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N A S SIG O N E L L A
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December 4, 2015
Vol. 32 No. 46
Sigonella welcomes 50 newly-frocked Sailors By Nicole Ybarra NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella held a frocking ceremony Dec. 1 for 50 Sailors selected for advancement to E4, E5, and E6. During the ceremony, NAS Sigonella Commanding Officer, Capt. Christopher Dennis, presented each Sailor with a frocking designation letter authorizing wear of the next pay grade. Dennis congratulated the newly frocked Sailors and underscored the increased responsibilities associated with the new rank. “The rank that we wear on our shoulders is not ours to keep, but to earn every day,” stated Dennis. For many Sailors, the key to advancement this cycle was preparation. “I studied my bibliographies and went to Aviation Support Division for in-rate training outside of work hours,” explained Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Bailey Oostenryk. Command Master Chief Mike Kaszubowski said he strongly believes in his three guidelines for success: lead by example, create opportunities for others to succeed, and have a positive attitude. “It was an amazing day to see 50 awesome Sailors advance to the pay grade of E4, E5 and E6. Hands down, the best part of being a CMC is watching Sailors earn their next pay grade. BZ, Shipmates," said Kaszubowski. While acknowledging the hard work of the Sailors, many expressed their gratitude to the positive mentors and role models who were key to their advancement. “I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for the support of my family, and my mentors, namely Senior Chief Master-at-Arms John Richardson,” said Master-at-Arms 1st Class Shelby Smith.
Gunners Mate 1st Class Clare Calvery salutes NAS Sigonella's Commanding Officer Capt. Christopher Dennis during a frocking ceremony held at NAS 2, Dec. 1. Fifty Sailors received the title and wear the uniform of their next paygrade of E-6, E-5 or E-4. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ramon Go/Released)
December marks10-year anniversary of 2005 flood by Nicole Ybarra NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – For many of us, last month’s flooding and subsequent cancellation of non-essential base activities was an unprecedented event. Unfortunately, NAS Sigonella and the surrounding area is prone to flooding. December 2015 marks the 10-year anniversary of the great Sigonella flood. Continuous rainfall over several days beginning Dec. 13, 2005, resulted in flooding and power outages aboard NASSIG and the surrounding areas where six inches to three feet of standing water were reported. The
flooding trapped around 475 families overnight without power or running water. Those confined to their houses and needing supplies signaled with flashlights and base officials distributed bottled water, MREs (meals ready to eat), and other supplies. Entrance of emergency personnel, wearing snorkel gear, was possible only by Humvee. Floodwaters rendered the surrounding roads impassable and swept away vehicles. Sailors from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 8 rescued another Sailor and two Italians stranded and hanging on a pile of debris. The commanding officer of the base declared a state of emergency
and ordered a mandatory evacuation of the Marinai Housing complex. The base worked around the clock with its host nation counterparts to successfully orchestrate the evacuation of Marinai residents. On Dec. 19, Italian police escorted approximately 20 buses transporting residents to a camp established by the CO at the bowling alley on NAS 1 where a temporary Red Cross and housing processing area had been established. About 500 families were placed in temporary lodging at various hotels in the local area. Despite widespread damage, no one was injured during the flooding and evacuation. And in the aftermath of the natural disaster, the community
pulled together in the cleanup efforts. Dynamic and creative solutions were instituted to meet the needs of the community and ranged from the base galley serving more than 2,700 meals to residents cleaning out their homes, to the commissary donating supplies directly through their store in Sigonella. Residents were given the option of temporary lodging until their housing was once again habitable, or moving onto the economy permanently. Due to the collaborative spirit of the entire NASSIG community, operations were restored as quickly as possible, relocation was facilitated smoothly, and no injuries were reported.
Six inches to three feet of standing water were reported to have accumulated overnight, temporarily isolating about 475 families in Marinai, Dec. 13, 2005. (Photo archived)