. Charles G. McKinney II Command Master Chief CMDCM Mike Kaszubowski EDITORIAL Public Affairs Officer Lt. Paul Newell paul.newell@eu.navy.mil Assistant Public Affairs Officer Lt. Jake Barreiro jake.barreiro@eu.navy.mil Editor Nicole Ybarra nicole.ybarra@eu.navy.mil Community Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil PAO Staff Writers \ Photographers MC1 Tony D. Curtis anthony.curtis@eu.navy.mil MC2 Ramon Go ramon.go@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.
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".
First baby of 2016 "welcomed aboard" at USNH Sigonella by HM2 Joseph Castro and Joe O’Brien U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – “Happy” is usually the first word spoken to start the New Year for most of us. For one particular Sigonella family, the year 2016 began with a bundle of bliss that came from bringing new life into the world. At 1:19 am, Tuesday, Jan. 5, the announcement from the U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella Quarterdeck rang the arrival of U.S. Navy Baby Boy, Matthew Benjamin – much to the delight of first-time parents, Rachel and Lt. Joshua Rosenbush. No celebration is complete without cake, flowers and for this particular occasion, a diaper train. The Sigonella Nurses’ Association organized an official celebration in the Medical Homeport reception area Jan. 20 for the Rosenbush family. U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella Commanding Officer, Capt. William Davidson, noted how truly uplifting the occasion was. “Welcoming new life into this world certainly buoys the spirit,” he remarked. “Rachel and Josh are representative of the wonderful patients we have the privilege of caring for at our hospital.” As new parents, Rachel and Josh reflected on how much their lives have been revolutionized. “I have looked forward to becoming a mom my entire life,” Rachel said, “and it is simply so much better than I could have imagined. The amount of love you can have for someone so small is surprising! I am also still in awe at the ability to actually function on so little sleep!” “As first time parents, we are soaking up every minute,” Josh added “and we are definitely enjoying the incredible awe that comes with the miracle of a new life.” A medical team composed of doctors, nurses and corpsmen was instrumental in the healthy
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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.
Adm. Mark Ferguson, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, speaks at an all hands call and poses for photos during a scheduled visit to NAS Sigonella. U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, headquartered in Naples, Italy, oversees joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests, security and stability in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ramon Go/Released) USNH Sigonella Commanding Officer, Captain William Davidson prepares to cut the cake with a ceremonial sword for the first newborn of 2016 celebration: Matthew Benjamin Rosenbush with his parents, Rachel and Joshua. (U.S. Navy Photo by Hospitalman Ian Bayne)
delivery of Baby Matthew. “The hospital staff was so incredibly generous, responsive, and caring,” Rachel noted. “We could not have asked for more from the medical team who cared so much for our needs.” U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella first opened its doors on Jan. 28, 1993 and it certainly is no stranger at giving new light to the world with babies being welcomed aboard. The plaque outside the hospital reads, “This building is dedicated to William J. Anthony, Jr., the first child born within; to reflect the hope and the care for the future of all that shall follow – to reflect what will come, not what is past.” On the hospital’s 20th anniversary last 2013, Wil-
liam J. Anthony, Jr. was found to be a midshipman at the Naval Academy; today he is a young Naval Officer. Many events have transpired in the halls of U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella. All throughout its short history, the staff has had the privilege of taking care of the best patients on the planet: our warfighters, their families, beneficiaries and retirees. Rendering support to the Navy’s mission includes the well-being of our families, especially the little ones who are our future. Year 2016 is off to a great start for the Sigonella community as we celebrate new life and the camaraderie that keeps our community strong and resilient.
The Signature will not publish anyanonymous 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. cnic.navy.mil/sigonella
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January 29, 2016
January 29, 2016
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Nearly 100 Marines and Sailors with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa established an evacuation control center (ECC) for an exercise at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella. The exercise prepared the crisis response unit for a military assisted departure mission. The passenger terminal used hosted a real ECC 19 months ago when SPMAGTF-CR-AF, assisted in the evacuation of U.S. personnel from the U.S. embassy in Tripoli, Libya. U.S. citizens and embassy personnel traveled by ground convoy to neighboring Tunisia, before being flown to NAS Sigonella, where they were processed through the ECC before moving on to other locations. (U.S. Marine photo by Staff Sgt. Bryan Peterson/Released)
Marines, Sailors work together during evacuation control center exercise By Staff Sgt. Bryan Peterson SPMAGTF-CR-AF Public Affairs
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – In July 2014, U.S. Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa based out of Morón Air Base, Spain, evacuated U.S. citizens and embassy personnel from Tripoli, Libya. Americans traveled by ground convoy to neighboring Tunisia, before being flown to Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, where they were processed through an evacuation control center, or ECC, before moving on to other locations. U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Jason L. Slama, the leading chief petty officer for Emergency Management Services at NAS Sigonella, remembers the
ECC all too well, as he worked to ensure all services were available and in place for the evacuees. “It was a rough time for the people being evacuated,” said Slama. “We knew, ahead of time, that the evacuation was going to happen, just not exactly when. The base personnel started planning immediately to make sure that all areas were covered to mitigate any issues that would have come up. Preparation was key to making the ECC a success.” Nineteen months and four rotations of SPMAGTF-CR-AF later, NAS Sigonella is once again the site of an ECC. The current rotation of SPMAGTF-CR-AF worked with permanent NAS Sigonella personnel to establish an ECC at NAS Sigonella as an exercise, Jan. 14. The drill helped keep the crisis response unit prepared for a military
assisted departure, or MAD, mission. In a real-world situation, once the Department of State requests a MAD, U.S. Africa Command would send SPMAGTF-CR-AF Marines and Sailors into the unstable area to evacuate U.S. citizens, embassy personnel, designated host-nation and thirdcountry nationals, and prepare them for follow-on movement to a temporary safe haven or the U.S. The ECC services include verifying identities, medical assistance, individual contraband searches, administrative processing, among others, to “ensure people with medical issues are taken care of and to safeguard against any possible contraband getting past security that could threaten lives,” said 1st Lt.
"ECC" continued on Page 5
Need an appointment at the hospital? Call DSN 624-CARE (2273) or commercial: 095-56-2273, M - F: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. For non-emergent medical questions that arise over the Weekend, Holidays, or after office hours, please call the Nurse Advice Line at 800-877-660 (local/Italy only) Need a medication refill or results from your Provider? Create an account with Relay Health using your PCM... www.relayhealth.com (click: register, patient, then add PCM)
PAGE 5 only the Marines and Sailors who were working the ECC, but the role players, as well,” said Cabbage. “Without them buying into the training, this would have just been another exercise. Because of the acting, the Marines and Sailors were able to get a better glimpse into how to do this and all parties did an incredible job. The Marines and Sailors involved were assertive, while also being understanding and empathetic to all the evacuees and I couldn’t be prouder of the success today.”
John M. Cabbage, the ECC and SPMAGTFCR-AF Headquarters Company officer in charge. “The most recent evacuation more than a year ago makes this all the more relevant to why we are here. When we conduct these ECC exercises, it helps us to refine our skillset, should one happen again,” said Cabbage. “The people who are evacuated are taken away from their everyday life and we need to make sure they’re taken care of. There will be uncertainty for them, but we need to make sure that all the personnel who arrive here match our database for entry, and are checked for highly infectious diseases and contraband. This is about safety for everyone.” During the exercise, the role players, some who played the roles of pregnant women, highly contagious people or were disruptive, made the training more realistic. In one scenario, a Marine who saw a U.S. citizen having an anxiety attack quickly responded and brought the person to medical for further evaluation. In another, Marines quickly deescalated a situation when an embassy employee was complaining about being pat down because he did not pose a threat because he was an American citizen. The ECC exercise mim- A Marine with the Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force icked the operation that hap- Crisis Response-Africa inspects a Sailor at the Naval Air Station pened in 2014, where only Sigonella terminal during a simulated exercise for evacuation U.S. citizens were evacuated. control center (ECC). The exercise prepared the crisis response unit Cabbage stressed to the Ma- for a military assisted departure mission. The passenger terminal rines and Sailors there was used hosted a real ECC 19 months ago when SPMAGTF-CR-AF, no “reasonable belief that the assisted in the evacuation of U.S. personnel from the U.S. embassy evacuees would cause any in Tripoli, Libya. U.S. citizens and embassy personnel traveled by danger,” but to understand ground convoy to neighboring Tunisia, before being flown to NAS they are being thrown into Sigonella, where they were processed through the ECC before this situation. moving on to other locations. (U.S. Marine photo by Staff Sgt. “I have to give it to not Bryan Peterson/Released)
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January 29, 2016
Saint Agata three-day festival honors Catania’s patron saint Story by Dr. Alberto Lunetta photos by turi calafato
“Semu divoti tutti? Cettu, Cettu, Citatini, viva Sant’Aita!”(Are we all devotees? Yes, of course, sure, Townspeople, long live St. Agata!)." You will hear these lyrics over and over during the upcoming grand religious festival celebrating Catania’s patron saint, Feb. 3-5. The enthusiasm for this popular saint and the devotion behind it cannot be expressed through words. You just have to go out there and live the experience! Whether you are Catholic or not, this festival will definitely amaze you with its lively festivities. Every year, thousands of Catanians swarm the streets of the historic center to show their lifelong devotion to their beloved 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 in procession. It happens only once a year so it is must-see event which is the third largest religious celebration in the world. According to an ancient tradition, Saint Agata is considered a salvatrice (savior) because she rescued Catania several times over the centuries, especially during earthquakes and lava eruptions. Legend has it that her holy purple-colored veil (called limpia in Sicilian) stopped two particularly 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 the town of 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 mummified body is preserved inside the cathedral, led this latter 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 Etna 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 she was born. But it appears that the Catania townspeople won! After nearly a year of preparation, the festa features thousands of devotees of all ages crowding the streets of the historic center dressed in white tunics (green for women) named in Sicilian saccu, gloves, a handkerchief, and black skullcap (in Sicilian, a scuzzitta). According to tradition, the saccu symbolizes the nightdress that the Catanians wore when they welcomed the return from Turkey of the Saint’s relics on Aug. 17, 1126. Historic chronicles tell that it was a great feast for the Catania community whose residents waived white handkerchiefs to show their enthusiasm. Other historic accounts link the white tunic tradition to either the ancient Egyptian cult of Goddess Isis or the penitential garment worn by priests. Giorgio Maniace, a Byzantine general, stole the relics as a war trophy and took them to Constantinople (the ancient Istanbul) in 1040. 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 pounds) candelabrum-shaped gilded wooden structure. They are decorated with statues depicting angels, saints, pennons and flowers. Scenes from the Saint Agata 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 a single person 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” 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 carriage on which the bust depicting Saint Agata and several crystal and 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 lies on a magnificent pedestal and it’s cut just under the waist. Hundreds among precious jewels cover the statue. Most of them come from donations of devotees called ex voto. The magnificent golden crown studded with gems donated by English 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 remains 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 will 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 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. But Agata never wavered and resisted all attempts. Therefore, Quintianus, miffed by Agata’s firmness, inflicted terrible and repeated torture upon her such as the horrific cutting off of her breast. This detail was often depicted in the Christian medieval paintings as a peculiar characteristic 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 to Agata to be stop. Thus, a riot broke out in the city forcing Quintianus to stop the infamous execution. Agata was
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U.S. NAVY HEADLINES January 29, 2016
THE SIGNATURE
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SECNAV, SECAG launch Great Green Fleet From Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations, and Environment
CORONADO, Calif. (NNS) -- Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack kicked off the Great Green Fleet Jan. 20, with the deployment of the USS John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCS CSG) during a ceremony at Naval Air Station North Island. The Great Green Fleet is a Department of the Navy initiative highlighting how the Navy and Marine Corps are using energy efficiency and alternative energy to increase combat capability and operational flexibility. At the close of the ceremony, the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106) left the pier to begin its deployment, becoming the first U.S. Navy ship running on an alternative fuel blend as part of its regular operations. "When it comes to power, my focus has been about one thing and one thing only: better warfighting," said Mabus. "The Great Green Fleet shows how we are transforming our energy use to make us better warfighters, to go farther, stay longer and deliver more firepower. In short, to enable us to provide the global presence that is our mission." The blend fueling the JCS CSG's surface ships contains alternative fuel made from waste beef fat provided by farmers in the Midwest. It was purchased at a cost-competitive price through a partnership between the Department of the Navy and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) aimed at making alternative fuel blends a regular part of the military's bulk operational fuel supply. With the USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) and Stockdale in the background, Mabus and Vilsack explained why this milestone alternative fuel purchase is important to the Navy and Marine Corps, and how it supports America's farmers, ranchers and rural manufacturing jobs. Mabus said, "Diversifying our energy sources
Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus shows Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack a fuel sample of alternative fuel aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110). Mabus and Vilsack flew out to William P. Lawrence to witness it replenishing its tanks with the fuel, made from waste beef fat, from the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Guadalupe (T-AO 200) as part of the Department of the Navy's Great Green Fleet initiative that demonstrates the sea service's efforts to transform its energy use. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Armando Gonzales/Released)
arms us with operational flexibility and strengthens our ability to provide presence, turning the tables on those who would use energy as a weapon against us." "The Navy's use of renewable energy in the Great Green Fleet represents its ability to diversify its energy sources, and also our nation's ability to take what would be a waste product and create homegrown, clean, advanced biofuels to support a variety of transportation needs," said Vilsack. "Today's deployment proves that America is on its way to a secure, clean energy future, where both defense and commercial transportation can be fueled by our own hardworking farmers and ranchers, reduce landfill waste and bring manufacturing jobs back to rural America." JCS CSG, the centerpiece of the Great Green Fleet, deployed using energy conservation measures (ECMs), including stern flaps, LED lights and energy efficient operational procedures, and alternative fuel in the course of its nor-
mal operations. Other ships, aircraft, amphibious and expeditionary forces and shore installations using ECMs and/or alternative fuels in the course of performing planned mission functions will be part of the Great Green Fleet throughout 2016. Stockdale is the first surface combatant to receive alternative fuel as part of its regular operational supply. Following the ceremony, Mabus and Vilsack flew out to the destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) to witness it replenishing its tanks with alternative fuel from fleet replenishment oiler USNS Guadalupe (T-AO 200). The remainder of the CSG's surface ships will receive fuel from fast combat support ship USNS Rainier (T-AOE 7), which will take on over 3 million gallons of the alternative fuel blend in Washington state before joining the CSG on deployment. The advanced fuel blend was produced by California-based AltAir Fuels from a feedstock of beef tallow - waste beef fat - provided by Midwest farmers and ranchers, and traditional petroleum provided by Tesoro. Pursuant to Navy requirements, the alternative fuel is drop-in, meaning it requires no changes to ship engines, transport or delivery equipment, or operational procedures. The Defense Logistics Agency awarded a contract to AltAir Fuels for 77.6 million gallons of the alternative fuel blend, at a cost to DLA of $2.05 per gallon, making it cost competitive with traditional fuel. Through the Commodity Credit Corporation, USDA is able to partner with the Navy to help diversify its fuel supply and simultaneously support America's own farmers, ranchers and rural economies. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53), and guidedmissile destroyers USS Stockdale, USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) and USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) are part of the JCS CSG. Sailing the Great Green Fleet (GGF) in 2016 was one of the five energy goals Mabus set in 2009 for the Navy and Marine Corps. It was named to honor President Theodore Roosevelt's Great White Fleet, which helped usher in America as a global power on the world stage at the beginning of the 20th Century. The GGF will usher in the next era of Navy and Marine Corp energy innovation.
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"SAINT AGATA" continued from Page 6 then brought back to her prison where she died right after. It was Feb. 5, 251 AD. Later on the same day, the evil Quintianus, who was fleeing because he feared the riot, drowned in the river Simeto. Festival schedule On Feb. 3, the celebration begins with holy masses celebrated at the Cathedral at 7:30 a.m. and 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 head 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 choral music concert is held during the morning at the cathedral. A half-hour later, Catania Fire Brigade officials offer a floral gift to the Saint. The celebration day will end in the evening around 8 p.m. with a spectacular fireworks’ show in piazza Duomo called “I fochi do tri” (the fireworks performed on the evening of Feb.3rd). Feb. 4 begins with the display of the saint’s relics at the cathedral at 5 a.m. After that, the traditional “Messa dell’Aurora” (Dawn Holy Mass) is held 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 and screaming devotes who compete for the best spot to see the saint statue. 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 (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 carriage, 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, via Aurora, via Palermo, piazza Palestro, via Garibaldi, via Plebiscito, via Dusmet and eventually back again to piazza Duomo through Porta Uzeda. On Feb. 5, a solemn holy mass is celebrated at the Cathedral at 10:30 a.m. by all Sicily’s Cardinals, bishops jointly with local priests. Traditionally, a high-ranking religious guest of honor leads the mass. This year the guest will be Palermo Archbishop Corrado Lorefice. During the mass, the “Cappella Musicale del Duomo” (the Cathedral Cantata Singers) sing a magnificent High Mass. In the afternoon, another bishop celebrates a holy mass at 4:30 p.m. at the Cathedral. Later, the most spectacular Saint Agata procession starts from piazza Duomo around 5 p.m. Crossing via Etnea it moves ahead 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
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its way back to piazza Duomo in the morning on Feb. 6. Running fast, devotees pull the Saint carriage up to via San Giuliano. 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. Eventually, the saint is brought back to the Cathedral. Complementing the festival, the traditional “Fiera di Sant’Agata” or Saint Agata Fair, featuring over 100 booths selling clothes, shoes, toys and foodstuff, will be set up all day long near the Catania airport through Feb. 5. On Sunday, Jan. 31, museums and downtown shops will be open until late night. A traditional concert dedicated to Sant’Agata will be performed at the Bellini Opera House on February 2. Since Sant’Agata is also the patroness saint of breast cancer patients, breast cancer awareness initiatives will also be held during the festival. There will also be a plethora of sports initiatives and competitions (cycling, volleyball, athletics, swimming, table tennis, chess, archery, football and track event) as well as cultural events such as conferences, meetings that will be held in the most beautiful venues of the city historic heart. Among the highlights, there will be the 14th edition of the artistic fashion exhibition, named “Agata Anima Mundi,” which is dedicated to Saint Agata whose life was an example of purity and holiness. Running from Feb. 2-6 at the Museo Diocesano (the Cathedral Museum located in piazza Duomo), the exhibition is curated by Liliana Nigro, the costume history teacher of the Catania Art Academy. For more information and detailed schedules, visit http://www.circolosantagata.it/ St. Agata traditional sweets For those of you with a sweet tooth, the Saint Agata festival has a lot to offer. Don’t forget to linger in the pasticcerie (pastry shops) and festival’s street booths to taste the traditional “Olivette di Sant’Agata”or (Saint’Agata’s small olives) and the traditional torrone (nougat). Those olive-shaped almond sweets are related to the Saint Agata celebrations because they remind of an episode occurred during her life. Tradition holds that, when Agata was on her way to stand trial before Quintianus, she bent to tie her sandal. As she did that, an olive tree miraculously sprouted where she had stepped. After St. Agata’s death, those olives were preserved as relics. Olivette could also be covered with chocolate. Another traditional cake is the Cassatella di Sant’Agata, whose shape recalls the saint’s martyrdom (she underwent the cutting off of her breast). Torrone or nougat is made with sugar, honey, egg whites, almonds and hazelnuts. As tradition says, it was first prepared for the wedding banquet of Bianca Maria Visconti and the duke of Milan, Francesco Sforza that took place in Cremona in 1441. Historic sources tell that the chefs shaped the Torrone as the 13th century tower, which still flanks Cremona’s cathedral, because it was included in bride’s dowry. The tower was named Torrione (in Italian, big tower), thus the dessert was given the name Torrone. Historic sources say the guests of the wedding banquet, who came from every part of Italy and Europe, were so impressed by the savory taste of Torrone that they praised its delicacy as they went back home. Therefore, Torrone earned a worldwide reputation. Torrone has many different flavors. The traditional hard white one includes almonds or hazelnuts, but it can be enriched with liqueurs like rum, Gran Marnier and Strega; chocolate and also frosted with lemon, pistachio or orange icings.
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All Hands News Bulletin:
facebook.com/notes/mwr-sigonella/adjusted-mwr-hours-for-30january-2016/880701542049800
POWER OUTAGE: PWD has a scheduled power outage for NAS 1 on 30 January 2016 from 0001-1200. This outage will affect all facilities with the exception of the Hospital. In an effort to minimize impact to residents and patrons, PWD has coordinated with the local power company Enel to conduct a repair, and perform scheduled maintenance of the substation supplying power to all NAS 1. Friday (29 JAN) Saturday (30 JAN) -- Connections: Secured at 2300 -- Midtown: Opens at 1200 -- Bowling Center: 1200-2400 -- Bowling Center: Secured at 2300 -- Fitness Center: 1200-1730 -- ITT / ODR: Closed -- Theater: Opens at 1400 -- Connections: 1800-0100
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Youth Sports is looking for dedicated volunteers to help coach during the upcoming MWR Youth Basketball season for ages 5-18. If you are interested in coaching by yourself or with a group of friends, please contact Youth Sports at eric.barge@eu.navy.mil or 624-1750. The season runs from the first week of February and ends the last weekend in March.
For more information, please call 624-0511 or visit https://www.
academic advisor appointments: University of Maryland University College is taking appointments to meet with a UMUC Academic Advisor. You do not have to be a UMUC student in order to make an appointment. Have your military transcripts and any previous college evaluated on-the-spot to see how close you are to a college degree with UMUC. For an appointment, contact UMUC Sigonella at: DSN 624-4492, civ 095-564492 or email Sigonella-Europe@umuc.edu
Sigonella Religious Ministries Department Worship Services Phone Numbers: NAS I 095-56-3975, NAS II 095-86-9049, Chaplain Duty: 335-831-4493, RP Duty: 335-786-1950. Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Naval Air Station Sigonella Chapel ROMAN CATHOLIC • Sunday - 9 a.m. Catholic Mass at NAS 1 Chapel • Tuesday - Friday - 11:30 a.m. at NAS 1 or NAS 2 Chapel PROTESTANT WORSHIP SERVICE • Sunday - 11 a.m. Traditional Worship at NAS 1 Chapel; 6 p.m. Non-Denominational Sunday at NAS 2 Chapel • Wednesday - 7 p.m. Bible Study at NAS 2 PROTESTANT MEN OF THE CHAPEL • Wednesdays 6 a.m. @ NAS 1 Fellowship Hall PROTESTANT WOMEN OF THE CHAPEL • Tuesdays - 9 a.m. at NAS 1 Fellowship Hall; Thursdays 5 p.m. @ NAS 1 Fellowship Hall LATTER-DAY SAINTS • Sunday - 1:30 p.m. at NAS 1 Chapel Contact: sigonellalds@gmail.com or 624-9049
CLUB BEYOND • Middle School Club & Small Group - Tuesday - 2:45 - 4:45 p.m. at NAS 1 Chapel • High School Club and Small Group - Wednesdays - 6 - 8 p.m. at Marinai Home Catholic Religious Education • September - June - 10:30 a.m. at DoDDS Knights of Columbus • First Wednesday of the month - 5 p.m. at NAS 2 Chapel NIGHT STUDY • AA Meetings - Monday - 5:30 p.m., 2nd Floor at NAS 1 Chapel; Thursday - 7 p.m. at NAS 2 Chapel • AA Family Group - Tuesday - 7 p.m. at NAS 2 Chapel • Tuesday - Italian Class - 7 p.m. at NAS 1 Chapel Classroom • Tuesday - Awana Club - 4:45 p.m at NAS 1 Chapel
Weekly Traffic Reports: Jan. 18 - 25, 2016
Ristorante Bella Etna Friday, Jan. 29 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Corned Beef Hash, Oven Fried Bacon, Home Fried Potatoes Lunch: Roast Pork, Baked Chicken, Oven-Glo Potatoes Speed Line: Freshly Made Pizza Dinner: Italian Sausage w/ Peppers & Onions, Lemon Baked Fish, Steamed Rice Saturday, Jan. 30 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Grilled Ham Steak, Creamed Ground Beef w/ Toast, Hash Brown Patty Brunch: Eggs to Order, Grilled Ham Steak, Creamed Beef w/ Toast, Sauerbraten, Hash Brown Patty Dinner: Salisbury Steak, Fishwich, Oven Browned Potatoes
Breakfast: $3.45 Mon - Fri: 6:30 - 8:30 a.m. Weekend / Holiday: 7-9 a.m.
Lunch: $5.55 Mon - Fri: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Weekend / Holiday: 11 a.m. -1 p.m.
Dinner: $4.85 Mon - Fri: 4:30 - 6 p.m. Weekend / Holiday: 4:30 -6 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 31 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Grilled Minute Steak, Oven Fried Bacon, Home Fried Potatoes Brunch: Eggs to Order, Grilled Minute Steak, Oven Fried Bacon, Chicken Fried Steak, Home Fried Potatoes Dinner: Oven Fried Chicken Fillet, Spaghetti w/ Meatballs, Baked Potatoes
Tuesday, Feb. 2 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Oven fried Bacon, Corned Beef Hash, Home Fried Potatoes Lunch: Chicken Fajitas, Beef Tacos, Mexican Rice, Refried Beans Speed Line: Chili Dogs, Onion Rings Dinner: Beef Stew, Baked Stuffed Pork Chops, Steamed Rice
Thursday, Feb. 4 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Sausage Gravy w/ Biscuit, Grilled Minute Steak, Home Fried Potatoes Lunch: Roast Pork, Chicken in Orange Sauce, Rice Pilaf, Mashed Potatoes Speed Line: Pasta Bar Dinner: Chili Con Carne, Italian Sausage w/ Onions & Peppers, Steamed Rice
Monday, Feb. 1 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Grilled Sausage Patties, Minced Beef w/ Toast, O’Brien Potatoes Lunch: Meat Loaf, Grilled Salmon, Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Rice Speed Line: Freshly Made Pizza Dinner: Ravioli, Herbed Baked Chicken, Rice Pilaf
Wednesday, Feb. 3 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Oven Fried Bacon, Creamed Ground Beef w/ Toast, Hash Brown Patty Lunch: Lasagna, Turkey Pot Pie, Spring Garden Rice Speed Line: Grilled Hamburgers Dinner: Beef Porcupines, Chicken Tetrazzini, Oven Browned Potatoes
Friday, Feb. 5 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Oven Fried Bacon, Corned Beef Hash, O’Brien Potatoes Lunch: Hamburger Yakisoba, Chipper Fish, Rosemary Roasted Potato Wedges Speed Line: Freshly Made Pizza Dinner: Pasta Alfredo, Fishwich, Italian Roasted Potatoes
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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Nine tips for coping with a crying baby NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – Your baby is the cutest of them all, of course, with those sweet little cheeks, eat-‘em-up toes and... a set of lungs that make for a promising opera career. No, there's never a doubt when baby needs something and, good parent that you are, you probably try to soothe your tiny one back to coos and smiles. But it might not always work. Sometimes babies just need to cry. Like many other things with infants, intense crying is often a phase that will pass. That said, even the most patient parent can have a hard time with a crying baby, which is why it can be helpful to have some parenting tips and tricks up your sleeve: Soothe your crying baby • Meet your baby's basic needs. It could be that baby is hungry, wet, messy, too hot or too cold. Or the problem could be something less obvious, like your baby is lying on a toy. Troubleshooting could be the key to success here. • Make sure your baby isn't sick. We all have those days when we’re not feeling great, and that might be the case with your crying baby. Check your baby’s temperature, be on the lookout for diaper or other rashes, and listen to your baby’s breathing. If you have questions, call your doctor's office. • Try a pacifier. Sometimes a baby can be comforted by sucking. In this case, the mighty binky could be a solution. If your baby’s tiny, you might have to hold the binky, but you might not mind — especially if it works. • Walk your baby in the stroller or go for a ride
in the car. Three … two … one … peace. Motion can sometimes help soothe a crying baby. You might also try a baby swing if your baby is old enough. • Harness the power of sound. Sometimes clothes tumbling in a dryer, soft music or a white noise smart phone app will comfort a crying baby. You can also talk or sing to your baby (but don’t think you’re a bad singer if it doesn't work). To soothe yourself Contact the New Parent Support Program for in-home support with your new baby. Ask them for more information about the Period of PURPLE Crying and online resources to share with family, friends, and your baby's caregivers. Your baby is awesome, and your love for your baby is obvious. But parenting isn't easy, and the first few months may be some of the hardest, especially if your baby cries a lot. For the sake of stress management, try to keep the following in mind if you start to feel overwhelmed: • All babies cry. Crying is normal, especially in the late afternoon and evening during what is sometimes referred to as "the witching hour." Just try to remind yourself the crying won't last forever. • Take a step back. If the crying is getting to you, take a break, ask for help, and remember you're doing a great job. To soften the sound of sobs, you can try putting baby in a safe place like a crib, shutting the door and checking back every five or ten minutes.
GAMEZONE
Radiohead Songs
Find and circle all of the Radiohead songs that are hidden in the grid. The remaining letters spell an additional song by Radiohead.
• Calm your nerves. Take a long, deep breath. Do some jumping jacks, call a good friend or light a candle. Do whatever healthy thing it takes to relax a little. • Remember, don't shake your baby. Shaking a baby can cause serious injury or death. If you get to the point where you feel you can't take the crying, put your baby safely in the crib and step away for a few minutes. If you can, call a friend or your spouse to help, or call FFSC to schedule a confidential, counseling session. For more tools and resources to help you manage life with your new baby, contact the New Parent Support Coordinator at 624-4291 or visit Military OneSource's parenting webpage. The Fleet and Family Support Center also offers a wide variety of support services. To learn more about classes, workshops and counseling services, contact the Fleet and Family Support Center at DSN: 624-4291, Commercial: 095 56 4291.
AIRBAG ALL I NEED BLACK STAR BLOW OUT BODYSNATCHERS BONES CREEP ELECTIONEERING FAUST ARP FITTER HAPPIER HIGH AND DRY HUNTING BEARS IN LIMBO
JUST KARMA POLICE KID A KNIVES OUT LET DOWN LUCKY LURGEE MORNING BELL MY IRON LUNG NICE DREAM NO SURPRISES NUDE OPTIMISTIC
PARANOID ANDROID PLANET TELEX PROVE YOURSELF PYRAMID SONG RECKONER RIPCORD SULK THE BENDS THE TOURIST TREEFINGERS VEGETABLE VIDEOTAPE
DIFFICULT
From Fleet and Family Support Center
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In the center of the room is a stone memorial slab with a bronze likeness of a uniformed soldier. A large screen in the foreground scrolls the individual names and a voice reverently announces each one who made the ultimate sacrifice during Operation Husky. (Photo by Joe O’Brien)
This time-lapse video graphic showed the progress of “Operation Husky,” the July 10, 1943 Allied invasion of Sicily. Over the course of 38 days Axis troops were forced from the island. (Photo by Joe O’Brien)
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Parents’ night out: CDC hosts first “Give Parents a Break”
"MUSEUM" continued from Page 1 gunner spraying bullets from the narrow opening of his concrete pill box,” Harris remarked. “It was one of the most poignant moments for me, to get the perspective from both sides. You could stand behind the machine gunner but then you could also go outside the pill box and observe first-hand what it looked like to an advancing Allied soldier.” This was a first-time visit for 10-year-old Webelos-2 Scout Jacob Williams who thought it was “really cool; I got to see the uniforms and all the guns.” “The boys loved the museum,” said Tiger Den Leader Bennett Eggar. “They were very intrigued with all the weapons and machinery.” His son, six-yearold Tiger Cub Caleb Eggar agreed. “My favorite part was when we went into the shelter for the bombing.” The museum was established in 2000 by the Catania Regional Province and is one block north of the Catania train station on the water side of Le Ciminiere, Viale Africa. Tel. 095-533540 Open daily (except Mondays) Hours: 0930-1645 Tuesday – Sunday. The complex also houses the Cinema Museum and a Toy Museum. To learn more about the Scouting program, visit the Cub Scout Pack 53 Sigonella, Sicily Facebook page, or e-mail gregory.j.harris1@gmail.com Cub Scout Pack 53 serves Sigonella youth between first and fifth grades and aims to promote character development, leadership, citizenship and physical fitness. Pack 53 is grateful to have Sigonella’s First Class Petty Officers Association as their chartering organization.
January 29, 2016
By Nicole Ybarra NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
This video presentation showed the dramatic results of the 1943 bombing campaign throughout local towns in Sicily. (Photo by Joe O’Brien)
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – For many parents, three-course candlelit dinners become a thing of the past once children enter the picture. Instead, going out to eat means eating dinner at 4:30 p.m. in restaurants where your menu doubles as a coloring book. In order to give parents a kid-free night on the town, the Child Development Center (CDC) held its first “Give Parents a Break” night out, Jan. 22 from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. with 24 children participating. "Our first CDC Special Opening was a big hit with Child and Youth Program (CYP) families. Most of the parents utilizing this service spent the evening enjoying dinner with their spouse or friends,” said Sue Proctor, Child & Youth Program Director. Many of the staff put in extra hours to ensure the event’s success. Children ranging in age from six weeks to 12 years enjoyed age-appropriate activities, free play, movie time and a USDA-approved snack. "Parents were very appreciative of the CDC opening for evening hourly care services. They thanked the staff for providing this opportunity especially since the CYP staff worked a full day and then returned for the Special Opening," stated Proctor. All children were picked up on time, making the first parents’ night out a success for both parents and CYP staff. Parents in need of a night out can check the MWR Preview magazine or the CDC newsletter for information on future Special Openings. The next
GPAB Special Opening is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 19 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The hourly fee is $4.00 per hour, or any portion of an hour. Payment is due at time of registration. Registration begins on
Feb. 1 and ends at noon on Feb. 17 and is open to all children ages six weeks to 12 years. Children currently not enrolled at the CDC must pre-register. To register or for more details, please stop by the CDC.
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