MWR Youth Sports Recognized
Adm. Foggo III Begins Podcast
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DoDEA Hosts Open House
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N A S SIG O N E L L A
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AUGUST 31, 2018
Vol. 35 No. 32
DoD Mourns Death of Senator John S. McCain WASHINGTON -- United States senator and retired Navy Capt. John S. McCain died August 25th in Arizona after a long battle with cancer. He was 81. McCain chaired the Senate Armed Services Committee, but it was his life of service and his heroism in Vietnam that inscribed his name in the hearts of service members everywhere.
“We have lost a man who steadfastly represented the best ideals of our country,” Defense Secretary James N. Mattis said in a DoD release. “As a naval officer and defiant prisoner of war, John McCain stood with his brothers-in-arms until they returned home together.” McCain, the grandson and son of four-star Navy admirals, was captured in North Vietnam in 1967. He was wounded in ejecting from his aircraft. The North Vietnamese sought to gain propaganda by torturing
WASHINGTON - U.S. Navy file photo dated January 13, 1964 of U.S. Navy Lieutenant John Sidney McCain III. (U.S. Navy photo/Released)
CAM RANH, Vietnam (June 2, 2017) Sen. John S. McCain III is piped aboard during a visit to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) in Cam Ranh, Vietnam. McCain is a senator from Arizona and former Vietnam War POW. The ship is named after his father and grandfather, both former Navy Admirals. The U.S. Navy has patrolled the Indo-Asia-Pacific routinely for more than 70 years promoting regional peace and security. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Mortensen/Released)
By Jim Garamone DoD News, Defense Media Activity
him into asking for an out-of-sequence release. He refused to leave. He spent more than five years in the Hanoi Hilton.
Selfless Service to the Nation “Passionately committed to our country, Senator McCain always put service to the nation before self,” Mattis wrote. “He recognized that for our experiment
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Voting in This Year’s Midterm Elections? Make Your Vote Count With a Little Bit of Planning By Janine Scianna NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – While November might seem far off—we still are battling the summer heat, and the school year just started—NOW is the time to start thinking about how you are going to do your civic duty and cast your vote. Active duty service members, their family members, and civilians living overseas are eligible to vote in all stateside elections in which they maintain residency, but certainly, you will want all your ducks in a row to be eligible to cast your vote in this fall’s highly publicized midterm elections on November 6th. Almost every U.S. citizen aged 18 and over residing in Sigonella is guaranteed the right to vote absentee, as afforded by the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act. The Department of Defense’s Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP; www. fvap.gov) should be your first stop in registering to vote and requesting an absentee ballot from your state of residency. Keep in mind that your voting residence is the true, fixed address that you consider your permanent home and where you had a physical presence. Your state of legal residence is used for state income tax purposes and also determines eligibility to vote. At the FVAP website, you can walk through an online assistant that automatically generates a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), a document which can simultaneously register you for voting and request an absentee ballot for your jurisdiction. Filling out a FPCA is an annual requirement to vote absentee, even
if you have already voted absentee in previous years. Once generated, all you need to do is print, sign, and send off to your locality’s registrar—many states even allow email submissions! Once requested, election offices are required to send absentee ballots at least 45 days before a federal election. If you asked to receive your ballot by email, it should arrive right away. Mailed ballots will take longer to receive, especially in our overseas location. Keep in mind that all states have deadlines to register, request your ballot, and receive your completed ballot so don’t delay! Visit the FVAP website today and get the ball rolling. Additionally, NAS Sigonella has a base Voting Assistance Officer (VAO) and departmental VAOs that can help if you need to talk to someone in person. NAS Sigonella VAO Niki McBain encourages all eligible Sigonella voters to visit FVAP or ask their departmental VAO for help. “You fight for the right to vote every day, so why not exercise it and participate in our democracy?” said McBain.
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Direct Line
Lt. William Hennings, 2018 Navy Ball Committee Chairman Buongiorno Sigonella! I’m LT Willie Hennings, the chairman for the 2018 NAS Sigonella Navy Birthday Ball. This year I’m proud to represent our highly energetic team led by NAVFAC coordinating the celebration of naval heritage for the NAS Sigonella community. If you’ve been listening to AFN on your morning commute, checking out the base Facebook page, or reading the All Hands messages, you may have noticed tickets have already gone on sale! This year’s tickets will only be sold online through Eventbrite. All you need to bring to the event is your phone with the email or a print out of the ticket. This year, the ball will be held at the beautiful Four Points by Sheraton Catania Hotel and Conference Center. The Navy Ball is not just about dinner, dancing, and socializing, it’s about celebrating our 243 years of naval history. Since the founding of the United
States Navy on October 13, 1775, we have celebrated its birthday each year to raise awareness about our heritage and traditions. We will use this year’s celebration to tell our Navy’s story, to strengthen our Navy’s connection to the American public, and to improve the public’s appreciation for our role in our Nation’s history and culture. Our history is the backbone of this year’s theme: Forged by the Sea. For more than 200 years, our Sailors have been tested and shaped by the sea. This is also the Navy’s new tagline, which perfectly captures the transformative impact the Navy and the sea has had on our Sailors. The accomplishments of America’s Navy are vast and significant—we have been involved in countless battles in an effort to provide security, democracy, and prosperity to not only the American people, but on an international scale. The official Navy birthday com-
memoration ceremony is a great place for Sailors, families, and friends to reflect and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. The Navy Ball following the ceremony provides an opportunity for the entire NAS Sigonella community to celebrate and enjoy each other’s company. We have been blessed by the support from not only our fellow Navy commands, but also from the Marines, Army, and Air Force in raising money to support this timehonored tradition. This year, we celebrate the joint environment we are fortunate to experience here in Sigonella. We hope you can join us as we celebrate 243 years of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. For details about the event and to purchase tickets, please visit our Eventbrite webpage provided below. You can also find the event page by search for “Navy Ball Sigonella” on
the Eventbrite home page. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ navy-ball-sigonella-oct-2018-tickets48684184707?aff=es2 For additional information not already covered on our webpage, please email the committee at navyballsigonella@gmail.com. Purchase your tickets today!
Commanding Officer's Suggestion Box The ICE/CO Suggestion Box is for our community and Commanding Officer to discuss, with an eye toward constant improvement, how we are excelling* and how we can improve**. The community is strongly encouraged to leave contact information when submitting comments. This ensures that a response will come directly to you. The Signature and NASSIG Facebook Page typically publish comments and responses for the benefit of the Sigonella community. Comments/suggestions are useful when objective, constructive, and specific. ICE/CO Sug-
gestion Box is NOT a forum for mean-spirited attacks. Anonymous comments will be published only if they benefit the greater community at large. * If you submit a "BZ" about a specific person or department, PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR NAME in order to ensure comment authenticity and therefore publicly recognize employees or organizations. ** The Commanding Officer will ensure a response to all signed comments/suggestions and the vast majority of anonymous ones but reserves the right to disregard
those comments/suggestions disinterested in the spirit of the program! There are two ways to submit; go to: 1) Interactive Customer Evaluation (ICE) home page on a One-Net computer at: http://ice.disa.mil, All Sigonella services are found under the Navy Europe Listing in the 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 UH Resident Advisor Program:
I am interested in learning more about the unaccompanied housing resident advisor (RA) program. Are there any incentives to becoming an RA? What are the requirements to qualify? Thank you kindly!
still feel guilty disrupting their routine. It would be great to see a Monday thru Friday 1 1/2 hour morning or lunchtime session for those who have made swimming a regular part of their workout routines. Thank you. Thomas Budny
Response:
Response:
Thank you for your comment and for your interest in the Resident Advisor (RA) program. The RA program was established as an element of the Navy Leadership Program, which allows enlisted service members to volunteer for additional duty assignments and responsibilities while living in UH. The program provides leadership in the barracks for mentoring, counseling, and enforcing UH policies to maintain good order and discipline. Typically, RAs are Service Members of pay grade E-6 through E-9; however, Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella UH, through Regional waiver, has opened this program to exceptional E-4s and E-5s who meet the minimum requirements to be considered for the program. NAS Sigonella UH believes that the program will enable outstanding junior Sailors hone their skills and add new tools to their leadership toolbox at an early stage of their Navy careers. The RA program requires that applicants be at least 25 years old or on their second duty station. For an E-4 or E-5 to be considered exceptional and become eligible for the program, the applicants must have (1) no history of non-judicial punishments at their current command, (2) no history of alcohol-related incident or driving under influence at their current command, (3) no ongoing investigation, (4) no history of UH policy violations and/or complaints, (5) passed the most recent Physical Fitness Assessment and not enrolled in the Fitness Enhancement Program, (6) ability to perform RA duties without limitation for a minimum of one year, and (7) commitment to volunteer as an RA. Additional information on the program is available within NASSIGINST 11103.2. The NAS Sigonella UH Assignment Review Board recognizes true leaders throughout the year and awards “RA of the Year” to high-performing RAs. Performance is reviewed through the RAs' customer relations, participation in UH evolution and resident-related events, commitment to their RA duties, and initiative for continuous improvement. I am ecstatic that you are willing to share your talent with UH. UH Management is always looking for ways to increase the visibility of UH services and programs, and they could definitely could use your help. For more information please contact the UH Housing Manager at NASSIG-HousingUHDirector@eu.navy.mil or 095-56-4075
Comment Regarding NAS I Pool Schedule:
Is it possible to extend the hours for lap swimming at the NAS I pool once school starts? I understand that it will be offered every day after school and twice a week at lunchtime but I know for the most part, the afternoon session is to benefit the swim team. While they are very accommodating with sharing the facility, I
Thank you for your patronage and feedback about our facility. While we do share the pool with the Swordfish swim team in the afternoons, our first priority as a program is accommodating lap swimmers. This season, it will be clear to the patron which lanes are reserved for the swim team and which are reserved for individual lap swimmers. Two lanes each afternoon at the NAS I pool will be dedicated to lap swimmers only and will be clearly indicated with posted signs. As we move from the summer season into the off season, hours for lap swim will be changed to the following schedule beginning 1 September: NAS I: Monday-Friday: 1500-1800 (limited lane availability) Tuesday/Thursday: 0530-0800 & 1100-1300 NAS II: Monday/Wednesday/Friday: 0530-0800 & 1100-1300 Friday: 1500-1800 The schedule above offers additional lap swim hours compared to our summer schedule, but we do understand that it does not fully meet your request. Unfortunately, due to budgetary constraints, this is the schedule that MWR is able to support with current resources. If you have further questions or comments about the fitness program, please contact Elizabeth Leonard, Fitness Director. She can be reached at 624-0504 (+39-095-56-0504) or via email at elizabeth.leonard@eu.navy.mil.
Comment Regarding Fuel Storage Safety:
I’d like to offer a shout-out to the NAS Sigonella Safety Department. When notified that there was a plastic fuel container being stored in the open air at the motorcycle cage at the BCO parking lot, they were quick to remove the container and promptly placed it in a flammable storage container. However, they didn’t place the fuel container in the locker. I have a picture of the flammable storage locker with a full container of gas sitting in front of it. Been there over a week now! Joseph Craig
Response:
Mr. Craig, Thank you for your comment and for your safety awareness. The plastic fuel container was used to provide emergency fuel to loaner motorcycles during the basic rider course while it was held at the NAS I motorcycle range. We have removed and disposed of the container since we are now conducting motorcycle training at
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AUGUST 31, 2018
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THE SIGNATURE U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA
Name: Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Leighton Raglon Department: Air Cargo Hometown: Douglasville, Georgia With roughly 2,000lbs of cargo coming in and out of Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella each week, it takes Sailors like Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Leighton Raglon to transport the equivalent of two full grown horses made of mail correctly. Raglon works at Air Cargo with a group of Logistics Specialists, collecting registered and signature service mail, along with collecting classified items that require a security clearance to handle. Additionally he deals with mail just stopping through NAS Sigonella bound for other destinations, and helps coordinate and load the items on another outbound flight. “I’m used to working on the flight deck so it’s a little slower pace here but it isn’t bad,” said Raglon. “Everyday is different. There are missions where we have very little going on and there are missions where we have thousands of pounds of cargo in one day.” When he isn’t working, Raglon can be found spending his time as the secretary of the Second Class Petty Officer Association (SCPOA).
“I wasn’t involved with command functions at my last ship so being here I changed that and started helping out junior Sailors and the community,” said Raglon. “It’s good to get out there as an association, help out, and support other people.” Raglon also volunteers at almost every Community Relations event that the SCPOA hosts, along with volunteer opportunities such as Autumnfest and Red, White and Boom.
"ICE" continued from Page 2 NAS II and have access to a gas station in the installation. The small yellow HAZMAT locker that was placed in the motorcycle shed was placed there to temporally store spray paint that is now being used to paint the motorcycle range. For future safety concerns please feel free to contact the installation Safety Officer, Marlon Gomez, directly for a quicker response. He can be reached by email at marlon.gomez@eu.navy.mil or by phone at 624-6261 or 335-747-5014. Thank you very much for being part of our safety team.
Comment Regarding Unaccompanied Housing NAS I Guests:
Good morning Sir/Ma’am, I am a tenant at the Unaccompanied Housing Building 170 on NAS I. Since my arrival, I have noticed that many of the tenants disregard the instruction about visitors in the rooms. I have witnessed tenants having local nationals at their rooms staying overnight; this is potentially a high security threat to tenants. In the same manner, a number of tenants have their significant other living in the rooms (i.e. staying overnight every day, using shared spaces like kitchen, fridge, bathroom, etc.) The rooms are designed to be a two person occupancy of the same gender; having a third person living in the room (especially of the opposite gender) makes living conditions unacceptable. These are frequent occurrences, and it appears that some tenants have been using the Unaccompanied Housing buildings as a hotel/motel, disregarding all instructions, military good conduct. and order. Suggestions in how to improve the situation: - Have surprise after hours inspections (weekends) done by MAs
If he isn’t busy working or volunteering, Raglon can be found at home playing video games, travelling, or going to the beach. “Right now my hobby is playing Fortnite; if I’m not busy I just like gaming and relaxing at home.” said Raglon. “I also really love sneakers. I have more than 100 pairs of shoes at home. The goal is one day I want to have my own sneaker shop or boutique.”
Commanding Officer Capt. Brent Trickel Executive Officer Cmdr. Patrick J. Moran Command Master Chief CMDCM Nancy Estrada EDITORIAL Public Affairs Officer Lt. Andriana Genualdi andriana.genualdi@eu.navy.mil Assistant Public Affairs Officer Janine Scianna janine.scianna@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
- Have commands do training for all personnel living in Unaccompanied Housing - Hold tenants accountable for their actions
Response:
Thank you for your ICE comment, and we truly appreciate your report and suggestions. We understand that this experience had made your stay in Unaccompanied Housing (UH) challenging, so we apologize for the inconvenience. Our team is taking this issue seriously. Residents should give a friendly reminder to fellow residents about the UH guest policy as stated on the Resident Handbook. Per policy, guests are defined as people invited into UH by a resident. Guests are permitted in UH provided that they do not interfere with good order and discipline and do not inconvenience other residents. Guest hours are 0700-2200 from Sunday through Thursday, and 0700-midnight on Friday, Saturday, and nights before a U.S. holiday. Permission of all room residents must be obtained before bringing a guest into a shared unit. No overnight guests, no exceptions. Cohabitation is strictly prohibited. When a friendly reminder doesn’t work, residents may report the guest policy violation to their Resident Advisor or Complex Manager on duty for attention. They can be reached at 335-5785520 (DCM), 335-193-8893 (NAS I RA), or 335-746-4552 (NAS II RA). The Command Duty Officer (CDO) is also available at 335-130-5136 to maintain discipline and order in UH, especially concerning potential security threats during after-hours. CDOs routinely perform their rounds inside and around the UH facility every night. It is important that violations are reported immediately for proper action. Feel free to contact the UH Housing Manager at NASSIGHousingUHDirector@eu.navy.mil or 095-56-4075.
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 factor of 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 preceeding 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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NAS Sigonella Youth Sports Earns National Designation From National Alliance for Youth Sports
NAS Sigonella’s MWR Youth Sports program has recently been designated a “Better Sports for Kids Quality Program Provider” by the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS). This honor, similar to the Good Housekeeping Seal given to household products that meet high standards, recognizes organizations that have met an equally high standard when it comes to administering youth sports programming. “Earning this designation proves to our parents, volunteers and participants that we are providing a fun, safe, and exciting program to all of our members,” said Eric Barge, MWR Youth Sports Director. “It shows our patrons that our staff care about everyone involved and love doing what we do.” Today’s youth sports climate overflows with programming, making it challenging for organizations to stand out among the crowd, and difficult for parents to gauge which ones can deliver high-quality experiences for young athletes. To help organizations and families, NAYS introduced the Better Sports for Kids Quality Program Provider designation. Any organization can apply to be evaluated for the designation, and no cost is involved.
“Parents typically have lots of questions and valid concerns when deciding where to enroll their child,” said John Engh, executive director of NAYS. “We have taken the guesswork out of this important time in a young person’s life. When parents see that a program has the Quality Program Provider designation, they will know that we have already asked all the tough questions that they may not have even considered or perhaps were afraid of bringing up.” Additionally, the designation enables organizations to showcase the quality of their programs and highlight the benefits of children being involved in their offerings. To earn the Better Sports for Kids Quality Program Provider designation, a youth sports program must fulfill all the components associated with these five key requirements: 1) written policies and procedures 2) volunteer screening 3) coach training 4) parent education and 5) accountability. Within each of these five areas are important details that can easily ruin or spoil youth athletes’ experiences. Organizations must prove that they address all facets of the five components to earn the designation, such as: if written policies exist regarding playing time; if concussion awareness information is disseminated to coaches;
NAS Sigonella youth compete in a basketball game organized by the MWR Youth Sports program. Recently, the program earned a quality designation from the National Alliance for Youth Sports. (Photo by Randy Latimer)
if volunteers are subject to background checks and social security number verification; if the organization has a system for receiving and responding to complaints; if the organization solicits feedback to evaluate programs; and more. “Organizations that earn this designation will stand out within their community for demonstrating that they
have taken a proactive approach on some tough issues and are providing youth sports programs of the highest standard,” Engh said. “Parents have a lot of genuine concerns these days and when they see the Better Sports for Kids Quality Program Provider designation they can take comfort knowing that their child is in the best place possible to learn and compete in sports.”
First Episode of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa Podcast Available By U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs
The first edition of the new monthly U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa podcast series "On the Horizon; Navigating the European and African Theaters," featuring Adm. James G. Foggo III, commander U.S. Naval Forces EuropeAfrica and commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples, Italy, is now available at iTunes and Sound Cloud. The initial episode focuses on Foggo's personal and professional connection to Europe, and his five main focus areas. "I'm very thankful for the opportunity to discuss what is going on in these two important theaters," said Foggo. "It is important to connect with great work being done in Europe and Africa by the U.S. Navy, our allies, and our partners." To listen to the podcast, tune to: YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/user/NAVEURNAVAF6F Sound Cloud at https://soundcloud.com/user-561475303 Links to the podcast will also be available on social media: Facebook: https://www. facebook.com/USNavalForcesEuropeAfrica/ Twitter: https://twitter. com/USNavyEurope U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa. For more info, visit: http:// www.c6f.navy.mil/
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FY19 Chief Season in Progress
SIGONELLA, Sicily (August 29, 2018) Chief Petty Officer Selectee Vanina Dubose, assigned to Commander, Task Force 67, performs pushups during a physical training session at the Marinai Housing Complex. Chief Selectees from across the installation are undergoing a six-week professional education and training designed to foster continuous improvement during Chief Petty Officer initiation, culminating Sept. 14 with a pinning ceremony. NAS Sigonella provides a strategic location to support the needs of our partners and allies. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jessica Vargas)
Sicily (August 29, 2018) SIGONELLA, Sicily Chief Petty Officer Selectee Richard Deboer, assigned to Naval Air Station Sigonella, participates in a physical training session at the Marinai Housing Complex. Chief Selectees from across the installation are undergoing a six-week professional education and training designed to foster continuous improvement during Chief Petty Officer initiation, culminating Sept. 14 with a pinning ceremony. NAS Sigonella provides a strategic location to support the needs of our partners and allies. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jessica Vargas)
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Hilltop Town in Sicily Hopes to Attract New Blood by Offering Old Stone Houses for €1 From The Telegraph
With its terracotta-tiled stone houses perched on a rocky crag overlooking rugged countryside, it might seem like the perfect Italian hill town. But the town of San Piero Patti, also known as “The Pearl of the Nebrodi” mountain range, has been losing population due to aging and migration for decades. The council of the tiny town voted unanimously this week to offer its empty houses for sale at just €1 each in a bid to inject new life into the community. The project was first proposed earlier this year. New owners will be obliged to restore the often dilapidated homes, using traditional stone, timber, and terracotta roofing and employing (when possible) local artisans. On the plus side, they will be only a 15 minute drive from the nearest beach and on the edge of the Nebrodi national park, a protected zone of lakes and forested mountains. San Piero Patti has taken its lead from another town in Sicily, Gangi, which attracted worldwide interest in 2014 when it started selling off its abandoned houses for one euro. “It all started with the example of Gangi, which has been a great success – a lot of their houses have been sold and renovated,” Salvatore Fiore, the mayor of San Piero Patti, told The Telegraph. The task now is to identify how many houses will be offered for sale, with the council contacting their owners. The hope is that the first homes will be available by early next year. He is taking advice from the former mayor and now deputy mayor of Gangi, Giuseppe Ferrarello, where dozens of houses have been sold to foreign families. “We are in the very early stages and I can’t yet say how many houses will be up for sale. But they will be available to anyone – foreign buyers will be welcome, absolutely.” While not in as sharp a demographic decline as many towns and villages in Italy, San Piero Patti’s population has nevertheless declined from around 4,000 two decades ago to 3,000 today. The town’s problems are emblematic not just of Sicily but of the whole the “Mezzogiorno” region, as southern Italy is known. A report recently released paints a dispiriting picture of the economic and social decline of the region. The number of families in which every adult is unemployed has nearly doubled since 2010, from 362,000 to 600,000, according to the study by Svimez, a business association. High rates of unemployment are leading to “rising marginalization and social decline”, the report said. In the last 16 years, 1.8 million people have left southern Italy, half of them young people between ages 15 and 34, in search of better opportunities in northern Italy or abroad.
“World’s Most Beautiful Cycle Path” Opens on Lake Garda From Corriere della Sera
The town of Limone sul Garda invested €5 million to build a two-kilometer suspended cycle path, which offers breathtaking views and is itself a tourist attraction. The official opening ceremony for the Limone path took place last month and was hosted by Transport Minister Danilo Toninelli. Added to the existing path, the total length is now 12 kilometers. “We commenced work and are proud of the result: now we are waiting for the other town councils to follow suit”, said the mayor of Limone sul Garda, Franceschino Risatti. He is talking about a stretch of cycle path on Lake Garda that some have called the most beautiful in the world. He attributes its successful completion to the fact that his council in the province of Brescia “does things instead of wasting time just talking about them”. Italian transportation minister Danilo Toninelli officially opened the cycle path to the public on July 14. The cycle path is suspended over the lake: a 2.6-meter wide work of art hanging from the side of the mountain 50 meters above the water. Walkers and cyclists may imagine that they are on a road to paradise: imposing mountains on one side, yachts in the
"ITALIAN NEWS" continued on Page 14
Currently under construction, it is arguably the world's most scenic bike path that will be suspended over the shores of Lake Garda, Italy. The $114million project will cover a staggering distance of 87 miles in total, stretching around the entire lake. The bike path, called Ciclabile di Limone sul Garda, is expected to be completed in 2021. (Photo by Corriere Quotidiano)
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Navy Establishes U.S. 2nd Fleet, Vice Adm. Lewis Assumes Command From U.S. Fleet Forces Public Affairs
NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson presided over a ceremony establishing U.S. 2nd Fleet and naming Vice Adm. Andrew “Woody” Lewis as the commander during a ceremony aboard the nuclear aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), Aug. 24, at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. “Although deeply consequential, the meaning of this establishment can be summarized simply as a dynamic response to a dynamic security environment — a security environment clearly articulated in the National Defense Strategy,” said Richardson. “We first need to understand this competitive security environment and why it demands every ounce of our tenacity, ingenuity and fighting spirit. Then we can focus on the mission and how best to accomplish it; 2nd Fleet will enhance our capacity to maneuver and fight in the Atlantic, and as a result, help to maintain America’s maritime superiority that will lead to security, influence and prosperity for our nation.” Lewis assumed command as the first commander of the re-established C2F, after his confirmation by the Senate June
28. U.S. 2nd Fleet will be headquartered in Norfolk. All of Lewis’s operational command tours have been on the East Coast making him intimately familiar with operations in the Atlantic. Most recently, he commanded Carrier Strike Group 12 and deployed with USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) to the U.S. 6th and 5th Fleet areas of operation. “I am truly honored to lead this fleet. U.S. 2nd Fleet has a storied history, and we will honor that legacy,” said Lewis. “However, we will not simply pick up where we left off. We are going to aggressively and quickly build this command into an organization with operational capability. We will challenge our assumptions, recognize biases, learn and adapt from failures so as to innovate in order to build a fleet that is ready to fight. Ready to fight – so we don’t have to.” U.S. 2nd Fleet will exercise operational and administrative authorities over assigned ships, aircraft and landing forces on the East Coast and the North Atlantic. Additionally, it will plan and conduct maritime, joint and combined operations as well as train and recommend certification of combat ready naval forces for maritime employment and operations around the globe. U.S. 2nd Fleet will fall under operational control of U.S. Fleet Forces Command.
NORFOLK (Aug. 24, 2018) Vice Adm. Andrew "Woody" Lewis (right) salutes Adm. Chris Grady, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, as he assumes command of U.S. 2nd Fleet aboard the nuclear aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). U.S. 2nd Fleet will exercise operational and administrative authorities over assigned ships, aircraft and landing forces on the East Coast and North Atlantic. (U.S. Navy photo Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Stacy M. Atkins Ricks/Released)
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"McCain" continued from Page 1 in democracy to long endure, people of action and passion must serve. In this he represented what he believed, that ‘a shared purpose does not claim our identity -- on the contrary, it enlarges your sense of self.’” McCain graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1958. He trained as an aviator and volunteered for service as a Navy pilot in Vietnam. “Senator McCain exemplified what it means to be a warrior and dedicated public servant,” Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in a written release. “Both as a naval officer and as a member of Congress, he was a lifelong and tireless advocate for the men and women of the U.S. military.” Upon returning from Vietnam, McCain underwent months of grueling physical therapy and was returned to flight status. He commanded a training squadron in Florida and then served as the Navy’s liaison to the U.S. Senate. He retired as a captain in 1981. His military decorations include the Silver Star, two Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, three Bronze Star medals, two Purple Hearts, and the Prisoner of War Medal. McCain was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and then to the U.S. Senate from Arizona. He joined the Senate Armed Services Committee in 1987, and championed getting soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen what they needed. He also took the time to listen to their concerns and went directly to the frontlines to hear from them. Supporter of the U.S. Armed Forces “Senator McCain recognized the sacrifice and hardships military members and their families can experience and proudly served as their champion in Congress,” Dunford said. “He visited our nation's wounded warriors around the country to offer encouragement and to thank them for their service. Through his tenacious and selfless leadership in the Senate, he fought hard to ensure our armed forces remained strong and had the support and resources needed to succeed when placed in harm's way.” Dunford added, “While we mourn Senator McCain's passing, we are eternally grateful for his distinguished service to our nation, his advocacy of the U.S. military, and the incredible example he set for us all.”
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DoDEA Kicks Off School
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l Year With Open House
Photos by Janine Scianna, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
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AUGUST 31, 2018
NAS SIGONELLA COMMUNITY PAGE All Hands News Bulletin:
MEDITATION/STRESS REDUCTION WORKSHOP
NAVY BALL TICKET SALES NOW LIVE
Command, Department or Organization: CREDO/Health Promotion Board Date of Event: 6 September 2018 Time of Event: 0800-1200 Location of Event: Mt. Etna National Park Point of contact Name: Richard Graves Point of Contact Phone Number: 624-5231 Point of Contact Email Address: richard.graves.ctr@eu.navy.mil Additional Information: The workshop is open to all personnel and family members assigned to Naval Air Station Sigonella. Transportation to the Park will be provided. The workshop will include a 30 minute meditation session led by LT Khatawoda from the Behavioral Health Department at The Naval Hospital at NAS I. Following the meditation session, a Forest Meditation exercise will be led by Rich Graves the CREDO facilitator at Sigonella. To register, call the Health Promotions Office at 624-4950/4710.
Command, Department or Organization: Navy Ball Committee Location of Event: Four Points Sheraton, Downtown Catania Date of Event: 13 OCT 2018 Time of Event: 1800 Point of Contact Name: Navy Ball Committee Point of Contact Email Address: navyballsigonella@gmail.com Additional Information: All information including times, directions, hotel information and menu choices can be found utilizing the Eventbrite link https://www.eventbrite.com/e/navy-ball-sigonella-oct-2018-tickets48684184707?aff=es2
Sigonella Religious Ministries Department Worship Services NAS 1 Tuesday Protestant Women of the Chapel: 0900-1100 Daily Mass: 1130-1200 Chapel Youth Middle School: 1445-1615 AWANA: 1645-1900 Wednesday Protestant Men of the Chapel: Daily Mass:
0600-0700 1130-1200
Thursday 1330-1500 Chapel Youth High School: Choir Practice: 1545-1700 The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: 1800-2030 Friday Daily Mass: 1130-1200 First Friday Mass and Holy Hour: 1700-1830
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
Saturday First Saturday Rosary and Mass:
1100-1200
Sunday Catholic Mass: 0900-1000 Catholic Religious Education: 1045-1200 1100-1200 Protestant Service: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints: 1330-1600
NAS 2 Tuesday AA: 1730-1830 Wednesday Protestant Women of the Chapel: 1830-2100 Thursday Daily Mass:
1130-1200
Weekly Traffic Report: August 20 - August 27, 2018
As a reminder to everyone: There are no PTUs allowed at the Galley. Appropriate athletic gear is authorized at the discretion of the Galley staff. Please remember that for sanitation purposes and for the consideration of other customers, if you have been out for PT, been working out at the gym, or have just been engaged in any physical activity where you and or your clothing has become soiled or sweaty you will be asked to turn around.
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GAMEZONE GARLIC GOAT CHEESE GOUDA GREEN OLIVES GROUND BEEF HAM JALAPENOS MONTEREY JACK MOZZARELLA MUSHROOMS OLIVE OIL ONIONS
OYSTERS PARMESAN PEPPERONI PROVOLONE RICOTTA SALAMI SAUSAGE SHRIMP SPINACH TOMATO SAUCE TOMATOES ZUCCHINI
MEDIUM
ARTICHOKE HEARTS ASIAGO ASPARAGUS BACON BANANA PEPPERS BASIL BELL PEPPERS BLACK OLIVES BROCCOLI CRUST EGGPLANT FETA
EASY
Find and circle all of the pizza ingredients and toppings that are hidden in the grid. The remaining letters spell four additional pizza toppings.
DIFFICULT
Pizza
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PAGE 14 "ITALIAN NEWS" continued from Page 6 background on the other, and a view of the lake that changes at every turn yet always resembles a painting by Tintoretto. Every year, 1.3 million tourists come here, especially from northern Europe, and the cycle path is an attraction that could boost their numbers for the benefit of the whole local economy,” said Minister Toninelli. “Just this short stretch of suspended runway,” explained project manager Silvano Flessati, “cost us €5 million, and about half of this went to securing the mountainside with protection nets against falling rocks. Just imagine this: to lay the concrete base sections we decided to use a helicopter, since the path runs parallel to the Gardesana main road, which we decided not to close to traffic at any point. As well as helping tourism and the local economy, this was a huge engineering feat”. Now that the first phase of the project is complete, the final (and far more ambitious) phase looms ahead—a track that would run around the entire perimeter of the lake, the “Lake Garda Cycle Path”. The Alto Garda track includes 80 kilometers of paths linking Tremosine (province of Brescia) to Brenzone on the Verona side of the lake. A few sections of work are already underway, and others are planned, but almost all have received funding from regional councils or the Italian government. Visitors will soon pass verdict: will they prefer to stop in Limone to ride along its suspended path, or go to other holiday resorts on the lake even if they offer fewer facilities? The answer seems obvious, and the project manager was clearly proud of the town’s achievement. “It took two years of paperwork to get the permits, a year to make the mountain safe, and another year to build the path itself. But funds have been made available, and many of the councils interested in the project have received them. Now it’s time for them to act, too”, said the project manager of extending the path.
Five Great Amusement Parks to Take the Family to in Italy From The Local
From a glimpse of the prehistoric, to water parks, Europe’s fastest ride, Italy in miniature, or an island of dolphins, there are plenty of options for holidays with children in Italy this summer. It’s one of the pressing questions every family faces each summer: how to plan a holiday that strikes the balance of enough interest for parents and enough amusement for their children? Italy has the largest haul of World Heritage Sites than any other country in the world, but crumbling monuments in the blistering heat aren’t necessarily every young person’s dream. Italy’s beaches have something for everyone, but finding a free spot for four towels can be a challenging affair. To make planning for this summer’s holiday in Italy a little easier, we’ve put together a review of some of the country’s favorite amusement parks to keep the little ones happy. 1) Mirabilandia Amusement Park (Ravenna, Emilia Romagna) Mirabilandia, literally ‘wonderland,’ is probably Italy’s most famous amusement park. Boasting 36 attractions and rides, Mirabilandia claims to have Europe’s best inverted coaster which will allow you and your kids (stomach bowels allowing) to travel at 110 km/h for 1200 meters with 360° loops. Not all rides
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are as sickeningly thrilling, however; other highlights include a journey around ‘Dinoland’ and a water park. Mirabilandia has on-site hotels, stores, and restaurants and is only eight kilometers from Ravenna Airport. There are various ticket options, but a 2-day pass for two adults and two children in July is €99. To get there from the airport, you can take a train and a bus. 2) Leolandia Amusement Park (Bergamo, Lombardy) Leolandia, in Lombardy – northern Italy – is a Mirabilandia competitor, although it claims to be the best theme park in Italy. The vast amusement park encompasses six key areas and 40 different rides. Ideal for younger children, the park includes a pirate ship adventure, a life-size Thomas the Tank Engine train, a water ride based on a design by Leonardo da Vinci, as well as more traditional rides. Leolandia also has on-site restaurants, bars, hotels and stores. Leolandia’s ‘Mini Italia’ features 160 Italian monuments in miniature, saving you the time of crisscrossing Italy to see them all. Tickets are €29.50 – €39.50, depending on the season and day. To get there, take the Leolandia Express bus shuttle from stops in the northern Italian cities of Bergamo and Milan. 3) Parco della Preistoria Educational Park (Cremona, Lombardy) For fans of Jurassic Park and paleontology, this park is spread over an area of 100 hectares on the banks of the Adda River, 25 kilometers outside of Milan. The park features more than 50 life-size prehistoric animals – dinosaurs, amphibians, and fish. This is more of a learning experience than some of the other amusement parks, although the sight of a T-Rex is sure to cause its own thrills. The park does not offer lodging. Ticket prices are €12 for adults and €9 for children. It is accessible from Milan by taking a metro and bus ride. 4) Zoomarine Water Park (Rome) Besides unusual water rides (including the opportunity to travel inside a shark), Zoomarine, a water theme park and maritime educational park outside of Rome, boasts a dolphin island, a forest of parrots, a beach of penguins, aquatic birds, and an oasis of turtles. Other attractions include a jet surf, a beach, several pools and water slides, and the oddly-named ‘harakiri’ ride. Ticket prices are €25 for adults and €23 for children. A four, including all-you-caneat buffet, is €88. To get there, Zoomarine provides a shuttle bus from Roma Termini (the main train station in Rome) on weekends and public holidays only. 5) Italia in Miniatura (Rimini, Emilia Romagna) An obligatory school outing for most Italian school children, ‘Italia in Miniatura’ (Italy in Miniature) hosts 270 monuments, palaces and famous Italian sites, surrounded by 5,000 miniature trees, all lumped together on a replica of Italy’s boot-like
AUGUST 31, 2018 shape. Look down on the Tower of Pisa, Milan’s cathedral, the Vatican, and more. The park also features Europe in Miniature, with 30 tiny replicas of classic continental monuments such as the Acropolis, the Eiffel Tower, and Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid. Ticket prices are €23 for adults and €17 for children. A four, including all-you-can-eat buffet, is €88. To get there, take a bus from the Rimini train station or from one of several coastal towns near Rimini.
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